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14th FEBRUARY 2010 
2010 THE YEAR OF THE IRON TIGER:

Another new year is upon us and this time around it is the turn of the mighty Tiger.
The Tiger features as the 3rd beast in the 12-year cycle of Chinese and Japanese astrology. The Tiger is a strong and spirited warrior, and is always ready to react at a moments notice.

According to Japanese belief the Tiger is made up of predominantly Yang energy (Japanese: Yo) and embodies the characteristics of strength, courage, focus, determination, honour, speed, aggression, heat, masculinity and Indomitability.

Continuing on the theme of the Tiger throughout the next years training it has been decided that the focus of this years Mokusou (Mediation) will be the application of Fudo-Shin (Immovable Mind) to your everyday training; and that this years primary Te-Buki (Hand Weapons) will be the Jingama and Kama (Single and Paired Hand Sickles).

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17th DECEMBER 2009 
NEWS UPDATE:
Last weekend Shrewsbury saw a revival in ancient Japanese sword combat when the Shrewsbury division of the Junsei Ryu martial arts group hosted their organisations Winter 2009 Kenjutsu Shiai. In ancient times a Shiai was a series of duels fought by master swordsmen using the razor sharp swords of the Samurai; as such these fights frequently led to the death or severe disfigurement of the participants. Modern Shiai however make better use of protective equipment and wooden weaponry to allow for much safer bouts of combat under a predetermined set of rules. The use of Kata has always been prevalent amongst martial arts of Japanese origin, and is designed to allow for the practice of numerous techniques to a set pattern of movements. Kenjutsu Kata unlike the Shiai is practiced with a Katana and as such requires the complete focus of the user so as to avoid any personal injuries.
This years event was divided into four set categories; those being Adult Kata (Set Form) Adult Shiai (Duel) Junior Kata (Set Form) and Junior Shiai (Duel). In total each Shiai participant fought at least five bouts from which the best overall combatants were awarded first, second and third place.
 
Winners Results:
Adult Kata: 1st Place - Gareth Burgess, 2nd Place – Richard Madeley, 3rd place – Troy Hoskison
Junior Kata: 1st Place – Jake Jones, 2nd Place – Ales Morris, 3rd place – Liam Morris
Adult Shiai: 1st Place - Gareth Burgess, 2nd Place – Troy Hoskison, 3rd place – Laura Hoskison
Junior Shiai: 1st Place – Jake Jones, 2nd Place – Ales Morris, 3rd place – Liam Morris
As from March 2010 the Junsei Ryu Kenjutsu Shiai will allow student entrants from any system of Japanese swordsmanship to participate in what is set to become a quarterly event, already there has been interest from Iaido, Aikido and jujitsu clubs from all across the midlands. Next year an Adult Tameshigiri category will be added to the events of the day, Tameshigiri being is the testing of cuts against targets formed from tightly bound rolls of straw.

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3rd DECEMBER 2009 
DECEMBER 2009 NEWSLETTER:

Well the end of another year is fast approaching, and as such we look back at the events of  the last twelve months; the ups and downs and how they have effected the Junsei Ryu as a whole.
Firstly there was the shift within the organisation which ultimately placed Taran McCarnun Renshi as the president of the Junsei Ryu, which in turn left the founder and patron Dr Ash McKee Shihan free to develop the Junsei ryu without the hassle of paperwork and the day to day running. Two well respected martial arts association joined the ranks of the Junsei Ryu Bujutsu Renmei for the mutual benefit of all. Those being the Aikoushin Kobujutsu Renmei (Header By Dave Baker) and the Shunryukan (Headed by Adam J. Merton). We are already in the process of organising courses between our groups, more details will be sent out as soon as we have them.
Most recently there has been the death of Billy Doak Shihan (Hachidan 8th Dan) of the Goshin ju-Jitsu Association. Billy Doak Shihan was a truly great and gifted Jujutsuka who will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege of training with him.
Training End & Restart Dates:
The last training session of the 2009 will be held on Tuesday 22nd December.
The first training session of 2010 will commence on Tuesday 5th January 2010
Festival Dates:
Omisoka: New Year's Eve (31 December)
Omisoka is the second most important day in Japanese tradition because it is the final day of the old year. At this time people clean out their homes, workplaces and Dojo and ensure that all incomplete jobs are finished so that they may start the New Year afresh.
 
