Our Dojo has a raised maple floor area of 500 square feet which we are able to completely cover with tatami style rubber mats for groundwork, throwing and projection techniques. It has a high ceiling making it ideal for weapons work and mirrors to enable observation and corrections of technique. The Dojo is located near St. Mary's Church, at Church Green, Broomfield, Near Chelmsford, the County town of Essex, England.
Seven Samurai Ju Jutsu & Hakuda Ryu Kempo Jutsu Club,
The Nook,
Church Green,
Broomfield,
Near Chelmsford,
Essex.
Training at the Dojo is on;
Sunday 5.30 PM to 7.00 PM
Wednesdays 8.30 PM to 9.30 PM.
We are able to offer training in either Kempo Jutsu, Ju Jutsu & Kobu-Jutsu twice per week at our dojo and at other venues on request. Beginners always welcome. Private Lessons in Kempo and Kobudo by arrangement in Chlemsford and Witham, Essex. We can also provide short courses in various aspects of the arts we practice and self defence courses for small groups and can be booked to teach on martial arts seminars and courses. For further information please telephone 01245 382117 or e-mail Sensei983@yahoo.com
If you wish to make inquiries about the club and style practised please telephone (01245) 382117
or alternatively e-mail: Sensei983@yahoo.com
Kempo Posture & Nukite
Kempo (Karate) Jutsu, Nihon Goshin Ju Jutsu, Zazen Meditation & Chi Kung.
Kempo, the Crane and Chi Kung:
My
name is Chris Norman and I began my Martial Arts training with Okinawan
(Shorei Ryu) and Chinese Kempo (including their internal/Qi Qong
aspects) and I was awarded my 4th Dan in Kempo Jutsu and Tuite/Chin Na
by Danny Connor of the Bushindo Kai Martial Arts Institute and Qi Qong
Research Institute in late July 1999. I have over the
years had the opportunity to gain some practise in Okinawan Goju Ryu, Okinawan Te as seen in many other Okinawan Karate styles as well as the Chinese arts such as White Crane Gung Fu
(including the Chi Kung) which makes up the basis of much Okinawan Karate. I have more recently been exposed to some Seidokan Shorin Ryu, Matayoshi Kobudo and RyuTe. I also continue my on going association with Shinseido (Matsumura) Shorin Ryu Karate Kobudo. My longstanding interest in the art of Tuite has led me to look at the classical Okinawan Kata of both Shorei and Shorin Ryu and the aspects of Te that may be found in the performance and application (Bunkai) of these Kata. My experience of both Okinawan Karate and grappling arts coupled with my knowledge of Japanese Ju Jutsu means that we are able to offer classes and seminars for interested parties on the application of various Kata in order to help reveal both the Kyusho (Striking to vulnerable points) and Tuite (Jp. Tori-Te: taking hands or the grappling aspects) that may be found within the various both basic Kempo Karate Technique and Kata.
Therapeutics, Medical Anthropology and Ethnophysiology:
Apart from a long standing study of Chi Kung I have also been involved in other therapeutic arts such as Shiatsu (Zen,
Macrobiotic, Tibetan) and Tibetan Kung Nyay (Kum Nye) which is many ways similiar to a combination of Japanese Do In, Makko Ho or Oki Yoga and Chi Kung. I have since receiving the Sangye Menhla (Medicine Buddha) teachings and empowerment from Trogawa Rinpoche of the Chagpori Medical Institute in the late 1990's combined Kung Nyay into Japanese Self Massage or Do In exercises and may intersperse this with the various stretching or Makko Ho and other Chi Kung exercises. This is part of the training students at my Dojo in Broomfield, Near Chelmsford in Essex will have the opportunity to experience. I am also able to pass on the ethnophysiology of Chi Kung and Taoist and Buddhist perceptions of the body through both the training and experience that I have of these arts and my Post Graduate study in Medical Anthropology at the School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London. I can therefore deliver classes or seminars for healing, complementary therapy, meditational groups or those with a more academic interest in Chi Kung and the Taoist and Buddhist perception of the body, for the latter groups I can provide Powerpoints, handouts, reading lists and in class exercises and hold both a recognised teaching qualification and am a member of the Institute for Learning (IfL).
