The Kara Jutsu system / style was Born out of the mind of Sensei A.I. Sedgwick. The origins start back in 1981, when Sensei Sedgwick was training under his then mentor Professor J. Holt. The style that was being practiced was called Tegatani. Sensei Sedgwick was awarded his 1st Dan in Tegatani along with his great friend Sensei J. Little. Together they opened their first Dojo in Padiham on Hambledon Street, in the hall of the Methodist church in March 1981. Together they encouraged many students to come through their doors and instruct them on this exciting martial art (Tegatani).
In 1985 / 1986 the Methodist church was being demolished and as a result Sensei A. Sedgwick and Sensei J.Little decided to open a club each to spread the martial arts to more people.
Sensei Sedgwick decided to open a club in the then Irish League social club and rename his style Padiham Ken Te Karate. He decided to join an organisation called Spirit Combat as this organisation was promoting sparring competitions which was of great interest both to Sensei Sedgwick and his students. At this time Sensei Sedgwick decided to join BASKA, an organisation which devoted itself to martial arts and to help and encourage others to take up martial arts. The membership with Spirit Combat did not last long however due to political reasons and so Sensei Sedgwick decided to move forwards and venture out to pastures new.
In 1987 Sensei Sedgwick decided to take his club into the Nippon Dai Budo Kai Organisation under the head Sensei, Sensei N. Sangwin. This proved to be a very rewarding move, as Sensei Sedgwick’s skills were recognised and as a result he was eventually awarded the grade of 4th Dan Master of Budo. The Ken Te Karate club prospered from the new instructors that was available for teaching and many new styles of martial arts was introduced to the club.
In 1989 a new premises was sought due to the increased rent that was asked for. The new premises were above a small engineering firm on Wyre Street in Padiham .During this time the club grew in membership and began to win several tournaments of Kumite throughout various parts of the country.
In 1991 another move was sought for the club premises again due to the increased rent that was asked for. This move was to be a very wise and rewarding one. The new premises were to be an unused room above what was then Padiham Glass. The room was fully redeveloped to produce one of the best Dojo’s in the country.
In 1994 Sensei Sedgwick decided to rename the club to the Kara Jutsu Bushido Academy. This was because the syllabus of Sensei Sedgwick has been changed and updated to incorporate increased techniques and Kata’s as well as other styles of martial arts not just Tegatani.
Sensei Sedgwick left the Nippon Dai Budo Kai organisation in 1995 again due to political and monetary issues. During this time Sensei Sedgwick joined the Bushido Ju Jitsu Academy International. This took place towards mid 1994 into 1995. This partnership lasted for only a short while however, again due to political reasons.
Finally in 1995 Sensei Sedgwick decided with another instructor from the Nippon Dai Budo Kai Association (Sensei J. Hill) to start up a new organisation free from political and monetary issues. Thus The British Budo Federation (BBF) was born, under the watchful eye of Sensei’s A. Sedgwick and J. Hill. This proved to be a very wise decision. Many other clubs decided to join the BBF and enjoy the diversity of the styles which were a part of the federation.
The Kara Jutsu Bushido Academy has seen many varied styles and instructors at the Dojo, not just within the BBF but from other associations. Several top instructors from all over the world have visited the Dojo to train and instruct, and have commented on how well presented the Dojo is and how welcoming the Academy is towards them.
Today Sensei Sedgwick stands amongst the most respected instructors within martial arts and still encourages people from all walks of life to take up the art. The Kara Jutsu Bushido Academy is still where it was from 1991 above the site of what was once Padiham Glass (now Concept staging), and has a following of dedication students and Instructors. Some of the students who gained their Dan grades from Sensei Sedgwick have moved on to pass on their skills to other students across the country by opening up their own Dojo’s. Sensei Sedgwick is now the President and Director of the BBF and chief instructor of the BBF. He now holds the rank of 8th Dan, and has many and varied skills that should be looked at with inspiration.
Today Sensei Sedgwick is 70 years old and he lives with his wife and youngest child in Burnley Lancashire, and still finds the time to attend the Dojo and always attends the BBF seminars no matter where they are.
© November 2005
The Dojo and the Sensei in Kara Jutsu Bushido Academy
You rust have respect in the Dojo more than anywhere else because that is the reason far which you go.
Never walk into the Dojo in a state of undress.
Smoking and consuming alcohol are not permitted in the Dojo.
In the Dojo you-must show great respect to your seniors. You must bow out of respect to the Sensei when entering or leaving the Dojo. This is very important; for only the seniors can help you progress.
The true feeling of Kara Jutsu can only be transmitted by those whom you respect. The Beginner must have confidence in his seniors and everyone, whether beginners or not, must have confidence in their instructors. Do not question his or her ability, for the colour of his or her belt marks the grade which they have achieved. If you do not completely understand the deep significance of these words, this is understandable as it takes time.
Finally, always address the Dan-Grade instructor as Sensei or as Mr. The same respect will be shown by him to you.
Remember, because you know the alphabet, it does not necessarily mean that you are a great author.
General Information
1. Trainee Instructors are generally divided into two classes:-
(a) Juniors (15 and under)
(b) Seniors (16 and over)
2. The minimum requirement needed to begin training as an Instructor is 4th Rank to 3rd Rank to 2nd Rank.
3. A senior instructor must always be present whilst the trainee is teaching his or her class.
4. The trainee must have the ability to demonstrate and teach a class of 12 to 20 persons up to his or her present ranking.
5. Not only should the senior instructor have a working knowledge of the main branches of the Martial Arts, but also he or she must have some experience of first aid together with a good judgement of safety margins during the Dojo training.
6. In the event of a student holding different grades in more than one of the Martial Arts, he or she will be permitted to wear the garb of the highest grade achieved in the Dojo.
7. All visitors of any Association of the Martial Arts shall be made welcome at all Kara-Jutsu Dojo's, and will have their own Ranks and grades recognised and respected whilst attending the Dojo's. They will be bound by the same rules and regulation as are Kara-Jutsu members.
8. All students must have clean finger and toe nails and clean Gi suits and track suits.
9. No one is allowed to wear rings, earrings, hair slides or jewellery of any kind during the training sessions. Needless to say this is to eliminate any risk of injury to other students.
10. The Instructor has the right to ban any student who does not conform to these rules.
11. New students who wish to join the organisation must be interviewed by the Instructor before their admission to the organisation is confirmed.
