Sessen Ryu Karate traces its origins back to 1972 when its principal founding instructors began training in Stanford Le Hope.  The Dojo was part of an Association known as the Essex Martial Arts Group.  The group had a section for karate, Kung Fu and Goshin Jutsu.  With such a variety of arts it made for a good cross section of training which broadened students skills.

In 1983 the term Sessen Ryu was adopted, meaning hand to hand or close quarter style.

While we like to keep the traditions of karate and kobudo alive, and take a great interest in researching and training in the historical aspects of our art, we recognise the value of input from other martial arts.  Throughout the years we have hosted seminars ranging from tradtional karate/kobudo by visiting senior Japanese Sensei, to World Champion kickboxers, grapplers and internationally renowned practioners of martial arts from around the globe. 

A photo from around 1980.  Back row left Alan Jones, Dave Nash, Pete Waldock, Phil Jones, Sensei Jim McAllister, Tony Childs, Albie O'Connor, Bernie Helm, Oz Ozman,.  Front row left Shaun Watts, Phil Hibbert, Peter Fox, Dave Stadalink, Mark Garland  

With Higoanna Sensei

With Tomiyama Sensei

With Takamizawa Sensei

With John longstreet, champion kickboxer from USA...seminar hosted by Sensei Jim McAllister

With Phil Jones ...receiving a little kicking coaching from Bill Wallace (seminar hosted by Sensei Jim McAllister)

 
For many years we have been regular hosts for visiting instructors Patrick McCarthy, Rick Clark and Terry Wingrove.
Instructors have also made many training visits to Okinawa, Japan and USA to further their skills and introduce training routines to the dojo.

  








Training with Takashi Kinjo Sensei at his Naha dojo 1998






Sensei Albie O'Connor with Sensei Jim McAllister and Don Shapland Okinawa 2000




With Nishiuchi Shihan and Mary Bolz Sensei in USA, 1996

 

 






At Hokama Sensei's dojo, Okinawa.....we always try to train with Hokama Sensei when we visit Japan and Okinawa and have been fortunate to attend many private training sessions and also to attend his regular class and join in with his students.






Kobudo and karate  training with Kinjo Takashi Sensei, Naha 2015.   







With Tsuchiya Sensei 2008 (arranged by Cyberbudo)






With Joe Swift Sensei at his Tokyo dojo





With Hokama Sensei at his dojo






At Okinawa Prefectural Budokan, Naha, Okinawa 2010