The core emphasis in Enshin is use of the Sabaki Method, a system of techniques employed with the goal of turning an opponent’s power and momentum against him or her and repositioning oneself to the opponent’s “blind” spot to counterattack from a more advantageous position. Although Enshin is a “stand-up fighting” style that includes kicks, strikes, and punches found in most other styles of karate, it also utilizes numerous grabs, sweeps, and throws often associated with Judo or other grappling styles of martial arts.

Enshin was founded by Jōkō Ninomiya who directs the Enshin organization from the honbu in Denver, Colorado. The organization is noted for its annual tournament, the Sabaki Challenge, a full-contact, no pads/no gloves, knockdown karate rules competition held annually in Denver and open to advanced martial artists from any style or school.

Enshin is derived from two Japanese words or kanji: “en,” meaning “open or unfinished circle,” and, “shin,” meaning “heart” or “inner.” “En” relates to the circular movement inherent in the Sabaki Method. However, the circle is “open” or “unfinished” to suggest that studying Enshin and Sabaki is a continuous journey, i.e. a process and not an end that is most important. “Shin” signifies that the Enshin students are not adversaries, but members of a mutually supportive family. “Kaikan” basically means “organization.”