Technique to instinct
Unpack obscure movements in kata and forms, then work through a practical training framework to develop understanding into natural reaction.
Martial arts · Beyond stylesUncover what’s
Uncover what’s
hidden in
plain sight.
Make sense of the movements in your kata and forms. Explore their practical applications, understand the mechanics behind them, and develop them through a training framework that turns technique into natural reaction.
1996Martial arts journey
began
began
100+Clubs taught
across Europe
across Europe
Across stylesShared principles.
Practical training.
Practical training.
The approachA movement is only
A movement is only
the beginning.
When an explanation feels illogical, counterintuitive or ineffective, there is more to explore. My teaching brings the movement, its function and the way you train it together.
Biomechanics
Explore how the body moves, how structure shapes a technique, and how those principles help make sense of its application.
Anatomical vulnerabilities
Study kyusho through anatomy and practical application, with a questioning approach to the myths and explanations that surround it.
Form follows function.
Meet the teacherNikolaj F.
Nikolaj F.
Skarbye
I have trained in martial arts since 1996. My path has taken me through Japanese budo, karate, jiu jitsu and aikido, Filipino martial arts, Ed Parker’s American Kenpo, and Chinese arts including WingTsun and XingYi.
I teach methods and approaches that practitioners can bring into their own art. My seminars have reached more than 100 clubs across Europe, with participants from Goju Ryu, Shotokan, Kyokushin, jiu jitsu, aikido, taekwondo, Systema, Arnis, Wing Chun and many other traditions.
I have also taught police and have been invited to teach at a sergeant school and various summer camps.
People who have shaped my approach
Karsten Dam · Patrick McCarthy · Iain Abernethy · Tom Maxwell
The name Kensei Ryu
Kensei means “sword saint”; ryu refers to a school. Here, the sword is a reference to the hand. The name reflects a school of sword saints and a teaching approach that reaches across styles.
Train togetherBring a fresh perspective
Bring a fresh perspective
to familiar movements.
Seminars for clubs, instructors and experienced practitioners who want to explore what their movements can do—and how to train that understanding.
- Practical interpretation of kata and forms
- Biomechanics and anatomical vulnerabilities
- Training methods: from technique to instinct
Watch & exploreSee the teaching
See the teaching
in practice.
Training footage and demonstrations from my YouTube channel.
Visit the YouTube channelExplore videos from Nikolaj F. Skarbye.
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On the mat
A shared practice.
Moments from training, seminars and the people met along the way. Select a photo to view it in full, or browse the complete gallery.
Thoughts on practiceFrom the mat.
From the mat.
And beyond.
Reflections on training, movement and the ideas behind the practice.
Read all thoughtsLoading thoughts…
The bookThe Untold History
The Untold History
of Kyusho
What is kyusho—and what isn’t it? My book explores its history, questions myths and legends, and examines the subject through facts and historical perspective.
For practitioners who want a clearer understanding of a subject often surrounded by extraordinary claims.
Buy on AmazonThe link opens Amazon UK. You can also search for the title in your local Amazon store.
Start a conversationWhat would you like
What would you like
to uncover?
Interested in hosting a seminar? Tell me about your club, your location and the areas you would like to explore.