JOINING

As with all exercise, if you have any doubts about your ability to handle the training, it’s best to get a check-up from your Doctor beforehand, and mention any pertinent medical history to the Instructor.

Come and watch first, and then take a free trial session before joining. This will include a short fitness test to establish your current abilities. Wear loose clothing.

Following your trial session, the Instructor will provide full written details of joining and membership fees, which for insurance reasons must be paid before any further training. The note includes an order form for a Gi (suit).

===========================

We take safety seriously. In almost 30 years of running the dojo we have had very few injuries. The British Enshin Kai is fully insured through Towry Law for Public Liability, Personal Accident and Instructor Indemnity.

Although Enshin Tournaments for adults are full-contact, during training we all have a duty to be careful with our training partners. During general training we stress careful and controlled placement against partners, power only when using the pads.

SPARRING RULES

Sparring is first and foremost an exchange of skills for mutual benefit.
It should be safe and enjoyable for children and encourage them to try.
It should be safe yet challenging for adults.

Members who wish to spar must have shin & instep pads, fist mitts and groin protectors. (Chest protectors for females as required) Gum shields are optional. Spectacles should have safety glass or plastic lenses, or protective eyewear may be worn.

For children:
1. ‘Touch’ contact to designated target areas on the body and legs
2. Controlled takedowns at all times and on all flooring
3. Strictly NO contact to the head

For adults:
1. ‘Reasonable’ contact to designated target areas on the body and legs
2. Controlled takedowns on wood (full sweeps and takedowns on mats)
3. TOUCH contact to the head

For all:
1. Only use skills you can control
2. Respect your opponent at all times
3. Never abuse your ability

In summary:
At all times treat others as you would wish to be treated.

All training and sparring is continuously supervised by sensei with decades of experience, to ensure compliance with these rules and the safety of all students.

Members wishing to compete are given extra coaching with more contact, but the emphasis is always on movement and skills, not on trading blows.

FAQs

Q: Can I try it for a while before joining?

A: We give a free trial session and assessment, but for insurance reasons you must then join before any further training.

Q: I can’t train every time – is that a problem?

A: No, although I do expect to see students making an effort to attend class. Instructional DVD’s are available to help you practise at home if you cannot train regularly due to distance or shift work.

Q: Why do I need a Gi?

A: Two main reasons. First, it’s the most practical outfit to allow freedom of movement. Second, it’s a great leveller. We all train together in the same dojo in the same uniform, so outside differences become irrelevant. The only distinctions in the dojo are the belt, (denoting experience) and how hard you try. Buying a strong Gi is also good economically, as they often last for years.

Q: Do I need to learn Japanese?

A: Enshin is international, so instructors use Japanese alongside English. If you wish to train abroad you will be able to fit in and understand what’s going on, as do our visitors from other branches. Don’t stress about it, you’ll pick things up naturally as you go along.

Q: What else do I need?

A: I have deliberately kept things simple. You only need your Gi and pads, a few pounds for your coaching fees and lots of enthusiasm.

Q: Don’t I need to be really fit?

A: Not to start with! Whatever your current level of fitness we insist you start slowly.

Q: Is training dangerous?

A: We have a superb safety record, far better than most physical activity. Training is disciplined and risk is therefore minimised.

Q: Is there a minimum / maximum age?

A: You only need to be old enough to concentrate and young enough to try.

Q: I just want to get fit. Do I have to fight?

A: Not initially, but if you want to go up through the belts we will need to see if you can apply your skills against opponents. Some opt to stay as low grades and enjoy a good sweat without sparring, but most like to challenge themselves eventually and go that bit further.