Interested in martial arts as a sport but prefer the softer touch? Or are you seeking out a yoga class with a rough edge? A former monk is bringing a combination of traditional Japanese swordsmanship, Battodo, and yoga to Islington. 
John Evans, 55, has been practicing yoga for 40 years. Head teacher of Fudokan Japanese sword school in London, he also teaches at Islington Yoga and is now running Kurika Tanren, a six-week beginners’ course in yoga mixed with Battodo at Islington Yoga, City Road.
Mr Evans said: “It’s a specific beginners’ course, I also run another class on Mondays for other people with a mix of abilities. It came about after some people said they were interested in Battodo exercises but without the martial arts.”
He became interested in Battodo after moving to Japan for 12 years, following a five-year spell in a Church of England monastery, Anchorhold, in Sussex. “It’s one of the few Church of England monasteries in the UK. I left because I wanted a girlfriend, really.”
His interest in yoga took him to Japan, where he was featured on Japanese TV in the programme Igirisujin no Mushashugyo, An Englishman’s Warrior Disciple.
“I went to Japan because I was interested in yoga and meditation and I heard that Battodo was good for this. It makes the body strong, but also flexible. There’s lots of breathing work and stretching but the same kind of preparation for using the sword. It also has health benefits.” Those who successfully complete the class will be taken to Wales to celebrate.
Mr Evans on Japanese TV:
For more information and timetables go to Islington Yoga
