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From Victim to Martial Arts Master


The Journey of Steve Joseph and the Birth of ShinKenDo JuJutsu.

 

 

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But life outside the dojo was unforgiving. One evening, following a karate class, Steve found himself surrounded by a gang of ten neo-Nazi extremists. Despite defending himself with the skills he had, the brutal encounter left him with more than physical scars—it planted a crucial realisation. Strikes alone, he discovered, were not enough in real-world situations. What if he had combined his karate with the grappling techniques of judo?
 

Fuelled by this question, Steve began a relentless pursuit to create something better—a self-defence system that could truly stand up to the unpredictability of street violence. Over the years, he studied a wide range of martial arts and combative systems, earning black belts in seven disciplines, including wrestling. These experiences became the foundation of a new martial art: Sun Kune Do, later renamed ShinKenDo—its Japanese translation.
 

The name ShinKenDo carries profound significance: “Shin” means truth, “Ken” means fist, and “Do” represents the way. Together, it symbolizes the pursuit of real-world effectiveness through martial arts. ShinKenDo integrates a wide array of techniques—strikes, joint locks, restraints, takedowns, throws, weapon defence, and even the use of everyday objects as improvised weapons.
 

By the early 1980s, ShinKenDo had gained traction as part of the Modern Martial Arts (MMA) movement. However, with the rise of Mixed Martial Arts in the 1990s, Steve added “JuJutsu” to the name to emphasise its self-defence roots, ensuring it wouldn’t be confused with competitive cage fighting. Thus, ShinKenDo JuJutsu was born.

Steve began teaching ShinKenDo at the age of 20, and the art quickly gained recognition. Its practicality made it a natural fit for the Metropolitan Police’s self-defence program, attracting officers and civilians alike. Women, in particular, were drawn to ShinKenDo for its empowering techniques designed to neutralise larger, stronger attackers.

In the decades since, Steve has taught over 12,000 students around the world, becoming a respected figure in the martial arts community. Now based in Japan, he continues to expand ShinKenDo JuJutsu, sharing not only its techniques but also the core values of discipline, respect, honour, and integrity. Steve’s mission is to help create a safer world—one where individuals can protect themselves while embodying principles that transcend combat.
 

Steve Joseph’s story reminds us of the transformative power of adversity. From the streets of East London to dojos across the globe, his journey stands as a beacon of hope and determination. ShinKenDo is more than a martial art; it’s a legacy of resilience and a call to rise above challenges, empowering others to do the same.

What Is ShinKenDo JuJutsu Philosophy?
 

The philosophy of ShinKenDo is rooted in both the practical application of martial arts for self-defence and the cultivation of personal virtues that transcend combat. It is a system that emphasises the balance between physical skill and mental discipline, aiming to develop not just fighters, but individuals who embody integrity, respect, and honour. Here are the core elements of the ShinKenDo philosophy:
 

1. Real-World Effectiveness

ShinKenDo was created in response to real-life combat situations. The philosophy priorities practicality and effectiveness in self-defence, with techniques that can be applied in unpredictable, street-level scenarios. It incorporates a variety of martial arts disciplines—including strikes, joint locks, throws, and weapon defence—recognising that no single system is sufficient for every situation. The aim is to prepare practitioners for real-world encounters, where adaptability and the use of everyday objects as weapons of opportunity are essential.

 

2. Holistic Martial Arts Approach

ShinKenDo blends multiple martial arts styles, such as karate, judo, wrestling, and jujutsu, into a cohesive system. This fusion reflects the belief that martial arts should be comprehensive, covering all ranges of combat: striking, grappling, and weapon defence. This approach encourages the practitioner to be well-rounded and versatile, rather than being restricted by the limitations of a single style.
 

3. Continuous Learning and Adaptation

At the heart of ShinKenDo is the idea that martial arts training is a lifelong journey of self-improvement. Steve Joseph's own evolution from karate and judo to founding ShinKenDo reflects the philosophy of continual learning and adaptation. Practitioners are encouraged to remain open-minded, embracing new techniques and methods while refining their skills over time.
 

4. Self-Discipline and Mental Fortitude

While physical training is central to ShinKenDo, equal importance is placed on cultivating self-discipline, mental resilience, and emotional control. Practitioners are trained to remain calm and composed under pressure, using their skills only when necessary, and always within ethical boundaries. This mental discipline is key to overcoming fear, anger, and aggression both in combat and in life.
 

5. Respect, Honour, and Integrity

Core martial arts values—respect, honour, and integrity—are fundamental to ShinKenDo's philosophy. Students are taught to respect their opponents, training partners, and instructors, recognising that martial arts is not just about fighting but about personal growth and mutual respect. Honour and integrity guide how techniques are applied, ensuring that power is used responsibly and only for self-defence or the protection of others.
 

6. Contribution to Society

ShinKenDo's philosophy extends beyond individual training, aspiring to contribute to a safer and more harmonious society. By teaching self-defence, Steve Joseph also emphasises the importance of creating a world where people can protect themselves and others while fostering peace, compassion, and community cohesion. The goal is to empower individuals to stand up against violence and injustice, but also to live by values that promote harmony and cooperation.
 

7. Balance of Strength and Compassion

In ShinKenDo, strength is not merely physical but moral. Practitioners are encouraged to develop compassion alongside their martial prowess. The art teaches that true strength lies in knowing when to fight and when to avoid conflict, with the ultimate aim being the protection of oneself and others while maintaining peace.
 

8. Unity of Mind, Body, and Spirit

The "Do" in ShinKenDo refers to "the way" or the path, signifying that martial arts is not just a physical pursuit but a spiritual journey as well. Practitioners seek harmony between mind, body, and spirit. Physical techniques are practiced with mindfulness, and the martial arts journey is seen as a path to self-awareness, personal mastery, and spiritual growth.

 

Who Can Learn?

Whether you are a beginner or already studying the martial arts training is open to all.

Beginners will find explanations simple, and direct with techniques useable from the start and their strength general fitness will increase. 

ShinKenJuJutsu techniques are practical and was meant for the everyday individual.
Techniques are based on real world application and are non sport.
There is no training in traditional weaponry.
No hard  sparring or pressure tested fighting that can lead to injury or worse.
No emphasis on ground fighting in positions that are uncomfortable for females training with male counterparts.
There is no fighting in ShinKenDo but rather self defence, emphasising a martial art that sets its limits within the LAW.
No emphasis on strength, flexibility and or cardio training that would not accommodate the majority.

In any ShinKenDo JuJutsu Dojo you will find an atmosphere of discipline, martial respect, friendship and courtesy. 

We ask you the public member reading this that martial is knowingly for the public and that the public comes in all shapes and sizes different levels of flexibility and strength and difference in age meaning young and old.
A good martial arts school / Dojo should encompass all the above if it should be called a martial art for the public.
Come to  our classes and judge for yourself.

Whether you are a student looking to improve on your self defence repertoire or a Black Belt  wishing to know more about self defence,  there is something in ShinKenDo JuJutsu for everyone.