Zen-Shin Martial Arts Academy

Zen Shin karate is for all ages. I'm in my 50's and it's keeping me fit and agile. It's changed my life for the better.

Zen shin is a very well established karate and kickboxing club that is run by koyshi richards 8th dan for over 20 years. I myself have been with zen shin for over 10 years, and it has build up my self-esteem and confidence and made me feel a lot fitter and healthier. if you are looking around to join a club and learn karate or kickboxing look no futher, come along and join us at zen shin club and build up your own self-esteeem and confidence and improve your discipline, Adults and Children of all ages welcome, it is a club where you can learn and enjoy your workout at the same time, very friendly instructors.

My family have been involved with Zen-shin black belt academy for nearly ten years. My daughter who is nearly 15 and my son who will be 12 this year are both black belts and compete at an international standard attaining a world champion medal each in Germany 2011. I have achieved my black belt at the age of 42 and the three of us assist in teaching on a Monday at Mere Green. Zen shin has helped my children with not only fitness and discipline but also assisted in their academic achievement and focus. They are confident happy and compassionate children who have a great circle of friends of all ages. Zen shin is an inclusive academy where everyone is made welcome and treated respectfully and as an individual. It can be scary to start a martial art at any age but just give it a go and be brave! The club runs social events and a karate weekend in Devon every May its not just a karate club it's a lifestyle !

My son has been a student at this club based in Hockley, for just over 2 years and the improvement in him both mentally and physically has been quite astounding. This club encourages their students, stimulates discipline, responsibility and maturity, no matter their age or background. I have been and still am impressed with the quality, stability and organisation of this club and the high level of achievement they expect from their students, not only in karate, but also academically. My son has three (3) instructors and I am proud to say that they are respectable, approachable and most of all trustworthy; I would have no doubt that, he would be truly 'looked after' and safe, if left in their care for any reason. I also have to add that they have been so inspirational that, I was tempted to start doing kickboxing/karate myself but thought that I would not physically 'endure the test'. I will encourage anyone both adult or child, if you lack self-esteem, need mental stimulation, improvement in discipline, all while having fun, this is the best place to get it all. Keep up the excellent work, Zen-Shin!

I have been training with Kyoshi Richards for over 10 years. I'm a mother of two children, aged at 6 and 2. Training with Zen Shin has helped me loosing all my baby weight and getting fitter very quickly. My older one(a girl) is also training with Zen Shin, I believe it will benefit her for a long time.

An incredible martial arts school with a fully committed instructor team and highly dedicated chief, kyoshi John Richards. Zen shin is a well established, well organised karate association with a number of dojos across the west Midlands area. Classes are high standard every time, teaching Shotokan karate the way it should be taught by an officially recognised 8TH Dan instructor. Joining this club has been the best thing I have done in my life, increasing my confidence and self esteem and also helping my lose a huge amount of weight. Would without doubt recommend to anybody interested in karate or kick boxing.

If you're looking for traditional Karate or freestyle Kickboxing, look no further. Train at a proper dojo instead of at a sports hall. John Richards has been training for nearly 40 years, is a 7th Dan and is President for traditional Karate for the World Karate Association. Teachers and students are all very helpful with no hint of a "them and us" attitude. Everyone works at their own pace but is encouraged to push themselves. I like the "come and have a go" attitude, you'll find them very welcoming.