Oshogatsu: New Year (1st – 3rd January)
Battledores (Solid wooded rackets) were lavishly decorated as a charm against biting insects and shuttlecocks were batted about the neighbourhood, symbolic of the swatting of mosquitoes. Families visit shrines as well as enjoying visits from and to family and friends.

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29th NOVEMBER 2009 
VERY SAD NEWS:

It is my sad duty to inform all users of the Junsei website that a great man has sadly been taken from us.
 On Friday 27thNovember at 4:40pm Billy Doak Shihan departed this world following a short illness. Billy Doak Shihan was the founder of the Goshin Ju-Jitsu Association and is generally regarded as the single best exponent of Ju-Jutsu that this country had.  To quote Alan Petherbridge MBE (9th Dan Kodokan Judo / 7th Dan Ju-Jitsu) "Shihan Doak is in my opinion, the most efficient exponent of Ju-Jitsu that I have ever seen" At the time of his death Billy Doak Shihan held the grade of Hachidan (8thDan) in Ju-Jitsu and Yondan (4thDan) in Kodokan Judo. Respected by all martial artists that came into contact with him Doak Shihan was a down to earth and likeable man; loved and respected by all whom new him.  
Our thoughts, prayers and support go out to Doak Shihans’ wife Shareen Doak.

All the best Shihan.

Gomeifuku Wo Inorimasu

We Pray For Your Happiness In The Next World

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20th NOVEMBER 2009 
NEW BUJUTSU MEMBER CLUB:

Following several in depth conversations, detailed examinations of technique, history and form (as well as a personal recommendation from Dave Baker Shihan of the Aikoushin Kobujutsu Renmei) we are pleased to welcome the Shunryukan (aka Shunryu Kenpo Karate Academy) into the Junsei Ryu Bujutsu Renmei as an affiliated association.

The Shunryukan is headed by a skilled and humble Budoka by the name of Adam J. Merton Kancho (Godan / 5th Dan). Adam J. Merton Kancho is without a doubt a dedicated Kenpo man with a real in depth understanding of Kenpo tradition, fighting applications and a true passion for his chosen art. We hope to bee seeing a great deal more of Merton Kancho over the coming months and years, to the benefit of all students of Bujutsu.

And don't forget to check out the Shunryu website www.shunryu.co.uk and make yourself familiar with Merton Kancho and the Shunryu Kenpo system.

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27th OCTOBER 2009 
NEW JUNSEI RYU CLUB:

Following the numerous requests from current and former students for a Junsei club in North Shropshire it has been decided that Taran McCarnun Renshi will open a Jujutsu club at Stoke Heath (South West of Market Drayton, North east of Shrewsbury and Shawbury).

As requested by the students the Club will take place every Friday night from the 6th November 2009 at the Maurice Chandler Sports Centre, Warrant road, Stoke Heath, Shropshire, TF9 2JR.

Classes will be charged at £5 per student

Juniors (Under 16) 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Seniors (Over 16) 7:00pm - 8:00pm (Should the long-term student number be sufficient the club will be run until 8:30pm)
For further information regarding this club please contact Taran McCarnun Renshi (Contact details available on the contacts page)

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5th OCTOBER 2009 
KEIKO GUNJIN 2009 AND MORE:

Firstly I would like to thank everyone for their support at the Keiko Gunjin 2009, even those who could not attend for a variety of reasons still spread the word and encouraged others to attend. Attendance on the day was good, albeit rather less than we had been used to at previous events (not helped by several unrelated cases of flu and food poisoning!). The day however was enjoyed by all and thanks go out again to the following instructors for giving up their time. Andy Molyneux, Lee Youens and Dougie Wildman (Team Spartan MMA) Mick Corten and Dave Rowe (Shingitai Aikido) Taran McCarnun, Les Freeman (Junsei Ryu).

