This section leads you through 7 decades of an outstanding Martial Arts Career, by following the footsteps of the Chojinkai Karate Founder and Chief Instructor, Sensei Doug James 9th Dan.

A Brief Synopsis – Sensei James  started training in 1967 and is regarded as one of Britain’s Senior and Most Respected Professional Instructors.  For 21 years he was an International Karate Referee (1986 to 2007), officiating at the highest level – European and World Championships within the World Karate Federation (WKF).  In 2009 he retired as a member of the English & British Karate Referee Commission after a domestic refereeing career spanning over 30 years, awarded the rank of 8th Dan by the English Karate Federation, subsequently endorsed by the WKF.  In January 2022 he was awarded 9th Dan by the Board of the English Karate Federation, acknowledging his 55 years training in Karate – the promotion was endorsed by the Secretary of the WKF Technical Commission.

Sensei James is a Founder Member of the EKF – the Governing Body for Karate in England recognised by the World Karate Federation.  He is President of the Association and very much a ‘hands on’ Chief Instructor maintaining the renowned High Technical Standards within the Chojinkai Karate Clubs.

This section tracks in detail his route through the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, the noughties, then 2010 to the present day, through Karate from Beginner to Master, from a time when the art was for the UK at least in its infancy, to now when Karate is a worldwide established Art and Sport enjoyed by millions and recognised as a most effective form of self defence.  Included are archive photos & magazines covers that featured articles on Doug James through the decades.

The Chojinkai Lineage Section shows the “Doug James/Chojinkai Karate” direct link to the early pioneers of oriental unarmed combat prior from the 1800s through to the founders of modern day karate in early 1900s through to Doug James and Chojinkai Karate’s inception in the late 1900s.

Traditional Karate Magazine 

Doug James Interview 2003

The Video Documentary here is entitled “Chojinkai – The Story So Far”, and is a fascinating visual biography as told by Doug James, covering the first 35 years in Martial Arts & was recorded in 2002 with a running time of approximately 13 mins.

Link to The Sixties –>

Self Defense

Karate is one of the most efficient and effective self-defense systems ever developed. Initially to satisfy an ancient need for self-preservation, if properly taught by qualified instructors, karate can significantly increase your defensive skills and may one day save your life.

The need for self defense comes from many quarters and no more so than in todays increasingly violent society, when confronted it is natural to feel fear. With training you will have the ability to stand up for and defend yourself on both a physical and mental level. Whether your 16 or 60, we can help you be more prepared to defend yourself against an attacker. Children and adults alike can learn to beat the bully at their own game, holding their head up high and facing each day with less fear.

Exercise and Health

The experience of thousands of karate practitioners worldwide demonstrates karate has all the advantages of aerobic exercises. Chojinkai Karate training includes exercises and warm-ups designed to work the large muscle groups such as triceps or quadriceps and while you dont have to be fit to start, you will usually become fit over time. You will probably lose weight and increase muscle tone and definition as you grow fitter. A psychological spin off tends to be an increase in confidence in everyday life.

Karate is an excellent stress relieving tool and is a great way to wind down from todays hectic lifestyles. Flexible class times and sympathetic, patient instructors help to make it a sport suitable for everyone regardless of ability.

Confidence, a sense of well-being, and a more positive outlook toward life in general are among the many psychological benefits of karate practice.

The Social Thing

Karate is quite a group activity. You will meet people who share at least one of your interests, the karate itself! The shared demands of training can build friendship and camaraderie that lasts for years.

The club has social events and special free training events designed specifically to bring martial artists together to help build skills and acquire new friends.

Finding the Right Club

It’s more important to find the right club or school and teachers than it is to choose a particular style. Here are some guidelines for evaluating a school:

• The school should let you and in fact should encourage you to observe a class, even take a free class or two.
• The instructors should be unfailingly polite, respectful, and cheerful to the students.
• Classes should look organized, with instruction appearing to follow a lesson plan.
• Students should behave respectfully and attentively at all times, and should continue their respectful behavior when class is finished.
• There should never be any roughhousing or dangerous play, or displays of temper on anyone’s part.
• If there are women in the class, they should be treated the same as the men, not given constant concessions to their supposed fragility, yet not brutalized or otherwise singled out. (If there are no women (or men), it might be a good idea to ask why.)
• Young students or children should be given the same respect as adults, and should in turn learn about managing their own discipline and being resepectful to others, helping to equip them for the long years ahead. It should still be fun for them, after all they are still children. The school should therefore have instructors that understand the need to mix exercise and training with educational play.
• The key to recognizing a good school is to watch how they treat students without natural athletic ability. Do instructors focus only on the stars, leaving the strugglers to muddle along as best they can? Do they point out struggling students for ridicule? Do they appear irritated at questions or requests for help? All of these are trouble signs.

In the end, the best guide is your gut feeling and bearing in mind that you are not stuck for life with your decision. If it turns out that the school just doesn’t suit you, don’t give up on martial arts entirely. Be patient and persistent, and you will find the right place to train. If you do try our style and its not for you, we can even recommend a more appropriate style that may appeal to your specific needs.