Testimonials

★★★★★

"I joined Tenshin Yodokan in November 2021, and felt immediately welcomed by Sensei Knight and the students, only one thing was asked of me ahead of time, to read the etiquette guide and 'as long as you are respectful and willing to learn you are more than welcome here'. This opening message from when i first contacted Sensei Knight set the tone for my time with the school, respectful and supportive. I searched for schools teaching Iaido as I rotated out of the accident and emergency department at the local hospital following nearly two years of pandemic medicine, burnt out and broken from my experiences I was looking for somewhere to rebuild my body and begin to reconnect with the part of myself I had buried to survive the trials of the past two years. I was expecting to find like minded people and swing some sticks around, but what i had stumbled into was a nurturing and supportive group guided by a patient and dedicated man who I am proud to call my instructor and my friend. The club and the nature of Iaido itself is good for the mind, body and soul.It helped to bring me back from a place of utter defeat and help me to feel like myself again. I will carry the discipline, self respect and self confidence instilled under Sensei Knights guidance forever, and could not recommend his school highly enough, but greater still is my respect for the man behind it" Dr Sean Roberts MB/BS MRCGP"

""I joined the club three years ago, I found the first five weeks a bit overwhelming as there was so much to learn. By attending every week I realised that I had found a special club with a special Sensei. A club with nice people with no egos, all willing to learn from a gifted and nurturing Sensei who creates a dojo environment where students can thrive. A Sensei who genuinely wants students to be the best versions they can be and who always goes that extra mile. It is not easy to find a good dojo and a good Sensei. By joining Tenshin Dojo I have found both""

"After many years of training in Shotokan karate under respected instructors, I joined Tenshin Dojo four years ago seeking sincere practice. It quickly became clear that Sensei Knight is a teacher of substance. His knowledge is extensive, his standards are uncompromising, and his instruction is direct and without pretence. In budō, words are secondary to action. When he demonstrates a cut, the sword moves with decisive speed and stops with complete control. In that instant, the principles of distance, timing, posture, and intent are made plain. Nothing further needs to be said. Such examples provide the standard to which students must hold themselves. Training at Tenshin Dojo is serious but respectful. Progress is earned through consistent effort, correct attitude, and perseverance. Each student is expected to take responsibility for their own development while supporting the dojo as a whole. In this way, both character and technique are forged together. I continue to train here because the practice is honest and the teaching is true. I am grateful for the opportunity and accept my responsibilities as Senpai with humility."