Junsei Student Gordon Allison kindly photographed the majority of the day (running on and off the mat in order to grab that must-have shot between throws and take-downs!) Thanks again go out to Gordon who as a professional photographer has uploaded 88 high resolution images to the following website, where the public can view or even request prints online.

http://www.photoboxgallery.com/gaphot
More good news is that Dr Ash McKee Shihan has once more able to take up his role as the senior-most Junsei instructor. Dr McKee Shihan will be teaching his normal Sunday morning classes again very soon (Once the transfer to the new FB's Gym Building is finished). It should be noted however that Taran McCarnun Renshi remains the President of the Junsei Ryu, effectively freeing Dr McKee Shihan from the paperwork and policies so that he can concentrate once again on the development of the Junsei Ryu system.

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14th AUGUST 2009
RECENT CHANGES: 
As some of you will have already of heard by now Reece Phillips Renshi of the Market Drayton Branch of the Junsei Ryu is no longer a member of our association. Reece has chosen to pursue another direction with his personal martial arts training / teaching and as such we wish him the best in his future endeavors.
This does however leeve a large number of students in a rather awkward situation. Those who wish to remain under the instruction of Reece are free to do so, and those who have chosen to remain under the wing of the Junsei Ryu will also be welcomed. However, it should be noted that as Reece is no longer a Junsei instructor the recent insurances booked through Reece personally are NOT valid for use within The Junsei Dojo (As Reece ran his own insurance policy tied directly to him, and not the Junsei organisation).
Students wishing to train with both Junsei and at the Market Drayton Dojo with Reece will need to run two separate insurance policies to cover themselves for all eventualities.

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5th February 2009
After several long discussions it has been decided that Junsei Ryu will now offer an upgraded certificate for those students wanting a more traditional layout as proof of their grade achievements. As such a "Premium Certificate" Is now available for students wishing to upgrade their standard Junsei Ryu Certificates. The new "Premium Certificates" are individually printed onto Vellum type certificate paper, with the students name and date of grading printed along with the certificate design.
The cost of these "Premium Certificates" is £5 each, although the price does also include a frame as well as the printing and administration charges. If you are interested ask your Sensei to contact Taran McCarnun Renshi directly on tm445@btinternet.com
 
