|
About Us
Shiro-no Judokwai (the 'Club') ('Shiro-no' meaning 'White
Field' in Japanese) and based in Whitefield. Greater Manchester,
was originally founded in 1957 by Christopher Hopkinson
(3rd Dan BJA). The Club subsequently relocated to the Mosses
Centre, Bury and was renamed 'Bury Judokwai' and continued
under Sensei Hopkinson's teachings for more than 40 years
until, at the age of 72, he retired due to ill health.
In Sensei Hopkinson's honour, after his death in January
2004, the club was renamed 'Shiro-no Zen Judokwai' by the
Club's Committee, who changed the affiliation from the British
Judo Association to the British Zen Judo Family Association.
This major transition was due to the fact that the Committee
felt that the unique teaching and style of Sensei Hopkinson were akin to
the Zen tradition, whereby continuing his dedication to
the technical judo which he so loved.
The
British Zen Judo Family Association
Sensei Hopkinson's legacy was passed to George Launders
(3rd Dan BJA & 5th Dan BZJF), his prodigy, and long term
pupil. with the assistance of Christophers youngest Son Neil. In February 2004, a ceremony named 'The Cutting of
the Dojo' was performed at The Mosses Centre, which was
to release the old Sensei's Spirit from the Dojo and clear
the air to make way for the new Sensei, George Launders,
to take over the running of the Club.
The day was a huge success and was attended by many of
Sensei Hopkinson's pupils (old and young), family and old
friends. Although the day was tinged with sadness, everyone
was happy in knowledge that the Club was now in the capable
hands of Sensei Launders and that under his care and teachings,
the Club would continue to flourish in memory on Sensei
Hopkinson.
Since that day in February 2004 the club has endevoured to carry on the unique teachings of a great master following his style the club has moved from strength to strength so much so that on the 1st of June 2011 a sister club was opened in Gravesend (Shiro-no Zen Judokwai Gravesend) the clubs principal instructor is Christophers Oldest Son Andrew under the guidence of George and Neil we hope continue with our high standard of a traditional martial art |