The Sword, the Mind and Zazen:
In November 2008 I was awarded my
5th Dan (Godan) Renshi rank by the World Ju-Jitsu/Aiki-Bujutsu Federation
and Samurai Ju Jitsu Association International and Kamishin Kai International Instructors licence along with my Menkyo Renshi by the European Samurai Ju Jitsu/Aiki Society. This was after many years of studying various forms of Iai and Ken and being exposed to the methods of Kendo, Seiti Iaido, Muso Jikiden Ryu, Araki Mujinsai Ryu, Kodai Ryu, Seidokan and Bugeikan. My study of the sword was done in accordance with Takuan Soho's Fudochishinmyoroku (The Myserious Record of Immovable Wisdom), Reiroshu (The Clear Sound of Jewels) and Taiaki (Annals of the Sword Taia) and employing and trying to master the priciple of Katsujinken (Life Giving Sword) which is a handle I have used on various discussion forms to which I have contributed such as E-Budo, Budoseek and the OMAA forum. I have at the same time whilst trying to master the Katsujinken principle also paid attention to Setsujinken (Life Taking Sword sometimes called Death Dealing Blow or the Sword of Death). It should be noted that much traditional Ju Jutsu that has come from older times was based on and around the sword and was indeed used in support of sword techniques or when the sword was unavailable (Lost or broken). The sword work that I teach and practice at my own dojo is to support the practice of the traditional aspects of our Ju Jutsu although it is also possible for people who are interested in Zen to be taught to use of the sword as part of Zazen meditation in accordance with the teachings of Takuan Soho.
Ju Jutsu and Self Defence:
I have had opportunity to study various forms of Ju Jutsu and gain exposure to a wide range of traditional and non traditional styles, some of the styles with which I have acqaintance include Hakko Ryu, Kamishin Ryu, Kodai Ryu, Juko Kai, Okinawan Shuri Te as well as various forms of Aikido. The focus of the Ju Jutsu that I teach at my Dojo in Broomfield, Near Chelmsford on a Sunday evening is on traditional Japanese Ju Jutsu for the purposes of self defence based on the techniques of older Ju Jutsu styles, known as Nihon Goshin Jutsu, or more simply the Japanese art of pliability in self defence or self defence Ju Jutsu. I have also taught self defence on behalf of Suffolk Adult Community Education, Sangamo Social Club and various other groups including General Medical Practitioners on behalf of Smithkline Beecham (Self protection techniques including restraint methods). I am able to offer one off classes or a series of classes on self defence to interested groups in which can also be include the psychological and legal aspects of self defence as well as a general introduction the martial arts if so required.
Other Gradings and Positions Held:
I
also hold Yudansha grades in the martial arts of
Goju Karate Jutsu, Kempo Karate Jutsu & American Karate Kempo, Goshin Ju Jutsu, a coaching
qualifications from the National Ju Jitsu Council, and a refereeing
qualification from the BNMA and have acted as a grading officer sitting
on panels for both Karate and Ju Jutsu organisations and as an advisor
on panels for Independent Aikido Groups.
Academic Qualifications
My academic qualifications include an NVQ in Business Administration, a class 2.1 Honours degree in Laws from the University of East London and a Masters degree in Medical Anthropology with Merit from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and a Professional Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) from the University of Essex.
Training Background
Kempo Posture and Tiger Claws
Martial arts has for a long time been part of my life, I first began studying the Martial Arts in the 1970's and had began running my own Kempo Dojo in the 1980's when I also became more deeply involved in the grappling aspects of the Kempo styles that I had studied. I was specifically interested in the grappling that is said to be found in the Bunkai of many Karate techniques and which may have provided a glimpse into an ancient Okinawan martial art known as Tuite often more commonly known and simply described as a form of Te (as in Tegumi) or Ti/di (as in Toudi). In Japanese the equivalent term for Tuite is Tori-Te (Taking or capturing hands) which is the name given to a precussor of Japanese Ju Jutsu and which is regarded by some as a form of Taiho Jutsu (restraining and controlling art).
Kempo Tuite done at a display in Suffolk in the early 1980's
In the late 1980's to early 1990's I was affiliated to and trained within two modern British Ju Jutsu Organisations both of which had past links to the Association of Oriental Fighting Arts that had practised Fudoshin Kempo. One of these Ju Jutsu organisations (Goshinkai) emphasised a number of Kempo techniques within its syllabus and was at the same time affiliated to the British Kempo Association and its President Shihan Brian Walsh of Kodai Ryu. The other Ju Jutsu organisation with which were associated and trained with the most was headed by a former student of Bob Lawrence (who founded the Association of Oriental Fighting Arts and Fudoshin Kempo based on his extensive martial arts experience gained in the UK and the Far East, including Okinawa). Both of these organisations practised what was called the Juko Kai or WJJF Syllabus of Bob Clarke. The latter mentioned Ju Jitsu organisation also veered towards a more traditional style of Ju Jutsu and had a number of different styles of Ju Jutsu within its organisations membership. I have throughout my involvement in the martial arts also had the opportunity to come into contact with various Chinese and Okinawan martial arts and during this same period gained some familiarity and appreciation of the Japanese arts of Tanjo, Aikido, Kendo and Iaido each of which I have continued to pursue on an occassional basis into more recent times.
