About ENSO

Enso Martial Arts was founded in 2018 by Lee and Nicky Woodward, born from a passion for sharing the art and life lessons of Ju Jitsu.

From the very beginning, our goal has been to create a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone, no matter their age, background or ability, can learn, grow and have fun. Our classes are energetic, engaging and full of encouragement. We believe that true martial arts isn’t about fighting; it’s about building confidence, resilience and the ability to stay calm and focused when life gets tough.

At ENSO, our mission has always been to help students live happy, healthy and confident lives. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone discover what they’re truly capable of, to watch their confidence grow, their discipline strengthen and their pride shine through with every small victory.

We’re especially passionate about reaching those who might not feel at home in mainstream team sports. Ju Jitsu offers something different, a space where every student can find their own pace, their own progress and their own community.

Our ethos is built on empowerment, respect and togetherness. We’re incredibly proud of the work our team does to support children, families and the wider community. Watching a shy, uncertain child grow into a confident young person who helps teach and inspire others is the greatest reward we could ask for.

For us, martial arts isn’t just a hobby or a career, it’s who we are. It’s a way of life and we’re truly grateful to share it with every student and family that becomes part of the ENSO community.

Meet the team

Enso Martial Arts visited St. Bart’s and provided all of our children with a fabulous taster day of Ju Jitsu. Sensei Lee and Sensei Kirsty were excellent; their instruction was brilliant and different and appropriate for all year groups. Our children loved their sessions, especially the opportunity to carry out a flying kick! Thank you Enso Martial Arts – we would love to see you again!

Mark Johns
Head Teacher – St. Bartholomew’s CE Primary School

If anyone is thinking about joining or having their children take up martial arts I can not have anything but the highest of praise for Lee and his team. Over the years our son has trained with Lee and his team and at all times Lee has been the most friendliest, approachable and genuine person I would leave caring for our son. Lee has many years of experience within the martial arts discipline and equally as many years teaching adults and children alike.

Steven Fitzer
Parent

North Walkden has recently had the pleasure of working with Enso Martial Arts for the day. Physical fitness is an important part of leading a healthier lifestyle. It teaches self-discipline and that to be successful you must work hard, show resilience and have the determination to believe that anything can be achieved. Enso Martial Arts portrayed this same message in a fun and exciting range of activities to a range of classes on our taster day. Enthusiastic and engaging staff worked with our children and helped to facilitate  learning activities that impact on the social and emotional development of children. A thoroughly enjoyable, informative and effective day!

Lauren Gardner
Teacher – North Walkden Primary School

What is Enso?

An Ensō is a Japanese symbol of the purest form, a circle that is drawn in one fluid motion.

Usually practised as part of the ongoing study of Zen Buddhism, it can represent freedom, creativity, strength, weakness, perfection and imperfection amongst many other things.

It can also represent your spiritual journey and can either be closed or open ended to represent your state of progress.

This spiritual practice of drawing an Ensō is called hitsuzendō, meaning (way of the brush) and once drawn an Ensō cannot be changed.