ShinKen-Do

ShinKen-Do (ShinKen-Do Japanese lit “ Real Fist Way”) is a Martial Art Self Defence that consists of a wide combination of techniques sourced from Jiu jitsu, Karate, Grappling, Judo and Aikido along with realistic fight training. It was considered the first Mix Martial Arts in England at its time of creation.
It was developed strictly for self defence purpose in real world situation by Steve Joseph after being attacked as a youth by skin head gangs in England London’s East End during the late 1970s.
ShinKen-Do philosophy emphasises self-defence moves towards a threat or attack. It deploys primary defensive neutralisation restraining components utilising simultaneous defensive and offensive maneuvers.
Due to this reason practitioners never engages in combat as “fighting” but rather each particular enacts the role as attacker and defendant “Uke and Tori ”.
Primary Principle
ShinKen-Do promotes the principle to avoid an attack at all measures. If an attack is unavoidable or the threat/attack is imminent then it promotes finishing a fight as quickly as possible with no little or no injury to oneself or towards the attacker. Primary techniques are used to neutralize the attack or subdue the assailant leading to secondary protocol of attacks aimed at the most vulnerable parts of the body.
Training are based on drill that enact the role of attacker and defender “ Uke and Tori”
Where one individual plays the role of attacker utilising a wide variety of skills depicting a realistic “Frenzy” attack scenario, with the defendant playing the role as receiver or one who performs self defence moves and counters to the response of the attacker. Students learn to defend against all variety of attacks and are taught to neutralise and restrain the assault or counter in the quickest and most efficient way.
Students also engage in “Jiyu Kumite” Contact Sparring by the use of protective equipment and the use of reasonable force.
History
Steve Joseph was born in the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia. His family relocated to England at the age of 18 months where he grew up in London’s East End.
At a very young age Steve Joseph became active in a wide range of sport including Judo, boxing and Athletics.
At 25 years Joseph won the British welterweight kickboxing Championships followed onto the European and World Super welterweight Kickboxing Championships.
During the ensuing decade, Steve’s activities focused mainly on teaching and the development of ShinKen-Do.
A Far Right Group named The National Front grew enormously in numbers and by 1970s had between 16,000 and 20,000 members by 1974 and 50 local branches*(1)
Around this time, some skinheads became affiliated with far right groups such as the national Front and the British Movement. The growing numbers of National Front skin head members engaged in violence against South Asian Members (an act known as Paki bashing in common slang).*(2) and attacks onto Black West Indians at most.
It was on those occurrence that Joseph was attacked returning home from a Dojo training in Chingford Essex.
After the attack realising that learning a single system would confine one to the limits of that style and was not always practical for the aggressive and brutal nature of a street adrenalin attack scenario.
He thought by adjoining styles one would be better equipped to handle diversified methods of attack. It was then that he started to re-evaluate his ideas about the Martial Arts.
He began to gather knowledge in how to box, escape from holds, apply footwork, low leg kicking techniques coupled with street-fighting tactics. He went on to developed unique skills and techniques that would eventually become ShinKen-Do.
The system was originally named “Sun Kune Do” after a sparring session with oriental training partner who stated it was a “New Martial Art ” resulting in the system being called its English title “New Fist Way”
It later changed to the Japanese term due mainly to the heavily Japanese influence in techniques, uniform and etiquette. Individuals often mispronounce the Name “Sun Kune Do”
The first Dojo was establish in 1984 with the formation of the British ShinKen-Do Organisation in 1985. As the Art grew to Borders outside the UK in 200 Steve formed the International ShinKen-Do Organisation.
Characteristic of ShinKen-Do
Movements
ShinKen-Do training is geared towards and based on natural body movements. Movements are quick and consequential and are aimed towards vital and sensible targets. The techniques were created for real-life situation application. Kicking techniques kept more realistically low and below the waist.
Awareness
Students of ShinKen-Do use moves in various combinations to fend off variety violent attacks. Maintaining awareness of surroundings while dealing with the threat in order to look for escape routes
Confidence
Physical abilities will vary from one practitioner to the other. Improvisation also allows for limitations in physical abilities. Students are taught a variety of possible defensive reactions for each possible attack situation, building upon an actual framework of useable techniques.
They are then encouraged to utilise the responses that are appropriate to their capabilities creating a sense of confidence in their abilities.
Self-Control
While movements are physical it’s directed by thought.
The instinctive movement is very fast, and it is apart from the emotional state, which the brain controls the movements just by reflex.
Physical Fitness
Physical fitness is closely interwoven into the system. Being physically and mentally prepared to handle confrontation.
Training includes on numerous cardio, breathing exercise and strength building exercises, as well as stretching.
Principles of ShinKen-Do.
# Avoid a confrontation at all cost
# Restrain rather than hurt
# Hurt rather than maim
# Target attacks to the body's most vulnerable points
# Use of the body's natural weapons.
# Employ weapons of opportunity according to the nature of attack
# End the attack as quickly as possible without injury if possible to the attacker and to oneself
Tactics of ShinKen-Do
# Defence against Strikes
# Defence against knifes and batons
# Defence against Multiple attackers
# Confronting your fear
# Raising your Self Confidence
# Defence while seated or on the ground.
# Escapes from Holds and Chokes
Grading System
The International ShinKen-Do Organisation uses a grading system similar to most form of traditional Martial Arts.
The coloured belts are based from
White
Yellow
Green
Blue
Red
Brown
Brown /Black Tag
Black Belt.
White to Brown Belt are seen as Novices
Black Belt 1st Dan are noted as Junior Expert Level
Black Belt 2nd Dan to 5th Dan are seen as Senior Expert Level
Black Belt grades cover more advance techniques sparring and fighting skills
In order to progress to Black Belt one has to demonstrate proficiency in technique and control from their current and previous grades ad have excellent self defence skills.
Black Belt 6th Dan to 8th Dan are regarded as Masters Levels and awarded to individuals who dedicate and made valuable contribution in teaching and promoting the art.

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