Zen Kyo Shin Ryu is dedicated to the warrior arts of both Japan and China, making it unique among martial arts.

The reason for the great diversity of training techniques can be traced back to the 14th century, when Han Sha a Chinese warrior monk came to Japan and encountered the then Zen Buddhist sect of Fudoshin warriors, that were part of the mountain aesthetic culture of the Yamabushi.

The school later became a ‘sword ryu' in Kyoto but the tradition of teaching both Chinese and Japanese methods of combat continues in the UK today, by the current Grand Master, Kyoshi Larry Marks and his deputy, Bujin Ian Keery.

Zen Kyo Shin is a traditional Zen Buddhist school and as such shuns modern sport competition and even now, doesn't even have a display team, returning to it's origins of training effective warriors with the style being most suitable to practical use by serving military and police officers (who make up a proportion of the students in the UK).

Traditional Japanese sword techniques are still practiced at many of the dojo by select senior students.

A nine week probationary period is undertaken by all candidates for full membership, during which time they undergo intensive mental and physical training in the basics of the various arts taught.

Full membership is by invitation only after this period.

Senior Dan grades from other styles are always welcome to apply.