At last, a real martial art for grown ups

Developed by our own Chief Instructor, Mr Neil R. Hall, to mark his 50th birthday, ensodo is a martial art specifically designed for grown ups.

Who’s a grown up?

In ensodo, the movements are adapted to take account of the changing abilities of the human body as it ages.  So it’s perfect for people from 30 upwards, including some people beyond retirement age, and people looking for exercise as rehabilitation from illness.  What you do is tailored to you as an individual, and there will be many adults who prefer its thoughtful pace and flowing movements to the high intensity of aerobic arts like Karate, Kung Fu, or Taekwondo.

A real martial art

Though its moves have been adapted, ensodo is every bit a real martial art, with all the structure and tradition, spirit, vitality, and achievement that martial arts like Taekwondo are famous for.  You will get fit, you will learn to defend yourself, and yes, you can get a black belt.

What’s different?

The benefits to your health, your coordination, your balance, and your general wellbeing from practising the soft arts like Tai Chi are well known.  Ensodo encompasses that aspect, together with the zip and fun of controlled combat and self defence.  

Our high-octane Taekwondo classes are great for physical fitness.  Ensodo captures that spirit, while avoiding the flying kicks and “100 press up” intensity that put great demands on the body, and replacing that side with flowing, circular movements, in the spirit of enso - the Zen circle depicted in our logo.  

It’s a thoughtful art.  Expect to have to use your brain as well as your body.  There are puzzles to ponder, and history to contemplate.  

What was that about a black belt?

Many people think that they are too old to take up martial arts.  Ensodo changes that.  It is designed to work with your age, not against it.  You can just join in, and you don’t have to work towards new belts; but the gradual development and ongoing assessment system is perfect for people who have the spirit for fresh achievements without the stress of grading examinations, and puts the unthinkable once again within your reach.