Shinwa Dojo

About the Dojo

The Shinwa Dojo evolved out of a small study group set up in 2015 by Jonas Fathy, the current dojo-cho, and Graham Farquhar. It was awarded dojo status in 2018 and is currently the only dojo with a licensed instructor in the UK.

When & Where

Because of the geography of our group – the members are all spread out in London and the Southeast – we train in several locations. Please note that times and locations occasionally change short notice - please enquire before deciding to join a session.

Cost

We are a not-for-profit organisation with the mission to maintain TSYR - we do not operate a profit-seeking model. The members share cost, for example for space rental. As such, individual cost may vary depending on location and attendance. Please enquire for the specific session you would like to join.

Interested in joining?

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A short history of the Shinwa Dojo

The Shinwa Dojo evolved out of a small study group set up in 2015. Back then, Jonas Fathy moved to London due to personal reasons. He had trained TSYR in Germany for several years, with what is today the Kurobayashi Dojo. In London and the Southeast, however, Graham Farquhar had been the only TSYR student up until this point.

Together, the two were allowed to set up an official TSYR study group.

In 2018, Jonas received Shoden Mokuroku , the basic level teaching license, elevating the study group to a dojo .

Today, Jonas accredits most of this achievement to Graham’s persistence, dedication and his incredibly kind and personable way with people.

Sadly, after over 18 months of a brave fight against illness, Graham passed away in spring 2019. He remains an inspiration: The dojo members under Jonas’s leadership jointly decided to name the dojo in his memory.

After some deliberation and the consultation of a Japanese teacher and fellow TSYR student, they decided on Shinwa Dojo, which was confirmed by Toby Threadgill- sensei in April 2019.

Jonas Fathy returned to Germany in 2023. The position of Dojo Cho was passed to Paul Gravett, who received Shoden Mokuroku , the basic level teaching license in March of 2023 and is the current head of Shinwa Dojo.

親

(shin)

parent, relative, familiarity

和

(wa)

harmony, Japan, Japanese style, soften

親和

(shinwa)

friendship, fellowship, affinity

This name references the core qualities of Graham’s personality which shall guide the behaviour and values of the dojo members.

When & Where

The members of the Shinwa Dojo are spread across London and the Southeast. Most travel frequently to training, however, expectations are discussed on an individual level and capacity. It is not expected of our members to join every location’s training, but of course everyone is welcome to join all classes. We aim to have one joint training per month - usually on a weekend - and travel to seminars on the continent at least once a year.

Our Google calendar

To make it easier for new-joiners and people interested in TSYR, we have published a Google calendar where our main training sessions are publicised with times and locations.

Please note: Times and locations may change occasionally on short notice. If you would like to join a session, please be in touch beforehand to confirm details.

Our usual training locations

Chelmsford (Essex)

This is currently our regular training space. We meet every second Sunday for a 5-hour training session.

Dovedale Sports Centre Vicarage Rd, Chelmsford CM2 9BP

Stadhampton (Oxfordshire)

This location is close to one of our members; since the pandemic started, we haven't used it much, however.

Stadhampton Primary School, Cratlands Cl, Stadhampton, Oxford OX44 7XL

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