Shindo History

My name is James Seaward, I founded Shindo after 23+ years of training in the Martial Arts, during these years I have trained in Wado Ryu, Shotokan, Western Boxing, Kenjutsu, Iaido, Judo, Aikido and British Bushido Karate. For the last decade I have extensively studied, and continue to, THD (Total Human Defense) the black belt system of training at Gloucesters Seishin Dojo, and continuing my personal journey with Real Deal Martial Arts instructors such as Murray Bruton and Steve Morris with whom I study Morris Method MMA. I also have training in Security Psychology and Close Protection. I am a registered trainer with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health to deliver level 2 training in Conflict Resolution and Personal Safety and qualified to teach HSE First Aid at Work, I am proud to deliver this training in association with CRW Training. I also have a BTEC level 3 qualification of the Edexcel Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) programme, which is recognised by Lifelong Learning UK, the government approved standards body for the education sector. The qualification is defined as the minimum requirement for those wishing to deliver post 16 Education. I also hold a level 3 qualification in Physical Intervention Skills for the Private Security Industry.

During the last 25 years have experienced first hand the best and the worst…..

I have trained in the best of technique, understanding and training methods. The best of efficiency of combat and tools to attain a profound sense safety. The best of fellowship and brother/sisterhood, realistic and well-trained self-protection and martial art systems. But I have also seen the worst, commercial training systems delving deep into people’s wallets. Systems giving, or maybe, selling black belts to students including children, children who lack the maturity to understand the morality of what they have been taught. I have seen schools lower standards to accommodate the above children. I have experienced and witnessed the damaging political nature of schools and governing bodies. I have seen and experienced poor, inefficient and sometimes dangerous teaching methods, I have encountered the withholding of lessons, only to be given to those that can afford it. I have seen the unneeded smoke and mirrors structure of schools, and the misdirection of truth…..

And so SHINDO was devised,Within its name you will find the schools intent;

We have removed what we believe to be the impediments of modern martial arts training while adhering to its true virtues, Shin is translated as Real, Genuine, Truth:

Real – Realistic and effective combat system
Genuine – In the quality of training of true worth
Truth – giving the student nothing but the truth on and off the mat.

As well as these fundamentals we also believe these other principles to be exceptionally important, even to be the lifeblood of the school itself: Honour, Integrity, Sincerity, Trustworthiness and Honesty.

While some schools base their Martial Arts on flashy movements maybe to music with the highest kicks, or promoting the worst of humankinds virtues i.e. egotism & greed. Immersion Japanese concept of 'Do' revealed the discovery that through correct training the students would begin to 'feel' more secure in their environment and indeed ultimately their self. Out of practicing skills came a positive state of mind, the foundations of a wholly secure mind. Out of a secure mind comes the sense of peace and harmony leading to a profound love of life.

So that’s the driving force behind Shindo Martial Arts, and if you feel similar please call me or email.

I wish you well in your journey of self-discovery

James Seaward