Totally agree with Jacks words What an amazing night! I stepped into a cage for the first time in an amateur MMA fight! It was all for cancer research and I managed to raise more than I thought I would, so thank you to all those who donated! I want to say an absolutely massive[…]

  Congratulations to Jack Taylor MMA fight night last night, raising money for Cancer research. The night raised £7000 and what a great night it was too. The fight can be viewed on Jack’s Facebook page. Well done Jack.

Weapons Course 4th November Istead Rise Community Centre Worcester Close, Istead Rise, Graesend Kent, D13 9LB   

The meaning of the grades Dan grades were introduced to Japan in the Tokugawa court – but they were not for martial arts initially. They were for Ikebana and Go (flower arranging and boardgame). They were based on a courtly system of levels dating back to the Chinese Northern Wei Dynasty (circa 220AD) when Chen Qun[…]

Sharing happy times training with my teacher and friend Willie Lim at Myrtle Beach South Carolina. 22 years of friendship and training with this truly remarkable teacher who has transformed our understanding of the martial arts. Sharon, our children including the Shizendo martial arts family of students are thinking of you Willie. Hope you fully[…]

What is the martial arts ranking system actually called in Japanese? We know that it consists of Dan (段) and Kyu (級) and it is a rank system. Right? This is one of my favorite things about it the “Dan and Kyu Rank System,” is actually a pretty direct translation of the Japanese name, 段級位制,[…]

What is the Meaning of Zen? by Rafael Espericueta The word Zen has become part of the English language, but what exactly does it mean?  It’s much easier to answer the question “When is Zen?”, for that answer would have to be “Now!”.  The whole point of Zen practice is to become fully aware, here[…]

How the masters got their ranks: the origins of karate ranks How the master got their ranks: the origins of karate ranks. Throughout the course of our karatedo training, we take for granted the grading system that awards our belt ranking and titles. Sometimes this system is manifestly personal, with the headmaster–and only he–bestowing each[…]