Founder and Kancho of Enshin Karate, Joko Ninomiya has dedicated his life to the study, practice, and teaching of karate. He began his martial arts journey in Japan with judo before moving into full-contact karate, where his competitive career and training under Hideyuki Ashihara shaped his understanding of movement, timing, and efficiency in combat.

After competing at the highest levels of knockdown karate—including winning the 1978 All-Japan Karate Championship—Ninomiya committed himself fully to teaching. In 1988, he founded Enshin Karate, introducing the Sabaki method, which emphasizes off-line movement, positioning, and the effective use of an opponent’s momentum.

Through decades of instruction, Ninomiya has personally taught and influenced generations of martial artists around the world. His vision led to the creation of the Sabaki Challenge, a full-contact tournament designed to test practical stand-up fighting skills and showcase the Sabaki method under real pressure. Today, Enshin Karate continues to grow internationally, guided by Ninomiya’s lifelong commitment to martial arts and education.