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26th JUNE 2009  
As some of you may well be aware Dr Ash McKee Shihan, founder and patron of the Junsei Ryu stepped down from the active running of Junsei in early January of this year. His decision to step down from the active running of Junsei are numerous but come down in main to his ongoing health issues; whilst these conditions are by no means life threatening Dr McKee Shihan believes that at this time he is unable to dedicate the time or required state of mind needed for the successful running of the Junsei Ryu to which end he has appointed Taran McCarnun Renshi as the head of Junsei Ryu so that he may push Junsei Ryu forward in the direction initially set out by Dr McKee at the original founding of Junsei Ryu. Furthermore Dr McKee (and with him the Junsei Ryu itself) has become the target of a petty slander campaign, in which one or two dishonourable individuals are seeking to undermine the very essence of the Junsei Ryu. Henceforth Junsei Ryu under the guidance of Taran McCarnun Renshi washes its hands of all such triviality and urges its members to rise above involving themselves in any such childish slanging matches. Bushido teaches us that we should live our lives with Humility, Respect and Honour, if other schools of martial arts do not wish to do the same, then that is their dishonour and not ours! The aforementioned situation however has opened up discussions regarding the direction of the Junsei ryu that we feel our students deserve answer to. Following the untimely death of Brian Wrightson Kancho (Founder of the Hankyo Kempo Ju-Jitsu Renmei) many senior Hankyo students (including Dr Ash McKee Himself, Taran McCarnun Renshi, Reece Phillips Renshi, Dave Bowen Renshi, Bryn Pass Sensei, les Freeman Sensei and Lee turner Kenshusei to name but a few) were devastated by the cataclysmic effect his death had on the structure of federation. At this time Dr Ash McKee Shihan swore that he would keep his fathers memory alive and would never again let such fragmentation occur. Within many martial arts schools the question of “Where are your grades recognised?” occurs far more regularly that perhaps it should.  If you go to an external authority it is taken that you are either a “Grade Hunter” or that you have no real faith in the value of your associations grade awards. If you do not go to an external authority it is taken that you are “Self-Certifying” and that your grade is worthless outside of your own group. To this end Dr McKee Shihan sought external verification of his grades so that in the event of his passing, Junsei Ryu students would have an unbroken link to an external association to which they could turn to for advice and grading assistance should the senior most Junsei member need it. At this point the contact between Junsei and the All Japan Ju-Jitsu International Federation (AJJIF) was made in an effort to have Junsei grades recognised by an external organisation. The AJJIF were happy to oblige and for a time the senior Junsei members thought this to be a good idea, In fact Dr McKee Shihan was appointed as the AJJIF British technical officer for classical Ju-Jitsu.  After contacting the AJJIF regarding their grading procedure Dr Ash McKee was rather unrepentantly awarded the grade of Shichidan (7th Dan black belt) a grade which he was unsure as to whether he should accept. Regrettably however during this time Taran McCarnun made a formal notice of the grade award on the Junsei website before Dr McKee had made any formal decision; a mistake for which he unreservedly apologises. Following reports of Fraud and Corruption regarding senior AJJIF members, the decision was taken that Dr McKee would refuse his awarded grade, hand back his titles to the AJJIF and to distance ourselves from the AJJIF entirely.  After speaking at great length with one of the countries most respected Jujutsuka (practitioners of Jujutsu) and the following decision was made “From this day forth all grades within the Junsei Ryu are set out by Junsei Ryu for the sole purpose of recognition within our own organisation. A Shodan grade for example is representative of the standard of student we are happy to accept as a Shodan grade within our organisation, and as such may differ to the standard of Shodan grades issued by other organisations. Should any Junsei Ryu members wish to discuss any of this further then please contact Taran McCarnun Renshi who will be happy to discuss matters in greater detail. Yours as always in Bushido:  Taran McCarnun Renshi 

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19th May 2009  

As of the 12nth May 2009 the Aikoushin Kobujutsu Renmei and all of its subsidiary groups are associate members of the Junsei Ryu Bujutsu Renmei (BBJGB  - British Bujutsu Governing Body) and agree to aid in the promotion of classical non-sporting martial arts of Japanese origin within Great Britain. We are pleased to say that communication between ourselves and the Aikoushin Kobujutsu Renmei has been both frequent and well recieved by both parties. Our thanks go out to Dave Baker Shihan (6th Dan / Rokudan) for organising the affiliation, as well as senior Aikoushin member Alan Mulcahy Shihan (7th Dan / Shichidan).  We will hopefully get to see much more of Dave Baker Renshi, Alan Mulcahy Shihan and the rest of the Aikoushin Kobujutsu Renmei over the coming months and years, at the various courses and events we host and attend. A link to the Aikoushin Kobujutsu Renmei domain can now be found on the Links page of this website. 

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20TH April 2009 

As of the 2nd April 2009 the Junsei Ryu Hoshin Jutsu Renmei and all of its subsidiary groups (Junsei Ryu Sen-Ha Kobujutsu Kai, Junsei Ryu Sakura Battojutsu Kai, Junsei Ryu Kempo-Jutsu) come under the banner of the Junsei Ryu Bujutsu Renmei. The Junsei Ryu Bujutsu Renmei is now the British Governing Body for Bujutsu (BBJGB  - British Bujutsu Governing Body) and operates to promote classical non-sporting martial arts of Japanese origin within Great Britain. Whilst Dr. Ash McKee Shihan will remain both the founder and patron of all Junsei Ryu groups, the President of the Junsei Ryu family and the BBJGB is Taran McCarnun Renshi who has been duly authorised to take on that position by Dr. Ash McKee Shihan. The (BBJGB  - British Bujutsu Governing Body) already has a number of martial arts organisations seeking immediate membership and things for Junsei look to be going from strength to strength. All insurance, club and membership details will continue to be run in their current manner, So there will be no disruption to current Junsei Students whatsoever. Furthermore it is the policy of the BBJGB to recognise all grades held by member groups (In this case the Junsei Ryu Family) and offers verification certificates for those who wish to receive them. The administration costs for these certificates is £5 per certificate (including postage and packaging). Please contact Taran McCarnun Renshi via tm445@btinternet.com for further details.

