The Jindokai organization was founded in 2012 and the current chairman is Sensei Stephen Chan OBE. The Jindokai is a consortium of Sensei that span the globe, most of whom have known and worked with each other for over a decade. There is a like-mindedness of values in the group as well as a very high level of skill, both sporting and combat-based.
Jindokai encompass three styles of karate; Shorin ryu, Goju ryu and Shotokan. They also have ju jutsu/aiki-jutsu and goshin jutsu divisions, including:
- Gendai Ju Jutsu (Sensei Jason Fitzpatrick)
- Ko Ken Ryu Goshin (Sensei Dr Andy Roosen)
- Jushinkai (sister organisation) Aiki Jutsu, Goshin Jutsu and Kamishan Ryu (Sensei Brian Rogers and Sensei Richard Pearman)
- Kobudo division (Sensei Stephen Chan OBE)
- Iai division (Sensei Chris Barron)
The Jindokai has branches in many countries England, Scotland, Norway, Italy, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, the Solomon islands; and representation in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Rio (Brazil), and Athens. They also have connections with Okinawa Seidokan in Okinawa and Ryoshin Nihon Ju jutsu in Ireland (founded by Sensei Tony Carrick)
ASF Training have had the pleasure of training with the majority of the Sensei detailed above and we hope to continue our close relationships with them now and in the future to help improve Jindokai worldwide.
Both instructors are fully qualified to practice and teach the martial art, with 4th Dan Black Belts in Aiki Jutsu, 1st Dan Black Belts in Goshin Jutsu and have Edexcel BTEC Level 3 in Advanced Self Defence amongst other qualifications. They are also fully vetted, with full public liability insurance, DBS checked, are qualified first aiders and are Affiliates of the UK Martial Arts Alliance. With many more qualifications and certificates under their belt, you can trust they are the best martial arts teachers in Suffolk. For more information about their achievements, accolades and qualification certificates, see the About Us section.
Sensei Stephan Chan OBE
Stephen was almost destined to become a Sensei, with a martial tradition running in his family so far back as the high Tang dynasty. His maternal grandmother was also a trained swordswoman who fought in early 20th Century China.
Chan was taught throughout his childhood by legendary instructors with accolades of championship wins in the Pacific and Asia under their belts, and an instructor who fought alongside Chairman Mao.
Stephen moved to London in the 70s, and left in 1980 for Africa for a few years before returning to the UK. In London he trained and taught at many well-known dojos and conducted karate gradings at Westminster School. Since then, Stephen has been travelling to Africa teaching karate to people of all ages, in particular those in severely impoverished areas.
Then in 2012 Stephen established his own Jindokai organisation. There are now dojos boasting over 1,700 students in many countries across the globe. Jindokai itself is a consultative organisation which allows for the voice of all instructors with a focus on removing hierarchies.