About Sankujitsu

Lee Batchelor first got involved in martial arts at the age of 24 as a consequence of him being the victim of an unprovoked assault.

Although not seriously injured, this was to be the catalyst of Lee's pursuit of a martial arts venture.

Quote from Lee:-
"If I meet the blokes now, I'd shake their hand and thank them for the positive thing that they have brought to my life, ...and of course be chivalrous enough to help them up afterwards".

That event made me swear to myself "never again..."

Lee initially took up boxing as a 'quick fix' for his need for self-protection but then two years later in 1997, following a sparring match with a black belt in karate, became aware of shortcomings in his training and then as a direct result of this episode, Lee promptly started his study of karate.

Before studying Sankukai, Lee attained the rank of Shodan (1st Dan) in both Shukokai and Wado-Ryu styles of karate.

Lee's true pursuit has always been in karate as a 'martial art' rather than in the competition arena. He is dedicated to his study of fast powerful striking techniques, throws, joint locks, pressure-points and self-defence applications.

Lee's training has led him to become a versatile martial artist incorporating throws, restraining techniques, grappling and ground fighting in his training.

Lee graded to Sandan (3rd Dan) in Sankukai karate before 'breaking away' and forming what was to become officially recognised by the C.M.A.A., as his own style, 'Sankujitsu'.

The 'Style'

Quote from Lee:-
"Once I opened my own club in April 2007 my teaching immediately started to transform back to 'proven best-practice techniques' I don't just tell students to do a technique - I show them the effect of 'if you do it 'this' way - this happens, if you do it 'that' way - that happens. The 'reverse hip-locking' as taught in Shukokai, the circular evasive techniques from Sankukai, combined with punching with the fist in the 'tate-zuki' (vertical) fist position all contributed to what was to eventually become, in November 2007, recognised as my own style called 'Sankujitsu'.

Not intended for tournament, Sankujitsu is a karate based self-defence system whereby the student is encouraged to adapt moment to moment to the situation in front of them.
I teach my students that in a self-defence situation to initially verbally dissuade then physically push their assailant back. Someone with intent will return and close the range to a fight, a 'kicker' will place 'their victim' at kicking distance - close him down (and use punches, knees and elbows), a 'puncher' will place you at punching distance
- use kicks to destroy him then move in & take him to the floor.

A perfect example of this is one my students, even as a green-belt would regularly take a 3rd Dan to the floor in Randori. Don't get me wrong the 3rd Dan was quick with punches & kicks but once you knew how to get through them and move into grappling range the guy just didn't have the experience. It was pretty much a fore-gone conclusion what would happen next. He maybe a 3rd Dan when he's standing up but you can wrap him up like a baby when he's on the floor.

I do have a few sayings: -

1. The person that controls the 'distance' in a fight is the person that controls the fight.
2. When you attack - go in quick but get back out quicker. Get back out of trouble faster than you got into it..
3. Use 'Tai sabaki' as strategic defence. There's nothing more demoralising to your attacker than to 'simply not be there' when they throw a technique. A far more powerful tool than a block."