History

Karate comes from a long line of Martial Arts stretching back into history, yet its training methods and philosophy are of immense relevance to modern western society. Karate do is a martial way - the Way of the Empty Hand. This symbolises its non-violent nature and also the ideal of confronting one's own real self. All martial arts have these principles at their heart to a greater or lesser extent.

It is these ideals that are stressed by the Reiwaryu Ryushinkan School of Karatedo. The same hard training methods which were needed to condition the mind and body of warriors to meet life or death situations are now used in modern times to help students cope with presures of modern life, with its anxieties and unexpected setbacks. This encourages and cultivates a positive outlook for all within the school.
Reiwaryu Ryushinkan Karatedo Renmei, the Shorinji Ryu style of karate, was only recently brought to Japan (1961), being of Okinawan origin. The origins of this school can then be traced back to the eighteenth century. The aim of this school through its philosopy and practice is the cultivation of peace within society.


Soke Shosaku Ueno - Master

Soke Shosaku Ueno is an inspiring teacher and the founder of all Japan Reiwaryu Ryushinkan Karatedo, which incorporates Shorinji Ryu, Shindo Ryu, Aikido, and Buki techniques of Okinawa.  Soke is a dynamic teacher with a passionate belief that Karatedo should be available to all.  He believes that if children are introduced to the discipline through teachers with correct attitude and approach then this will ultimately benefit the community as whole.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kyoshi Peter Connolly 6th Dan

In 1981 Peter Connolly 6th Dan visited Japan and was introduced to Soke Shosaku Ueno.  He then followed an intensive period of training, after which  Soke  requested that Peter Connolly introduce the style of Reiwaryu Ryushinkan Karatedo to England.   Following another visit in August 1983 on the special request of Soke Ueno, Peter Connolly agreed to introduce this style to England. Later he was awarded the honour of European Chief Instructor and more recently given the title of Kyoshi.   Since then Peter Connolly has visited Japan on more than 12 occasions to explore and develop the style under Soke's strict and inspiring guidance.

Peter Connolly has, from the early years, always emphasized to his students the focus for the training was to overcome one's own weaknesses. These weaknesses are challenged through and within your own individual practice of Karatedo. He stressed the need for channelled aggression, and the maintenance of control. Correct etiquette and the mutual respect between students and teachers are essential. This philosophy was shared by Soke Shosaku Ueno and is still at the root of Reiwaryu Ryushinkan Karatedo today.

 

 

Shihan Rhys Williams 5th Dan

Shihan Rhys Williams 5th Dan and Kyoshi Peter Connolly originally trained together in 1973 in the style of Wado Ryu Karate with Tatsuo Suzuki 8th Dan Hanshi.  They then continued their training in Wado Ryu with Kyoshi Gary Swift 7th Dan.  In 1983 Rhys Williams along with other senior students followed Peter Connolly and agreed to honour the request of Soke Shosaku Ueno to introduce Reiwaryu Ryushinkan Karatedo to England,

Shihan Rhys Williams has spent many years of continued commitment to his practice and now leads the English branch of Reiwaryu Ryushinkan Karatedo. Since those early days Shihan Williams and many of the school's black belt students have visited Japan on several occassions to train directly under the instruction of Soke Shosaku Ueno.  Soke Ueno himself has visited England as Kyoshi's guest on many occasions to pass on his knowledge to the students in the United Kingdom.

 

 

The School

The school now hosts many training centres (Dojos) throughout East and West Sussex, and has trained over 60 students to the level of Dan grade status. The Reiwaryu Ryushinkan Karatedo Renmei is considered a traditional school of karate by it's senior members stressing the importance of  courtesy, self-discipline, respect, and personal achievement through hard training.  Twice a year the dojos within the school are united together to compete and learn from each other. This occasion is an opportunity for all members not only to test themselves and demonstrate their abilities, but also to share knowledge and friendship.