Enshin Karate Charlotte Branch
7027 Orr Rd

Charlotte, NC 28213

Phone: (704) 921-0477

 International Headquarters
4730 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, Colorado   80220 
(303) 320-7632

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Benefits of Karate

What is Enshin Karate?

Kancho Joko Ninomiya

Sensei Yuji Iwakura

Sabaki Challenge

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Glossary

 Enshin Karate is a practical system of empty-handed self-defense based on a strategy of circular movement allowing you to use your opponent's power and momentum against him or her. This strategy, called sabaki, enables its practitioner to convert defense into offense.

Enshin stresses the development of flexibility, power, and speed, with emphasis on stretching, conditioning, and technique. Training in Enshin karate builds spiritual awareness, mental alertness, a sense of confidence, and provides resources for meeting the challenges encountered in life.

Enshin Karate was developed by Kancho Ninomiya, winner of the 1978 All-Japan Tournament and Director of the Sabaki Challenge.

Dojo Kun

We will always be courteous and show respect for others

We will strive to be our best and pursue it with patience

We will develop the mind and body to enhance the spirit

We will always keep an open heart and mind

We will accept the spirit of Challenge

We will follow the meaning of Enshin in both our training and our daily lives

 The name ENSHIN is derived from two Japanese words: en meaning 'open or unfinished circle,' and shin meaning 'heart' or 'inner.' The combination of these two words and their meanings embody the most important aspects of Enshin Karate.

For me, above all else, the 'inner circle' of Enshin Karate represents the strong bonds that keep us together. The strength of this organization depends on the ability of each of us to listen to our hearts, and to relate to others through it.

The circle is the essence of the strategy and movement in Enshin Karate. The infinite points on a circle represent the unlimited positions we move to and counter from in meeting an opponent. This circular movement that takes one out of a line of attack and into a position from which he can counter attack is the basis for Enshin Karate technique.

The Enshin circle is an open circle. It is not complete, although it strives to be. It represents the idea that our challenge is never finished, although we are always working towards making it so. This unfinished state is a source of motivation and it reminds us that perfection is to aimed for even if it cannot be achieved.

The middle ring in our logo represents the cycle that is the essence of our training as well as life. In training we begin as a white belt, and move through the darkening belts before becoming a black belt. When we achieve the black belt we begin anew. So, too, in life. Each goal we reach marks a new beginning.

The Enshin Karate-do is not the only Way. But I believe very strongly in it. It is my wish to offer Enshin Karate to anyone whose heart and mind believes with me in this Way. Then, together, we can all work to finish the circle.

-- Kancho Joko Ninomiya