Sanjuro is a

hybrid Hybrid may refer to: Science * Hybrid (biology), an offspring resulting from cross-breeding ** Hybrid grape, grape varieties produced by cross-breeding two ''Vitis'' species ** Hybridity, the property of a hybrid plant which is a union of two diff ...

martial art Martial arts are codified systems and traditions of combat practiced for a number of reasons such as self-defence; military and law enforcement applications; competition; physical, mental, and spiritual development; entertainment; and the pres ...

, fusing elements of a variety of martial arts styles,

sparring Sparring is a form of training common to many combat sports. It can encompass a range of activities and techniques such as punching, kicking, grappling, throwing, wrestling or submission work dependent on style. Although the precise form varies, ...

, and

dance Dance is an The arts, art form, consisting of sequences of body movements with aesthetic and often Symbol, symbolic value, either improvised or purposefully selected. Dance can be categorized and described by its choreography, by its repertoir ...

Etymology

The use of the name

Sanjuro is a 1962 Cinema of Japan, Japanese ''jidaigeki'' film directed, co-written and edited by Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshiro Mifune. It is a sequel to Kurosawa's 1961 ''Yojimbo''. Originally an adaptation of the Shūgorō Yamamoto novel ''Hibi H ...

is a reference to the iconic film by

Akira Kurosawa was a Japanese filmmaker who List of works by Akira Kurosawa, directed 30 feature films in a career spanning six decades. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential filmmakers in the History of film, history of cinema ...

Training

Sanjuro classes are taught in mixed ability groups, both formal grading and uniform optional. DanceCombat classes are also run, offering an emphasis on form, fitness, and flexibility. The Sanjuro grading system is externally validated by

AQA AQA Education, trading as AQA (formerly the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance), is an awarding body in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It compiles specifications and holds Test (assessment), examinations in various subjects at Genera ...

Sanjuro and Special Educational Needs

Sanjuro Martial Arts training is employed in teaching children and adults with a range of special educational needs and disabilities, including partial sight and blindness, autism, and a variety of other physical and learning difficulties. In the BBC Two programme, My Life: Karate Kids, three disabled students of Sanjuro are featured learning the martial art as a technique to gain better control of their bodies. In September 2013,

Jackie Chan Fang Shilong (born Chan Kong-sang; 7 April 1954), known professionally as Jackie Chan,; is a Hong Kong actor and filmmaker, known for his slapstick, acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, and innovative stunts, which he typically perf ...

's charity, The Dragon's Heart Foundation, funded a 12-month programme in

Tottenham Tottenham (, , , ) is a district in north London, England, within the London Borough of Haringey. It is located in the Ceremonial counties of England, ceremonial county of Greater London. Tottenham is centred north-northeast of Charing Cross, ...

London London is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of in . London metropolitan area, Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Wester ...

, citing Sanjuro's emphasis on encouraging confidence and safety above violence.

Notable practitioners

Sanjuro is practiced by a number of actors and other professionals in the creative sector including: *

Haruka Kuroda is a Japanese actress and presenter. She provided the voice of Noodle from Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett's alternative rock virtual band Gorillaz from 2000 to 2017. She performed on all the Phase One tour dates as Noodle: She performed Noodle' ...

, UK-based Japanese actress *

Alexander Dreymon Alexander Dreymon (born Alexander Doetsch; 7 February 1983) is a German actor. He is best known for portraying Uhtred of Bebbanburg in the television series ''The Last Kingdom (TV series), The Last Kingdom'' (2015–2022). Dreymon's other notable ...

, German-born actor * John Walsh, film-maker

References

{{reflist

External links

Official website for Sanjuro Martial Arts
European martial arts Hybrid martial arts