London Shorinjiryu Kenshin Karatedo

About London Shorinjiryu Kenshin Karatedo

London Shorinjiryu Kenshin Karatedo is a martial arts school located on Adelaide St N in the SoHo neighbourhood of London. It serves students interested in the study of empty-hand combat and self-defense, offering a variety of combative exercises for different age groups, including kids sparring. The school provides instruction in a style founded by Kaiso Kori Hisataka, which incorporates techniques from China, Japan, and Okinawa. Students learn striking elements such as the vertical fist and heel kicks, alongside grappling and wrestling techniques derived from Tegumi, Tuidi, Jujutsu, Judo, and Aikijutsu. The curriculum includes specific training in Kata Kusanku, Kata Sanchin, and self-defense awareness. Additionally, the school offers weapons training involving the long staff (Bo), three-quarter staff (Jo), Bokken (sword), Siècle (Sai), and knife (Tanto). The school also features a competition system called Shiai, where participants wear molded body armour similar to that used in Kendo. Led by Master Instructor Emanuel (Manny) Hawthorne, the school emphasizes the spiritual development of the individual in both mind and body. It distinguishes itself by maintaining a steadfast commitment to the original philosophies and essentials of the Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo teachings. The school describes its approach as one that avoids change for the sake of change, focusing instead on using development and evolution solely for the purpose of improvement.