My own investigation into the grappling aspects of Kempo Jutsu, the Tuite had led me to look both more deeply at Ju Jutsu including the influence that Ju Jutsu, Judo and Aikido have had on the the grappling aspect of various Karate styles that had been introduced to Japan and how each of these arts and ways have influenced each other in the modern period.
Between 1994 and 1997 I had the opportunity to train in Kempo Jutsu, Ju Jutsu and Kobu Jutsu under Brian Walsh, President of the British Kempo Association and one time member of the IOMAU who held a Shihan grade in Shorinji Tetsuken Kempo a style of Kempo that is influenced by Kamishin Ryu based Te. During this period I practised Kodai Ryu Ju Jutsu, Kempo Jutsu and Kobudo including sword, Bo, Te Bo and Yawara. I also had the opportunity to become acquainted with the late Danny Connor of the the Qi Qong Reserach Institute and the Bushindo Kai Martial Arts Institute and also learnt and practised Crane Chi Kung.
At the same time, between 1994 and 1997, I and my students shared the Shin-te Do Dojo based at Devon House in Anchor Street Chelmsford with Mick Powell, with whom I occassionally trained and who at this time became a student of Mark Bishop's Sogo Bugei No Kai and its Ti. Mr Bishop was a regular visitor to Mick Powell's Shin Te Do and encourged a blend of Ti which included Seitoku Higa's Bugeikan Te and Seikichi Uehara's Motobu Udun Ti with the therapeutic aspects of Martial Arts Techniques including Shiatsu or Anma, a form of therapeutic massage, the Chinese version of which is known as Tuina.
In 1998 I began my MA in Medical Anthropology at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London which I successfully completed in 2000. It was during this same period in 1999 I was awarded by Yon (4th) Dan by Danny Connor of the Bushindo Kai Martial Arts Institute .
By the mid to late 1990's the journey that I had began in the mid 1980's had also provided me with the opportunity to return to the all too often forgotten, but nevertheless important, therapeutic aspects of the martial arts and included the study and practice of:
Chi Kung (Especially Crane style),
Japanese Shiatsu (Koho, Zen & Macrobiotic, So-Rigpa),
Oki-Yoga (Makko Ho)
Syozin Ryori (Macro-biotics)
Kung Nyay (Tibetan Yoga similiar to Taoist Yoga)
Tibetan Healing Methods (So-Rigpa).


Kempo Palm Strike with Ti posture and wrist grip performed against a knife attack. The importance of stepping off the line against a knife attack is integral to the principles of Okinawan Ti. The palm strike is seen in both Kempo and Ti.
More recently, between 2006 and 2008, I have attended classes and seminars in Aikido, Matayoshi Kobudo, Mr Oyata's RyuTe, Matsumura Shorin Ryu and Seidokan Shorin Ryu of Seiki Toma. I have also had opportunity to look at the White Crane and Chin Na of Dr. Yang Jwing Ming's on a couple of seminars that were hosted by Shinseido and Shoshinkan Matsumura Shorin Ryu Dojo's within the Okinawan Martial Arts Association (Formerly Bugei Kai UK).
I have since then under the guidance of Roger Sheldon of Shinseido Shorin Ryu Karate Kobudo (OMAA) had the opportunity to look at and study some of the Classical Shorin Ryu Kata (Seisan, Naihanchi, Passai, Chinto and Kusanku) and learn the Bugeikan Tankon Kata which was passed down from Seitoku Higa of the Bugeikan in Okinawa to Rick Woodhams and the Bugeikan Ti Kata Nidanpabu Sho and Sanpabu Sho.
This has enabled us to incorporate into our Kempo the following Kata: Takemura Naihanchi, Ryufa and Kusanku, Nidanpabu Sho, Sanpabu Sho and Bugeikan Tankon No Jutsu Kata.
If you wish to make inquiries about training at the club or arranging a seminar please telephone (01245) 382117 or alternatively e-mail Sensei983@yahoo.com
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