Sanjuro is a
hybrid martial art, fusing elements of a variety of martial arts styles,
sparring
Sparring is a form of training common to many combat sports. Although the precise form varies, it is essentially relatively ' free-form' fighting, with enough rules, customs, or agreements to minimize injuries. By extension, argumentative debate ...
, and
dance
Dance is a performing art form consisting of sequences of movement, either improvised or purposefully selected. This movement has aesthetic and often symbolic value. Dance can be categorized and described by its choreography, by its repertoir ...
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. DanceCombat classes are also run, offering an emphasis on form, fitness, and flexibility.
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, including partial sight and blindness, autism, and a variety of other physical and learning difficulties.
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. The documentary, narrated by
David Tennant was nominated in Children's: Factual section of the Bafta Awards in 2010 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, citing Sanjuro's emphasis on encouraging confidence and safety above violence.
Notable practitioners
Sanjuro is practiced by a number of actors and other professionals in the creative sector including:
*
Haruka Kuroda, UK-based Japanese actress, known for performing the voice of
Noodle in the band
Gorillaz
Gorillaz are an English virtual band formed in 1998 by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, from London. The band primarily consists of four fictional members: 2-D (vocals, keyboards), Murdoc Niccals (bass guitar), Noodle (guitar, ...
*
Alexander Dreymon, German-born actor, known for appearing with
Matt Smith as Caspar in
Christopher and His Kind
''Christopher and His Kind'' is a 1976 memoir by Anglo-American writer Christopher Isherwood, first printed in a 130-copy edition by Sylvester & Orphanos, then in general publication by Farrar, Straus & Giroux. In the text, Isherwood candidly ex ...
and starring in the BBC production of ‘
The Last Kingdom’ as Uhtred of Bebbanburg
*
John Walsh, double BAFTA nominated film-maker
and Conservative Party candidate for
Middlesbrough (UK Parliament constituency) in the
2010 United Kingdom general election
The 2010 United Kingdom general election was held on Thursday 6 May 2010, with 45,597,461 registered voters entitled to vote to elect members to the House of Commons. The election took place in 650 constituencies across the United Kingdom unde ...
as featured in the film
ToryBoy The Movie
''ToryBoy The Movie'' is a 2011 gonzo-style British documentary feature film directed by and starring John Walsh. It follows Walsh as he becomes a political candidate for the Conservative Party in the north east England constituency of Middlesb ...
.
References
{{reflist
External links
Official website for Sanjuro Martial Arts
European martial arts
Hybrid martial arts