Why “Sunrise” Dojo?

 

In the UK Enoeda Sensei always used to name his family home “Sunrise!” Also, we experienced some rare magical-moment-memories of Enoeda Sensei on the beaches in Spain and Greece during our dark, very early morning, worse-for-wear, training sessions - sand got everywhere!  Sensei would have us all look out to sea, whilst adopting the opening kamae of Kanku-Dai Kata, serenely meditating with him.  

 

Looking out to sea.  Watching the “Sunrise” from the East, from whence he came!  

 

Very special never to be forgotten moments indeed!

 

 

 

 

 

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Enoeda Sensei, 9th Dan ( The Shotokan Tiger )

 

Master Masatoshi Nakayama once wrote:

“Enoeda Keinosuke has a reputation

for achievements that stirs the imagination,

and through his students and these

achievements he will continue to pass

on the way of Karate.”

 

 

Enoeda Keinosuke Sensei was born in Kyushu Island in South Japan 4th July 1935, believed to be of Samurai descent.  A Legend, with an international reputation as arguably being one of the greats of Karate. He became All-Japan Champion in 1963!  The rest is history!    

Sensei sadly passed away 29th March 2003

 

“He was our teacher and continues to be a mentor” (Jim Sensei)

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Jim Kelly Sensei

 

 

Discovered Traditional Shotokan Karate in Mexico City,

where from 1966 he studied under Yatoh Sensei

and Matsura Sensei, both eminent Shotokan teachers

from Japan, for a few years.  Then back to London!

  By recommendation from Yatoh Sensei, Jim contacted

Enoeda Sensei at the then new Marshall Street Dojo (SKC)

 

In 1972 he joined the newly established Shotokan Karate

Centre (SKC) that became the International European

Headquarters of the Japan Karate Association (JKA)

and the Hub of Enoeda Sensei’s vast European and

World-Wide following.  It became internationally

known as “Marshall Street” (SKC) of London.

 

Here it was an immense privilege to train under Enoeda Sensei and his highly regarded and respected senior instructor from Japan, Tomita Sensei.  And in time, under another of the finest instructors to come to the U.K. from Japan, Ohta Sensei.

 

Back in the day, Jim was also privileged to have trained under other doyens and legends of Shotokan Karate; Kawasoe Sensei, Hashiguchi Sensei, Dave Hazard Sensei and alongside some great senior karate practitioners like Craig Raye, Roy Tomlin, Jim Lewis, Rod Butler, Sue Waughman, ‘Valerio’, Harry Wilson, Neil Hearne and Tony Lacey; who have in turn, all achieved great things in Shotokan Karate.

 

Jim drew great inspiration at Crystal Palace Courses from some incredible British Legends and Champions, who were the early pioneers of Shotokan Karate in the U.K. and Europe - including: Andy Sherry Sensei, Terry O’Neil Sensei, Steve Cattle Sensei and Bob Poynton Sensei.

 

It was also very special to receive instruction from distinguished guest instructors from the JKA in Japan during the annual infamous International Crystal Palace Courses.  The crowning glory took place within a Crystal Palace Course, when, as one of a thousand others, Jim received instruction within the class from Enoeda Sensei’s mentor Master M. Nakayama! For many years Jim was the Chairman of the SKC Marshall Street committee at Enoeda Sensei’s Dojo.  

 

Traditional Shotokan Karate with its Self-Defence Bunkai will always remain Jim’s primary passion; however, he also enjoyed practising ju-jitsu under Gary Reece Sensei and his mentor Master M. Morris.  

 

Jim also has an interest in Taiho Jutsu and much further back “the boy did good”, well, ok in schoolboy boxing to championship level – pre headguards!! Jim is also interested in “kobudo”, traditional martial art weapons.

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