OUR HISTORY AND MISSION

WHAT IS KARATE

Karate is one of the world’s most popular martial arts, renowned for its powerful strikes, precision, and mental discipline.
Modern-day karate originated in Okinawa, a small island off the coast of Japan, where local martial traditions combined with influences from Chinese martial arts to create a unique form of unarmed combat.

The word “karate” means “empty hand,” highlighting its focus on using the body itself as a tool for self-defense, without the need for weapons.

Karate training involves learning and refining a range of techniques, including punches, kicks, blocks, and stances.

Practice also includes kata, which are formalised sequences of movements that capture traditional fighting principles, and kumite, or sparring, where techniques are tested in a controlled environment.

Karate’s physical training goes hand in hand with mental discipline, encouraging students to develop focus, respect, and resilience.

Rooted in values of perseverance and humility, karate practitioners aim to improve themselves inside and outside the dojo, embracing the art as a lifelong journey of growth and balance.

OUR STYLE

Shito-Ryu is one of the main styles of traditional Japanese karate, known for its unique blend of hard, linear movements and soft, circular techniques.

Created by Kenwa Mabuni in the early 20th century, Shito-Ryu combines elements from two major Okinawan karate styles: Shuri-te, which focuses on powerful, direct techniques, and Naha-te, which emphasises fluid, circular movements and breathing control.

Shito-Ryu is distinguished by its extensive catalog of kata (formalised patterns of movements), covering a wide range of techniques and philosophies from karate’s roots. Practitioners of Shito-Ryu develop speed, precision, and adaptability, making it versatile and effective for both self-defense and personal development.

The style also emphasises mental discipline and respect for tradition, encouraging students to refine their character as they refine their physical skills. Through regular practice, Shito-Ryu students not only build strength and coordination but also cultivate focus, patience, and resilience, making it an art of self-improvement that extends beyond the dojo.

OUR HISTORY

Sōke Kenwa Mabuni (1893–1952) was a pioneering karate master from Okinawa and the founder of Shito-Ryu, one of the four major karate styles.
Born into a samurai family, he studied under masters Anko Itosu and Kanryo Higaonna, blending their teachings into a unique style that balances powerful strikes with fluid movements.

Mabuni emphasised the importance of kata (movement patterns) for understanding karate’s deeper principles and meticulously preserved traditional forms.

In the 1920s, he moved to Japan, where he established the Shito-Ryu Karate School in Osaka, promoting karate as a path to self-defense, discipline, and spiritual growth.

His legacy lives on in Shito-Ryu’s global popularity, with practitioners honouring his values of respect, humility, and precise technique.

Mabuni’s influence made karate not only a martial art but also a way of life.

Chojiro Tani (1921–1998) was a master of Shito-Ryu Karate and the founder of Shukokai Karate, a dynamic style known for its speed, efficiency, and powerful strikes.

A direct student of Kenwa Mabuni, he combined traditional techniques with scientific principles, refining the double-hip rotation method to maximise impact.

Establishing the Shukokai dojo in Kobe, Japan, in 1946, Tani's teachings laid the foundation for one of the most influential karate styles worldwide.

His legacy continues to inspire martial artists.

Sōke Kenji Kusano (1942–2008) was a master of Shito-Ryu Karate and the founder of Kusano-ha Shito-Ryu Kenpo Karate-Do.

A direct student of Chojiro Tani, he combined traditional techniques with his own innovations to create a powerful and effective martial arts system.

Establishing the Kenshikan dojo in 1963, he dedicated his life to refining and teaching karate.

In 1979, he founded Kusano-ha Shito-Ryu, which continues to thrive through the World Kusano-ha Shito-Ryu Kenpo Karate-Do Association (W.K.K.A.), preserving his legacy of skill, discipline, and the spirit of Budo.

Shihan Paul Ferris is a Master of Shito-Ryu Karate and the founder of Kenseikan Shito-Ryu Karate.

He is a distinguished martial artist from Manchester, United Kingdom, renowned for his expertise in Kusano-ha Shito-Ryu Karate.

He had the unique opportunity to study directly under Sōke Kenji Kusano, during his time in Japan.

This direct tutelage allowed Shihan Paul to deeply immerse himself in the traditional techniques and philosophies of the art.

Upon returning to the UK, Shihan Paul established the Kenseikan dojo in England, aiming to disseminate the teachings and principles he acquired under Sōke Kusano.

His dedication to preserving the authenticity of Kusano-ha Shito-Ryu has significantly contributed to the art's growth and recognition in the region.

Through his leadership, the dojo has produced numerous skilled practitioners, ensuring that the legacy of Sōke Kenji Kusano and the essence of Sōke Kenwa Mabuni's Karate continue to thrive in the UK.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to be a community where individuals of all ages and abilities come together to grow in strength, discipline, and resilience.

We believe that karate is more than just a form of self-defense; it’s a lifelong journey that sharpens the mind, strengthens the body, and builds confidence from within.

By fostering an inclusive, family-friendly environment, we aim to create a supportive dojo where parents and children can train side-by-side, building bonds and achieving personal goals.

Our classes focus on core values like respect, focus, and perseverance, equipping students with skills that extend beyond the dojo. Each session is designed not only as a workout but as a step forward in both personal development and shared achievement.

At our club, everyone belongs, and every student’s journey is honoured—whether you’re a 4-year-old beginner or an 80-year-old black belt.

Through dedication, mutual respect, and the pursuit of excellence, we aim to inspire each student to realise their potential, embrace their inner strength, and carry forward the legacy of traditional karate with pride.

OUR PHILOSOPHY: TECHNIQUE IS POWER

In karate, power is not solely a product of strength but of refined technique.

Our philosophy, “Technique is Power,” underscores the idea that true effectiveness in martial arts comes from mastering precise movements and understanding the principles behind them.
While physical strength and speed play roles in karate, they are limited without the control and precision that technique provides. A well-executed technique can yield maximum impact with minimum effort, allowing practitioners to channel their energy efficiently and effectively.

At our dojo, we emphasise the value of disciplined practice to build solid technique. By focusing on form, balance, and timing, students learn to harness the full potential of each movement. Rather than relying on brute force, we teach how to generate power through proper stances, leverage, and coordination.

This approach helps students of all ages and physical capabilities to unlock their unique strengths. Whether a 4-year-old beginner or an experienced adult, every student can cultivate power by refining their technique, regardless of their natural strength or speed. Our belief in “Technique is Power” goes beyond the physical aspects of karate.

This philosophy empowers our students to approach challenges with confidence, knowing that with the right technique, they can overcome obstacles with precision and purpose. In our dojo, technique is not just a means to an end but a path toward mastery and self-discovery.

By committing to this philosophy, our students not only grow stronger in karate but also cultivate the inner strength that comes from mastering the art with intention and respect.