Saturday 5th September 2026
JUDO & IAIDO SUMMER SEMINAR
Introduction to Zen Judo, Zen Nippon Kendo Remei Seitai Iaido and Kendo Kata
South Bersted Church Hall, Bersted Street, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO22 9QE
09:00 – 17:00
Hosted by: Bognor Regis Zen Judo Club (Zen Judo family) & Zen Shin Zen Rei Iaido Dojo (ShinBuKan Bognor Regis)
This beginners seminar introduces three core Japanese martial arts – Zen Judo, ZNKR Seitei Iaido, and Kendo Kata. It covers basic philosophy, fundamental body movements, etiquette, and practical demonstrations over the course of the day.
Zen Judo: The roots of Zen Judo and it’s philosophy, focusing on the gentle way, balance, and yielding to overcome force. Safe mutual practice. Learn safe falling techniques and practice balance breaking without using brute strength.
ZNKR Seitei Iaido: Focusing on mindfulness, smooth drawing and focus. Safe handling of a botuko (wooden sword for beginners) and sword etiquette. Basic Iaido kamae (postures) and practice of baseline drawing and cutting motions within the Seitei kata forms.
Note: For this beginners course all Iaido techniques may be performed standing.
Kendo Tachi No Kata: Focusing on distance, timing and spirit through partnered forms. Introduction to facing an armed opponent and performing controlled attacks and responses.
Event Program:
| 09:00-10:00 | Mats Out & Seminar Registration | All hands on deck |
| 10:00-10:30 | Seminar Opening Warm-Up (Main Hall) | All |
| 10:30-11:25 | Morning Session #1· Main Hall: Introduction to Zen Judo Small Hall: Introduction to Ukemi (Break-falling) | Judo Instructed by: Shihan John Robertson (6th dan, ZJF) Judo Supported by: Sensei Martin Robertson (5th Dan, ZJF) Sensei David Bennington (4th Dan, ZJF) |
| 11:25- 11:35 | Brief Refreshment Break | All |
| 11:35-12:30 | Morning Session #2 Main Hall: Introduction to Zen Judo Small Hall: Introduction to Zen Judo | Judo Instructed by: Shihan John Robertson (6th dan, ZJF) Judo Supported by: Sensei Martin Robertson (5th Dan, ZJF) Sensei David Bennington (4th Dan, ZJF) |
| 12:30-13:00 | Randori (Moving Paired Practice) | All, Led by Judo Instructors |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch Break & Main Hall Mat Clearance (Bring Packed Lunch. Refreshments will be provided) | All |
| 14:00-14:55 | Afternoon Session #1 Main Hall: Introduction to ZNKR Seitei Iaido Small Hall: Zen Judo (TBC) | Iaido Instructed by: Sensei Roger Pimlott (4th Dan, Iaido/Kendo) Iaido Supported by: Martin Robertson (2nd Dan, Iaido) Judo Instructed by: Judo Instructor (TBC) |
| 14:55- 15:05 | Brief Refreshment Break | All |
| 15:05-16:00 | Afternoon Session #2 Main Hall: Introduction to Kendo Tachi No Kata (Paired Kata with Bokuto) Small Hall: Zen Judo (TBC) | Iaido Instructed by: Sensei Roger Pimlott (4th Dan, Iaido/Kendo) Iaido Supported by: Martin Robertson (2nd Dan, Iaido) Judo Instructed by: Judo Instructor (TBC) |
| 16:00-16:15 | Iaido Embu Demonstration (Main Hall) Live performance of Iaido Seitei & Muso Shinden Ryu Koryu Solo Forms | Performed by: Iaido Sensei |
| 16:30-17:00 | Seminar Closing (Main Hall) | All |
ALL-DAY FEE: £15
Skill Level: Absolute Beginners welcome!
Morning Session dress code: Judogi or comfortable, breathable athletic clothing. (Avoid zippers and buttons). A baggy jumper is ideal for introduction to Judo.
Afternoon Session dress code: Iaidogi with hakama, Judogi or comfortable, breathable athletic clothing. (Avoid zippers and buttons).
Safety & Hygiene: Please trim fingernails and toenails. Remove all jewelry and tie up log hair.
Food & Water: Bring packed Lunch and plenty of water. (Refreshments will be provided during the day).
Health: Please inform one of the instructors during registration of any medical conditions they may need to be made aware of.
For Booking & Further Information Contact:
Email: brzjc@zenjudo.co.uk
Phone: 07506689314
