In the early 1980s, Keith Bell, a 4th Dan in Wado Ryu and a student of Sensei Kanazawa in Shotokan, sought to develop a martial arts system that blended the strengths of both styles. This vision led to the creation of Anshin Ryu, a name that translates to “Peace of Mind” or “Heart and Mind,” depending on the kanji interpretation. While deeply rooted in Wado Ryu, Anshin Ryu integrated elements of Shotokan, adopting lower stances that provided a balance of power and agility. The system retained the foundational Pinan kata from Wado Ryu up to black belt, before incorporating advanced Shotokan forms such as Unsu and Nijushiho at Dan level.
By the mid-1980s, Sensei Bell expanded Anshin Ryu’s reach by establishing Sentenashi Karate Kosai, an association of clubs across the North East of England. Locations included Barnard Castle, Hurworth, Sedgefield, Newton Aycliffe, and Catterick Garrison, with the Honbu Dojo based in Darlington. It was at this dojo that Sensei Fred Bateman began his Karate journey, initially training twice a week before increasing to four sessions, including additional training at the Newton Aycliffe dojo.
In 1992, Sensei Bell retired from Karate, leading to the dissolution of Sentenashi Karate Kosai. The Dan grades followed different paths—some returning to Wado Ryu, others exploring styles such as Isshin-Ryu, while a few continued with Anshin Ryu.
That same year, on March 31st, Sensei Fred Bateman, alongside Sensei Chris and Stuart Bateman, founded Kazoku Karate. Their first Honbu Dojo was established in St Anne’s Church Hall, Darlington, later moving to Clifton Church Hall, where it has remained for over a decade. The school affiliated with the United Kingdom All Styles Karate Organisation (UKASKO) and continued its development under the guidance of renowned Shotokan instructor Sensei Terry Mathur (5th Dan) in Stockport. Under Mathur Sensei’s mentorship, the Batemans honed their expertise in Shotokan kata and bunkai (applications), competing as part of the English squad and earning numerous accolades.
Between 1992 and 1998, Anshin Ryu Karate expanded with new techniques, partner drills, and self-defence strategies. A theoretical syllabus was introduced to deepen students’ understanding of martial arts history and philosophy.
In 1998, Sensei Fred Bateman traveled to Okinawa, the birthplace of Karate, to further his knowledge. He trained in Uechi Ryu and Kobudo (Okinawan weapons), enriching the Anshin Ryu curriculum. Upon his return, he connected with Sensei Phil Snewin (5th Dan) in the Midlands, whose Kamishin Ryu—a fusion of Goju Ryu and Kyokushinkai—further shaped Bateman Sensei’s understanding of traditional martial arts (Budo) beyond competitive sports.
This wealth of knowledge, acquired from esteemed Sensei and firsthand experiences in Japan, played a crucial role in shaping Anshin Ryu Karate into the dynamic system it is today. The instructors of Kodokan Martial Arts remain committed to continuous learning, training with world-class experts such as Franco Sanguinetti (8th Dan), head of Bushikan in San Diego, USA.
Anshin Ryu Karate continues to evolve, with its instructors actively participating in seminars and Gasshuku across Europe and America. In September 2024, the school entered a new chapter by leaving UKASKO and affiliating with the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association (BMABA). This move ensures rigorous verification of instructor credentials and emphasises ongoing professional development (CPD), reinforcing Anshin Ryu’s commitment to excellence and growth.
The journey of Anshin Ryu Karate is one of tradition, adaptation, and continuous evolution, ensuring that its students and instructors remain at the forefront of martial arts education.