7th Dan, Level 10

Shihan John Richards, Chairman and Chief Instructor of Zen-Shin Martial Arts Academy, started practising Karate in 1971. He achieved his 7th Dan in 2001. Although he is officially a 'Shihan' his students always refer to him as Sensei.

Since 1990 Sensei has devoted himself to his first love, which is teaching Karate to his students and establishing a full-time Martial Arts Centre and running the Zen-Shin Association.

Zen-Shin Association is established in the Birmingham area, having clubs located in Aston, Erdington, Hockley, Sutton ColdField, Four Oaks, Northfield and Walsall. More further a field is the club in Kent which cater for all ages ranging from 4 years upwards. Classes are available for beginners and advanced students. We also welcome students from other styles of martial arts.

Sensei has also produced two videos, which cover the dynamic style of Karate, which is his trademark. The first video covers beginners' Karate and Katas, the second shows advanced Katas and their application. It also covers self-defence for the Karate-ka (one who practices Karate).

As Sensei looks to the new millennium he hopes to be able to continue his work with his students thus increasing their abilities and awareness.

Shihan John Richards :: Kickboxing

Sensei in Kickboxing pose

Sensei is qualified in Kickboxing and is able to fuse his boxing experience with that of his Karate to make a very effective Kickboxing instructor.


Kickboxing, which was practised as a form of contact Karate has been practised at Zen-Shin for some time. When the contact Karate became popularised in films and built on it became what we know today as modern Kickboxing.


Sensei was graded in Kickboxing by Carter Wong a great martial artist renown for his parts in martial arts films such as 'Big trouble in little China'.

The Kickboxing facet of Zen-Shin is still going strong today and has even produced a champion. Howard Brown the WKA Kickboxing champion who trained under Sensei's Kickboxing methods.

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Sensei with Master Carter Wong

Shihan John Rich
Sensei was involved in boxing from the age of 10 having tried several different martial arts including kung fu, Aikido, judo and Wado ryu before finding Shotokan karate. The dynamic power of Shotokan Karate particularly appealed to him.

Sensei achieved his Shodan around 1974 and continued to go from strength to strength. While

visiting Japan he trained at the

orld-renowned JKA dojo. He

has taught students from many countries and regularly teaches at international venues.

The first person to achieve their 1st Dan (black belt) under Sensei's instruction was Linval Graham. He is now a 5th Dan and a tribute to Sensei and the association.


During the 1980's Sensei became an EKC Judge and then a referee. He was voted best referee during the championship finals at Crystal palace.