Sanjuro (martial art)
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.
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
- 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
- John Walsh, double BAFTA nominated film-maker[11] and Conservative Party candidate for Middlesbrough (UK Parliament constituency) in the United Kingdom general election, 2010 as featured in the film ToryBoy The Movie].
References
- ^ a b "Youngblood Stage Combat, Sanjuro Martial Arts".
- ^ "CULTURE AND THE 2012 GAMES, Engaging marginalised young people through arts and sport" (PDF).
- ^ "Disabled martial arts classes hit the mark". Ellesmere Port Standard. 14 February 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2013.
- ^ "Haringey Youth Centres and Services".
- ^ "PARAde festival celebrates disability arts and sports". 28 August 2012.
- ^ Jackson, Kate (10 March 2010). "Disabled Tim's karate hope". London: The Sun. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ "Karate Kids".
- ^ "Bafta Children's Factual in 2010"..
- ^ "JC Dragon's Heart Europe & Sanjuro Martial Arts".
- ^ "Alexander Doetsch on IMDb".
- ^ "Tory Boy The Movie". British Film Council.