Sanjuro (Martial Arts)

Sanjuro Founder Glenn Delikan

Sanjuro is a hybrid martial art, fusing elements of a variety of martial arts styles, sparring, and dance^[1]

Etymology

The use of the name Sanjuro is a reference to the iconic film by Akira Kurosawa.

Training

Sanjuro classes are taught in mixed ability groups, both formal grading and uniform optional.^[2] DanceCombat classes are also run, offering an emphasis on form, fitness, and flexibility.^[1]

The Sanjuro grading system is externally validated by AQA.

Sanjuro and Special Educational Needs

Sanjuro Martial Arts training is employed in teaching children and adults with a range of special educational needs and disabilities,^[3] including partial sight and blindness, autism, and a variety of other physical and learning difficulties.^[4][5]

In the BBC Two programme, My Life: Karate Kids, three disabled students of Sanjuro are featured learning the martial art as a technique to gain better control of their bodies.^[6] The documentary, narrated by David Tennant^[7] was nominated in Children's: Factual section of the Bafta Awards in 2010^[8] It was made by double BAFTA nominated film maker John Walsh.

In September 2013, Jackie Chan's charity, The Dragon's Heart Foundation, funded a 12 month programme in Tottenham, London,^[9] citing Sanjuro's emphasis on encouraging confidence and safety above violence.

Practitioners

Sanjuro is practiced by a number of actors and other professionals in the creative sector including:

• Haruka Kuroda, London-based Japanese actress, known for performing the voice of Noodle in the band Gorillaz
• Alexander Doetsch aka Alexander Dreymon, German-born actor,^[10] known for appearing with Matt Smith as Caspar in Christopher and His Kind and starring in the BBC production of the ‘Last Kingdom’ as Uhtred of Bebbanburg
• JC Connington, Musical solo artist - BIGHOUSEBURNING^[11] & lead singer of Electronic rock band Junkstar^[12]
• Lawrence Carmichael, Australian actor and musical theatre performer^[13]
• Tim Davenport, American actor and fight Director^[14]
• Kit Friend, member of Conservative Future^[15][16] and campaigner against unpaid internships in the UK creative industries^[17]
• John Walsh, double BAFTA nominated film-maker^[18] and Conservative Party candidate for Middlesbrough (UK Parliament constituency) in the United Kingdom general election, 2010 as featured in the film ToryBoy The Movie .
• Robbie Capaldi actor ^[19] known for featuring in the short film 'Brighton' ^[20]

External links

• Official website for Sanjuro Martial Arts
• [2] UK and European Arm of Jackie Chan's Dragon's Heart Charity Foundation

References

1. "Youngblood Stage Combat, Sanjuro Martial Arts".
2. "CULTURE AND THE 2012 GAMES, Engaging marginalised young people through arts and sport" (PDF).
3. "Disabled martial arts classes hit the mark". Ellesmere Port Standard. 14 February 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2013.
4. "Haringey Youth Centres and Services".
5. "PARAde festival celebrates disability arts and sports". 28 August 2012.
6. Jackson, Kate (10 March 2010). "Disabled Tim's karate hope". London: The Sun. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
7. "Karate Kids".
8. "Bafta Children's Factual in 2010"..
9. "JC Dragon’s Heart Europe & Sanjuro Martial Arts".
10. "Alexander Doetsch on IMDb".
11. "Official JC Connington artist site".
12. Emerging band with Hornsey link rival Paul Weller for top chart spot Harper, Paul (August 31, 2011). "Emerging band with Hornsey link rival Paul Weller for top chart spot".
13. "Lawrence Carmichael Portfolio".
14. "Tim Davenport on IMDb". Retrieved 10 February 2013.
15. Andrews, Emily (14 February 2010). "David Cameron accused of 'bussing in' Tory supporters to pose as students during speech on 'openness and trust'". London: The Daily Mail.
16. "A Year for Change on the NUS".
17. Friend, Kit (28 November 2011). "The creative industries need to focus on talent rather than free labour". London: The Guardian.
18. "Tory Boy The Movie". British Film Council.
19. "Robbie Capaldia Bio". IMDB.
20. "Brighton". IMDB.