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13th March 2009 

 "To whom it may concern  With effect from the date of grade awarded to Taran McCarnun Renshi (12th January 2009) and the said grade of Godan (5th Dan) being conferred; I Dr Ash McKee Shihan Founder and Patron of the Junsei Ryu Hoshin Jutsu Renmei confirm to all concerned that Taran McCarnun Renshi is dually authorised to act on my behalf in all matters concerning Junsei Ryu and it’s related projects. Furthermore I confirm that he acts as my second In all maters relating to the Junsei Ryu Hoshin Jutsu Renmei.  Any and all matters or subsequent letters authorising individuals to act in any other capacity in terms of management and/or insurances, Gradings, courses etc; should be referred to Taran McCarnun Renshi in the first instance for his verification.  Any breach of this or any action that may contradict this authority will result in immediate expulsion and revocation of grade and status from Junsei and its related organisations".  Dr Ash McKee Shihan Founder And Patron Of Junsei Ryu Hoshin Jutsu Renmei
 

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12th March 2009 

In what is probably the biggest news of this year Dr Ash McKee Shihan, founder and patron of the Junsei Ryu Hoshin Jutsu Renmei was awarded his Shichidan Grade (7th Dan Black-Belt) on the 23rd February 2009. This amazing achievement has come after many decades of dedicated and intensive training and really is well deserved. Dr Mckee Shihan is already the AJJIf head of classical Jujutsu / Bujutsu for Great Britain (All Japan International Ju-Jutsu Federation) but this grade addition only adds to his already impressive list of commendations.  The Shichidan grade itsels was authorised by AJJIF (All Japan International Ju-Jutsu Federation) and IBMA (International Budo Masters Association) Senior directors Alexey Kunin Soke (10th Dan - USA), Nori Bunasawa Soke (10th Dan - Japan), B. Jorda Soke (10th Dan - Serbia), Tony Raven Soke (10th Dan - USA) and Dr Stanislav Holdukov Soke (10th Dan - Asia). Our heartfelt congratulations go out to Dr Ash McKee Shihan for this really great news. 

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6th February 2009 

Congratulations go out today for Junsei Ryu student Ken Hyde as his wife Zoe who gave birth to a healthy baby girl in the early hours of this morning. The baby girl who has been named Willow weighed in at 7lb 3oz.  Our best wishes and heartfelt congratulations go out to both Ken and zoe for this really great news.

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2nd February 2009 

It has recently come to our attention that our great friend, comrade and mentor Keith Morgan Shihan of the Shin-Gi-Tai Aikijujutsu Association was awarded the Grade of Hachidan (8th Dan Black-Belt) on the 1st January 2009. Our warmest regards and utmost respect go out to Keith Morgan Shihan for this astounding award of recognition. Best wishes Morgan Shihan from all of us here at the Junsei Ryu Hoshin Jutsu Renmei, his promotion from Shichidan (7th Dan Black-Belt) is long overdue and as anyone who has ever trained with Morgan Shihan will tell you is very well deserved indeed.

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30th January 2009 

Grading dates for Junsei Ryu Jujutsu clubs have now been confirmed. The following gradings are to be held at the Beacon Community Centre, Market Drayton, North Shropshire. Please contact your Sensei for further details regarding grading costs and entry requirements.  Saturday 21st March 2009 Juniors: 10.30am-12.30pm Adults: 1pm-3pm  Saturday 18th July 2009 Juniors: 10.30am-12.30pm Adults: 1pm-3pm  Saturday 21st November 2009 Juniors: 10.30am-12.30pm Adults: 1pm-3pm 

