Genbukan Kijin Dojo UK - Ninpo Martial Arts in Bookham and Reading

Training

What to expect

All of our classes follow the same format as is taught in Japan:

Ceremonial Bow to start class, including short meditation

Warm up - including basic punches, kicks, rolls and how to fall (breakfalls) as appropriate

Training of level techniques - For Taijutsu this starts with how to bow, progressing to how to move the body and escape from various different scenarios, as described in our Taijutsu manual

Ceremonial Bow to finish class

What to bring:

When you arrive at your first class please wear loose clothing (or a Gi with a t-shirt underneath) and socks. If it is hot you may wish to bring a bottle of water and a small hand towel.

Our regular attire is a black Gi over a black T-shirt with Tabi or socks.

Kids Classes - Mini Ninjas

Kids classes are for 5 years and over, they bring a bit more fun into each lesson, whilst still teaching important escape and defense techniques. You are welcome to try a free taster class, please contact us to arrange.

Training Term Dates 2020

JAN 15th, 22nd, 29th

FEB 5th, 12th, 26th - Note no class on 19th Feb

MAR 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

APR 1st, 22nd, 29th - Note no classes on April 8th or 15th

MAY 6th, 13th, 20th - Note no class on May 27th

JUN 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th

JUL 1st, 8th

Get in touch

Grandmaster Shoto Tanemura

The Grandmaster of our organisation started training when he was just 9 years old in both unarmed and armed techniques. He has continued to train in many different schools since then and has made it his life's mission to preserve and teach true Japanese martial arts to the world, including it's history, philosophy, spirituality as well as the physical techniques.

For more details, please refer to the Genbukan masters

Instructors

All of our instructors have relevant DBS checks, safe guarding and first aid training

Head Instructor Laura Nakano

Laura has been training in the Genbukan for over 25 years, 6 of which were spent living in Japan and training directly under the Grandmaster. Her motivation for learning martial arts has not changed since she was 9years old and started Judo, she wants to be able to protect herself and others.

Ranks obtained: 4th Dan Ninpo Taijutsu, 4th Dan Jujutsu, Special Instructor Level 2, Shoden Menkyo in Mugen Shintou Ryu, Bikenjutsu, Asayama Ichiden Ryu, Diato Ryu Aiki Jujutsu, Gyokko Ryu Kosshi Jutsu (Tanemura-ha), KotoRyu Koppo Jutsu (Tanemura-ha), Kukishin Ryu Jujutsu, Shinden Tatara Ryu Taijutsu, Togakure Ryu Ninpo Jutsu (Tanemura-ha)

Currently Laura teaches in Bookham, where she holds a regular kids class and monthly seminars

Instructor Ross Whitby

Ross has been training under Laura since 2006, but started training in Genbukan before that. He studied Kung Fu from the age of 12 and began teaching others at the age of 16. After that he studied Kickboxing, Taekwondo and wrestling before learning Genbukan Ninpo Taijutsu to Instructor level

Ranks obtained: 2nd Dan Ninpo Taijutsu, Shoden Menkyo in Togakure Ryu and Kijin Chosui Ryu

Ross teaches weekly classes in Reading

Locations

Bookham Dojo

Kids Classes - Wednesdays from 4.45-5.30

Monthly seminars (by invite only)

Address

South Bookham SPACE
Dorking Road,
Great Bookham,
Surrey,
KT23 4PB

Access

travel up Dorking Road from Great Bookham, the hall is on the left, immediately after the children's play area. There are parking and changing facilities on site.

Reading Dojo

Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm - All ages and abilities are welcome.

Address

Loddon Valley Sports Center,
Rushey Way,
Earley,
Reading, Berkshire,
RG6 4GD

Please contact Ross Whitby (tmasrw@yahoo.co.uk) for details of this class.

Fees

Class Fees

Adults - £7 per class

Child - £60 termly

Genbukan New Member Application Fee

Adults - £30

Child - £18

Annual Genbukan Membership Renewal Fee

Adults (below instructor) - £25

Child - £14

Grading Fees

These fees are set by Genbukan Honbu in Yen and vary depending on age and level of grade. For example:

Child grades from 9th - 4th Kyu are £13

Adult grades from 9th - 4th Kyu are £25