Go-Shin Jitsu
The History of our Club
🥋 Our Story
The History, Heart, and Heritage of Our Go‑Shin Jitsu Club
Our club’s story begins long before our present‑day dojo — all the way back to 1973, a time of discos, flared trousers, the TV series Kung Fu, and the legendary film Enter the Dragon. It was during this era that a 15‑year‑old martial arts enthusiast began searching for something very specific: a real self‑defence system, not a sport.
🌟 The Moment Everything Changed
At the time, I was training in Korean Kempo at John Armstrong’s Gym on Spa Road in Bolton — one of the very first gyms in the town. One evening, while sparring, I noticed something happening in the next room that immediately caught my attention. The training was different. It was practical. It was exactly what I had been looking for.
After my session, I walked next door and asked the Sensei if I could join. He explained they were moving to Silverwell Street Sports Centre and told me to meet him there the following week.
When I arrived, he looked at me and said something that shaped the entire philosophy of our club:
“You can’t just join our club. I must feel you are the right character for this dojo.”
He then asked my age.
I said, “15.”
He replied, “Come back when you’re 16.”
So, I did — and that moment became the beginning of everything that followed.
🥋 A Lifelong Commitment to Go‑Shin Jitsu
From my very first session in Go‑Shin Jitsu, I was hooked. I have trained continuously ever since — even to this day.
My main instructor, Sensei Norman Matthews, was an outstanding teacher and played a huge role in shaping my martial arts journey. Over time, I also sought out other masters, including the legendary Walt Ainscough, an ex‑military unarmed combat instructor in Defendu (also known as gutter fighting). His knowledge of real‑world combat was invaluable, and I owe a great deal to him as well.
🛡️ Building the Club
At the age of 23, I earned my 1st Dan in Go‑Shin Jitsu. Five years later, I opened my own club at the Bolton YMCA. It became our home for many years — a place filled with unforgettable memories and countless students who passed through its doors.
Those early foundations shaped the club we are today:
- A dojo built on character, not ego
- A club that chooses its members, not one driven by money
- A place where tradition, discipline, and real self‑defence come first
- A community where everyone — from beginner to black belt — feels part of a family
🔪 A Tradition of Real Self‑Defense
From the beginning, our training has focused on practical, effective self‑defence. Over the years, this has included advanced knife‑defence training and, at higher levels, live‑blade defence — taught with absolute professionalism and care.
We remain committed to teaching skills that genuinely matter in the real world.
👥 A Club That Stands the Test of Time
Today, our instructor team ranges from 1st Dan to 9th Dan, offering a depth of experience rarely found anywhere in the country. Many of our senior instructors have trained for decades, carrying forward the knowledge passed down through generations.
Our club has grown, evolved, and adapted — but our core values have never changed:
- Respect
- Discipline
- Character
- Practical self‑defence
- A family‑like community
🥋 Still Training. Still Teaching. Still Growing.
From that first moment in 1973 to the present day, Go‑Shin Jitsu has been more than a martial art — it has been a lifelong journey. A journey built on tradition, real‑world effectiveness, and a deep commitment to helping people of all ages learn to defend themselves.
Whether you are young or old, a complete beginner or an experienced martial artist, there is a place for you here. Because in today’s world, self‑defense is not just valuable — it is essential.
🥋 Our Story (Continued)
From the YMCA to Our Modern Dojo
After many successful years at the Bolton YMCA, our club moved to a brand‑new, purpose‑built facility at Leverhulme. This is our current home — a dojo that has given us countless memories and continues to do so every single week. The atmosphere, the people, and the training never stop evolving, and the spirit of the club remains as strong as ever.
⭐ Principles That Still Guide Us Today
I have always ensured that our club stays true to the principles passed down to me by my two great instructors. These values are the backbone of everything we do:
• Create a family atmosphere in the dojo
• Train hard and become a well‑rounded fighter
• Run the club on a non‑profit basis — never as a business
• All gradings, including Dan grades, are free
• No Sensei, including myself, receives financial gain — we teach purely for the love of it
These principles have shaped our culture for decades and continue to define who we are today.
🔪 A Hybrid System for the Modern World
Over the years, I have incorporated elements of Defendu, the unarmed combat system taught to me by Walt Ainscough, into the traditional Go‑Shin Jitsu syllabus. This evolution has created a hybrid form of Go‑Shin Jitsu — one that is more practical, more adaptable, and more suited than ever to the realities of modern self‑defense.
It remains true to its roots, but it has grown into a system built for the streets of today.
🥋 A Legacy of Leadership
Since the foundation of Go‑Shin Jitsu in 1968, I have been at the helm of the style for 40 years (as of 2026), making me its longest‑serving Sensei. In 2026, I was honored to receive the title and certificate of:
SHIHAN Mike Ward — 9th Dan
This recognition reflects not only my years of dedication, but also the strength, loyalty, and spirit of the club and its members.
👥 A Dojo for Everyone
Today, our club continues to train:
• Men
• Women
• Juniors
All are welcome, and all are supported. We remain a dojo built on respect, discipline, and genuine community — a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can learn to defend themselves, grow in confidence, and become part of something meaningful.
Our story spans decades, generations, and thousands of hours on the mats — and it continues to grow with every new student who walks through our doors.
Join Us Today
Become part of a transformative experience that emphasizes growth, discipline, and community.
