Enshin Karate

Ashihara Karate cover illustration

Enshin Karate is a dynamic, modern style founded by Joko Ninomiya, evolving from the traditions of Kyokushin and Ashihara Karate. It emphasizes practical application, fluid movement, and the innovative “sabaki” method, which focuses on angling, redirection, and counterattacks. Enshin is designed for real combat scenarios, balancing powerful strikes with tactical positioning. Its curriculum highlights realistic self-defense, controlled competition, and a philosophy of continuous improvement through adaptability and efficiency.

Enshin Karate Essentials

About Enshin Karate

Explore Enshin Karate, a modern martial art blending powerful strikes with the strategic sabaki method for fluid movement and effective self-defense applications.

Enshin Karate History

Learn how Enshin Karate developed under Joko Ninomiya’s leadership, blending elements of Kyokushin and Ashihara into a practical and innovative fighting system.

Philosophy & Approach

Understand Enshin’s focus on adaptability, control, and tactical movement, built around the core principle of sabaki to neutralize opponents efficiently.

Techniques & Style

Discover the hallmark techniques of Enshin, including circular footwork, off-balancing maneuvers, swift counterattacks, and full-contact striking strategies.

Traditions & Etiquette

Delve into Enshin’s training traditions and dojo etiquette, emphasizing respect, focus, humility, and the warrior spirit carried through each sabaki movement.

Uniform & Symbols

Learn about the Enshin gi, the emblem representing the philosophy of “inner circle” strength, and how uniforms reflect the discipline and ideals of the school.

Weapons

While primarily an empty-hand system, Enshin occasionally incorporates weapons concepts to enhance understanding of distance, timing, and redirection.

Ranking System

Explore Enshin’s structured ranking system, where progression is based on practical skills, competition readiness, and mastery of the sabaki method.

Enshin Karate Glossary

Find clear explanations of key Enshin terminology, including sabaki strategies, specific movement principles, kata names, and training concepts.

Notable Figures

Meet Joko Ninomiya and other leading figures who have advanced Enshin Karate’s global reach, contributing to its unique evolution and martial philosophy.

Branches & Organizations

Navigate the worldwide network of Enshin branches, unified under the guiding principles of Ninomiya’s vision and focused on continuous technical innovation.

Competitive Format

Learn about Enshin’s full-contact sabaki challenge tournaments, designed to test tactical movement, strategy, and controlled full-power techniques in realistic conditions.