Anshin Ryu Karate – A History
Back in the early 80’s Keith Bell, 4th Dan in Wado Ryu and training in Shotokan under Sensei Kanazawa, decided to establish a system that incorporated the best from both styles. This newly founded style became “Anshin Ryu” (translates as “Peace of Mind” or “Heart and Mind” depending on the kanji translation). The content of the style is much the same as Sensei Bell’s training in the Wado Ryu system, except that the stances became lower towards the Shotokan style, but not as deep. This had the effect of making the style look more powerful like Shotokan, but still retaining the speed of the Wado system. The kata was split, the basic still being Pinan from Wado with some advanced kata, such as Kushanku and Chinto, up to and including first Dan, but then the system changed into the Shotokan advanced kata, such as Unsu and Nijushiho etc.
Over the years from the 80s, Sensei Bell established Sentenashi Karate Kosai where clubs covered the North East area, from Barnard Castle, Hurworth, Sedgefield, Newton Aycliffe and Catterick Garrison. The main Honbu Dojo was in Darlington. This was where the Kodokan Sensei trained twice a week, in addition to twice a week at the Newton Aycliffe dojo.
Then in 1992, Keith Bell decided to retire from karate, his interest lay in other directions. At this time Sentenashi disbanded, and the Dan grades decided to go their own way. Some decided to go back to the Wado system, others learned a completely new system, such as Isshin-Ryu, and a few remained with the Anshin-Ryu system.
After leaving Sentenashi, it was on 31st March 1992 that Sensei Fred Bateman founded Kazoku Karate, along with Sensei Chris Bateman and Sensei Stuart Bateman. The Honbu dojo was initially set up in St Anne’s Church Hall, Welbeck Ave, Darlington, but has now moved to a new location. The school was affiliated to the United Kingdom All Styles Karate Organisation (UKASKO), and associated Karate Governing Body. All three of the Sensei (Plural), Fred, Chris and Stuart started to train under a well-known Shotokan Sensei over in Stockport, by the name of Terry Mathur (5th Dan). Sensei Mathur is no longer with us today and he is sadly missed. Much of their advanced Shotokan knowledge of the system’s Kata and Bunkai (application) comes from their training with Sensei Mathur. He was also UKASKO’s English Kata Squad coach. All three of the Kodokan Sensei competed for the English squad, winning trophies and medals during their time with Sensei Mathur as their coach.
Between 1992 and 1998, the Anshin Ryu Karate under these Sensei expanded, not only by way of introducing new techniques, partner drills, self-defence etc., but setting up a theoretical syllabus to teach the students about the history and philosophy behind the martial arts.
While training in Kobudo (Okinawan Weapons) Sensei Fred Bateman got the chance to study Karate and Kobudo in Okinawa, Japan. This occurred in 1998 and from this, he was able to expand the curriculum of the Anshin Karate and the Kobudo arts here in England. But more importantly, it gave him the stepping-stone to study under his new Sensei Phil Snewin (5th Dan) in Kamishin Ryu. This provided Sensei Bateman with more of an understanding of Budo Art rather than “Sporting Art”.
His combined knowledge from his time in Japan and with these eminent Sensei enabled him to evolve the Anshin Ryu Karate into what it has become today. All three of the Sensei are still actively involved with learning from world-class instructors, such as with their current Matayoshi Kobudo Sensei Franco Sanguinetti, 8th Dan. As they state the art of Karate is a “Life’s Journey”.
Anshin Ryu Karate, part of Kodokan Martial Arts, is embarking on an exciting new chapter as of September 2024. Sensei Bateman, committed to maintaining and enhancing coaching standards, has chosen to leave UKASKO and join the rapidly growing British Martial Arts & Boxing Association (BMABA). This association not only verifies the credentials of its instructors but also emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development, encouraging participation in courses and seminars.