Shuren Bash Seminar

Gathering of the Masters - 2026

SHUREN BASH 2026 – Gathering of the Masters was a memorable martial arts seminar in London, bringing together senior instructors, black belts and students from a wide range of traditional martial arts backgrounds.

The event celebrated not only technical skill, but also friendship, discipline, humility and the shared values that sit at the heart of true martial arts training.

The seminar featured an outstanding line-up of respected martial artists, each bringing their own experience, teaching style and system knowledge to the mat.

Leading the event was Hanshi John Ward of Ward Kenpo International, whose presence and depth of knowledge helped set the tone for the day. His teaching reflected decades of dedication to Kenpo, self-defence and the development of martial artists at every level.

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Also instructing was Hanshi Dessie McMenamin of Zen Kenpo Ju-Jitsu, who demonstrated practical and fluid self-defence principles, showing how movement, control and awareness can be combined effectively at close range. His approach gave students valuable insight into timing, positioning and confident application under pressure.

The Ju-Jitsu element of the seminar was strongly represented by Hanshi Keith Moughton and Hanshi Dennis Ward, who shared traditional throwing principles, practical responses and refined technical details. Their teaching reminded everyone that good Ju-Jitsu is not about strength alone, but about balance, leverage, structure and understanding.

Hanshi Martin Cousins of Bushi Kenpo Ju-Jitsu added further depth to the event, demonstrating how striking, grappling and control can be blended into a practical and complete system. His session gave students the opportunity to explore effective transitions between ranges, from initial contact through to control and finishing positions.

Senior Shihan instructors also played an important role throughout the day. Shihan Ken Keating presented structured Kenpo combinations, while Shihan John Tuvey demonstrated the sharp precision and directness of Kenpo Karate. Traditional weapons work was explored by Shihan David Moughton, whose Kobudo instruction highlighted the importance of timing, distance, posture and control.

Representing Seishin Ju-Jitsu, Shihan John Michell delivered practical, street-aware Ju-Jitsu applications, focusing on techniques that are direct, realistic and suitable for real self-defence. Shihan Niall McGowan reinforced the values of structure, discipline and strong basics within Bushi Kenpo Ju-Jitsu.

Supporting the senior panel, Sensei Ross Cowan and Sensei Carla Joaquim worked closely with students, helping them understand the finer details of each technique and ensuring that everyone, regardless of grade, could benefit from the day.

SHUREN BASH 2026 was more than a seminar. It was a celebration of martial arts unity, shared learning and mutual respect. Students trained side by side, learned directly from senior masters, and left with new ideas, renewed enthusiasm and a deeper appreciation of the martial arts journey.