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27th January 2009

As of today the Downloads section of the Junsei Ryu Hoshin Jutsu Renmei official website is fully active. At the moment a massive nineteen (19) Pictorial factsheets are available for you to save and print out. The pictorial factsheets detail such things as naming the parts of the Katana, Tanto, sai, Nunchaku, Kusari, tsuba and much much more. Over the next few weeks we hope to have a fully working articles page, where magazine type articles regarding all aspects of the martial arts can be downloaded and read. Please keep checking out the JunseiRyu.org website and keep us informed of your ideas and opinions. Taran McCarnun Renshi (webmaster) can be contacted with all details regarding the website via the following email tm445@btinternet.com   

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26th January 2009

As all students from the Cheshire branch of the Junsei Ryu Hoshin Jutsu Renmei are well aware, Dave Bowen Renshi has recently undergone a medical operation. As such the Audlem club is TEMPORARILY closed whilst Dave Bowen Renshi takes the time to heal. As such we recommend that students from Audlem continue their short term training at the Market Drayton club under the instruction of Reece Phillips Renshi. We wish Dave Bowen Renshi a speedy recovery.  

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25th January 2009

Today a pair of Junsei students who have each displayed an unprecedented level of loyalty, dedication and technical skill during their years of training have been honoured. The students in question are Reece Phillips Renshi (Head of Junsei child development) and Long time student Lee Turner.  Reece Phillips has been honoured with the rank of Yondan (4th Dan Black-Belt) for his dedication, skill and loyalty to the art of Junsei Ryu Hoshin Jutsu Renmei. It is highly unusual for a student under 30 to be awarded such a high grade, this alone illustrates the level of skill and passion found in Reece Phillips Renshi.  Our second Student is a young man whose level of technical ability and determination far outshine his years. Lee Turner has fought through several injuries in order to progress through the ranks of Junsei and has never once pushed for personal recognition. For these reasons Lee Turner has been awarded the rank of Shodan (1st Dan Black-Belt) at an adult level, having originally taken his Shodan-Ho as a junior grade. Lee Turner was also the first Junsei student to be awarded the title of Kenshusei (Assistant Teacher) a truly great honour indeed. Our heartfelt congratulations go out to both Reece Phillips Renshi and Lee Turner Kenshusei for their well-deserved grade awards.
 
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15th January 2009
As some of you may have already heard on the 12th of January 2009 Taran McCarnun Sensei was awarded a great honour by Dr Ash McKee Shihan. Here is what Shihan had to say."
"Dear Taran As a trusted Sensei and close friend it is with the utmost pleasure that from today you will honour me by taking the title of Renshi (Polished Expert) and accept and carry the grade of Godan (5th dan). My reasons are both personal and are based solely on your committed study of the Bu Jutsu arts and your continuing support to me and the organisation. You have been practicing Ju Jutsu for more than 26 years and by my own math, should have attained Go-Dan at 29, so it is overdue on time in grade alone! It is not for that reason though, it is for your ability, your strength, your knowledge, commitment, and generally open minded, spirited approach to every student you teach. It is a great honour for me to have you in the position you hold within Junsei. With love, respect and great humility.
Dr Ash McKee Shihan: Founder and Senior most Sensei Of The Junsei Ryu Hoshin Jutsu Renmei"
Taran McCarnun Renshi had the following to say:
"To say that I was shocked with my grade award would be an understatement. But as a loyal and dedicated member of the Junsei Ryu Hoshin Jutsu Renmei it is both my honour and my duty to accept my new grade and title with humility. A huge thank you goes out to Dr Ash McKee Shihan for his support and teachings these past decades, as well as to my family who have supported me during my training and beyond. Domo Arigato. Taran McCarnun Renshi"

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20th December 2008
As some of you will already know, Junsei Ryu has created its own YouTube channel. On it you will find samples of syllabus techniques amongst other interesting videos. Don’t forget to rate the Junsei videos and add them to your favourites. We would also request that to subscribe to the Junsei Ryu channel.
http://uk.youtube.com/user/JunseiRyuHoshinJutsu

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18th November 2008
Welcome to the new Junsei Ryu Hoshin Jutsu website. As may well be obvious the website is still largely under construction but will be fully up and running in the very near future. If you have any ideas or suggestions for the website then please contact Taran McCarnun Sensei via E-mail at tm445@btinternet.com

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