Our Story: From Seitou Ryu to SRK Martial Arts (2005 – Present)
A Tradition of Balance
Seitou Ryu (正統流) translates to “Traditional School.” When our dojo was founded in 2005, this name reflected our commitment to honouring classical karate while adopting modern training methods.
Seitou Ryu Karate combines hard and soft principles: circular blocks integrate with linear and circular strikes to create a flexible style suited for close‑range and long‑range defence. This balanced approach continues to guide our practice today.
Foundations and Early Years
The club was founded in 2005 by Richard Hang Hong with the help of his instructor, Rod Martin. Both were senior instructors with Kenshukai, an Australian-based karate organisation, but later left to pursue different paths. Each of whom founded new schools: Rod created Hoshindo, and Richard launched Seitou Ryu with a vision of blending traditional principles with practical, contemporary training.
Growth, Evolution and Affiliations
From the outset, Seitou Ryu emphasised a balance between practical self‑protection and dynamic sport karate. Over the years our curriculum expanded, students trained in kata (forms), kumite (sparring) and self‑defence, and our competition team grew from humble beginnings into a force on the regional circuit. We even hosted one of the South‑East’s largest grassroots tournaments, the bi‑annual SRK Open Championships, which attracted over 300 competitors from across Essex, Kent, London and beyond. This success culminated in a sport karate programme that was a significant part of our identity up to 2020.
Shortly after the COVID‑19 pandemic, however, we made a conscious choice to step away from sport karate. Instead, we refocused our efforts on practical, pragmatic training designed to develop long‑term life skills, resilience and health. Today, our emphasis is on functional karate, self‑defence and Tai Chi that students can carry with them throughout their lives.
We also forged important relationships with other organisations that influenced our evolution:
- 2005 – 2008: Initial membership with NAKMAS, the National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools.
- 2008: Joined Shi Kon Martial Arts Association under Steve Rowe
- 2010: Affiliated with Seiwakai and the JKF Goju Kai under Shihan Leo Lipinski
- 2020: Became an associate dojo of GKC Global, led by Sensei Paul Enfield and Sensei Michelle Vanderlinden‑Enfield
- 4 March 2024: Resigned from Seiwakai and JKF Goju Kai, remaining independent while continuing affiliations with Shi Kon and GKC Global
These affiliations broadened our horizons, but our core mission remains the same: to provide a welcoming community where students can grow through traditional values and modern, functional training.
A New Chapter: SRK Martial Arts
As we approached our 20th anniversary, it became clear that our programmes had grown beyond karate alone. We now offer classes for children, adults, families and Tai Chi enthusiasts, and our community spans South Ockendon, Grays and Wickford. To reflect this broader mission, we unified under a new name: SRK Martial Arts. In this context, “SRK” stands for Seitou Renjukukai, which means “Traditional Growth and Mastery Association.” The new name honours our roots while signalling our commitment to helping students of all ages grow and achieve mastery through Karate and Tai Chi.
Looking Ahead
Although our name has evolved, our values: respect, discipline, continuous learning and community, remain unchanged. SRK Martial Arts continues to offer high‑quality instruction, supportive instructors and a welcoming atmosphere. We are proud of our history and excited for the future as we help the next generation develop confidence, strength and mastery through martial arts.
