Bognor Regis Zen Judo Dojo

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Ryūpedia — A Martial Arts Archive Ryūpedia is a long-form encyclopedia of martial arts history — honest, deeply researched essays on karate, jūjutsu, kenjutsu, Chinese and Southeast Asian fighting traditions, weapons, and martial philosophy.

June Training Sessions / Fees:

There is 5 training sessions in June.

If you normally pay by bank transfer, there will be training sessions this month (June). If you pay by bank transfer, the total due will be £35 can you also make sure you mark which sessions/month you are paying for (please let me know when you have paid).

If you are unable to attend regularly during the month (and pay up front), please try to pay by cash (£7) for each session when you are able to attend. It makes it easier for us to keep track of session payments.

We still have room for new and returning students.

Sensei John Robertson 6th Dan
(Chief Instructor)

May Training Sessions / Fees:

Please note there is only 2 training sessions in May (NO training session on May the 4th or May 25th).

We still have room for new and returning students.

Sensei John Robertson 6th Dan
(Chief Instructor)

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Shu–Ha–Ri (守破離) is a traditional Japanese learning framework that describes the natural evolution of mastery in martial arts, arts, and even life practice. It is not a rigid ladder but a living process, guiding the student from imitation to innovation.

Shu (守) — To Protect / Obey
Shu is the stage of faithful learning. The student follows the teacher’s forms, techniques, etiquette, and rhythms exactly as taught. There is no attempt to alter or personalize the art. This is not blind obedience, but deep respect: by repeating correct forms, the body absorbs structure, timing, posture, and spirit. In martial arts, Shu builds safety, discipline, and humility. The ego is quiet, and trust in the lineage is essential. Foundations are laid here, and skipping Shu weakens everything that follows.

Ha (破) — To Break / Detach
Ha begins when the student starts to understand why things work. The forms are no longer copied mechanically; they are tested, compared, and adapted. The practitioner may study other schools, feel variations, and adjust techniques according to context, body type, or situation. This “breaking” does not mean rejecting tradition, but freeing oneself from rigid dependence on it. Mistakes increase, but insight deepens. Ha is a phase of questioning, refinement, and conscious choice.

Ri (離) — To Separate / Transcend
Ri is the stage of natural expression. Technique flows without conscious effort, and form arises spontaneously from principle. The practitioner is no longer bound by styles, yet fully embodies them. Teaching becomes transmission rather than instruction. In Ri, the art is no longer something you do—it is something you are.

Shu–Ha–Ri reminds us that true mastery is a journey from form, through understanding, into freedom.

concepts #守破離 #武道 #武道家 #道場 #師範 #先生 #学び #武道コミュニティ #武術 #武術トレーニング #武道家 #合気道家 #合気道 #道場スクロール #漢字 #座禅 #禅の概念

A useful diagram after Mondays session on kuzushi.

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Kuzushi 🥋

Thanks to the members who came tonight and donated food for the food bank. To those not able to make it tonight hope to see you next week.

Today (Tuesday) Yvonne and I delivered the food donated to the Bognor Regis Food Bank at the Hope Centre and also to the Jeneses Community Centre Food Bank.

Attached is a photo of the food collected so far.

Sensei John.

Happy New Year 2026 to all our past, present and future Zen Judo Family.

Sensei John Robertson.

Thanks to Sensei's Martin, Yvonne and Jon and Chris and his daughter for help tonight.

We managed to empty out the storage cupboard and repair the mats and give everything a good clean ready for the New Year.

See you all back next Monday, remember to bring your non-perishable food for the food bank.

Sensei John.

Some more photos from last night.

Monday we held our traditional Christmas 'games night', this was very well attended, with only a couple of members not able to attend due to illness and a number of new faces. As usual it was great fun and total chaos.

It was decided this year to award the Dominick McCarthy 'Student of the Year' to Samuel, for displaying the Zen Judo spirit both in and outside the dojo.

We hope you all have a great Christmas and will see you on Monday 5th January 2026. Remember to bring some non-perishable food with you for the food bank.

Sensei John Robertson 6th Dan.
(Chief Instructor)

ps. More photos to follow 🙂