Soto Zen
Meet other local people interested in Soto Zen: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Soto Zen group.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out soto zen events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the soto zen events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
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Soto Zen Events Today
Join in-person Soto Zen events happening right now
Zen meditation (Zazen) followed by a short talk and discussion.
Come and practise Zen meditation (Zazen) in Chiswick on Wednesday evenings with Dogen Sangha in West London. We practice authentic Soto Zen, in the lineage of Gudo Nishijima. There will be two twenty five minute periods of Zazen with a ten minute walking meditation (Kinhin) in between. This will be followed by a short talk or discussion about Zen practice and philosophy. Please wear/bring loose clothing so you can sit comfortably and get there by 19:15. Cost is £5.00 towards the hire of the room. Reality is here, freedom is now, all are welcome.
Email westlondonzen@gmail.com
Instagram @sitzazen
Website www.londonzen.org
Wisdom Wednesday | Mantra Meditation & Philosophy
**A night dedicated to spiritual uplifting, with mantra meditation, a short talk and a delicious VEGGIE/VEGAN DINNER** 🌱
SCHEDULE:
* **6:30 Mindfulness Intro Meditation**
We begin the session with mindfulness exercises, breath-work and a guided meditation. We create a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere that starts us on the right foot for the rest of the night 🌙
**7:00 Wisdom Talk**
Every week a new guest speaker sharing ancient spiritual wisdom and philosophy. World-famous monks and yogis, authors, artists, motivational speakers, and more 👀
Check our [Instagram page](https://www.instagram.com/studio108_ldn/) to find out upcoming speakers.
* **7:30 Mantra Meditation (Kirtan)**
Kirtan and Mantra meditation is a beautiful process of spiritual connection through sound. We allow our ears to take in the vibration of the Mantra and then use our voices to sing out the Mantra, filling the space with an unexpected symphony 🎶
* **8:00 Veggie/Vegan Dinner** 🌱
Served in our wonderful cafe area on the ground floor. The food we serve at Studio 108 is cooked by our amazing team and always made with spiritual consciousness and love ❤️
**Ticket Price** 🎟 (includes Dinner):
Door price: General £17 \| *Student £14*
Online \(Eventbrite\): General £14 \| *Student £10*
**Where** 📍: 57 Theobalds Road, Holborn, WC1X 8SP
**When** 📆: Every Wednesday at 6.30pm (Doors open at 6.15pm)
[Book online](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/studio-108-34126014551) or pay at the door🚪
[@studio108_ldn](https://www.instagram.com/studio108_ldn/) to stay up to date and find out more.
Soho with a Nifty Fifty! (or fast lens!)
Love shooting at night but tired of dragging your tripod around? This session is about learning a set of techniques to shoot using a single, fast prime lens (e.g. 50mm, 35mm f/1.2, f/1.4, f1.8)
You know that small, lightweight, inexpensive but beautiful lens that sits quietly in your camera bag? Tonight you’ll put it to good use!
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
* Using a fast aperture to allow hand holding at night
* Create bokeh for beautiful shallow depth of field
* Getting depth of field in your shot
* Tips for getting sharp shots whilst handholding at night
EXPERIENCE
* All levels welcome!
EQUIPMENT
* Any camera
* 50mm f1.8 - any lens will work but a fast lens (f1.8-f2.8) is recommended
* No tripods needed
* We'll be wandering around so be sure to wear appropriate shoes.
TRAVEL
* As usual check the TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey
CONTACT
Alex 07956 264049
UPCOMING EVENTS
https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar
Slow Flow Yoga @ The Wilds, Barking Riverside
[BOOK HERE](https://www.benita-yoga.com/schedule)
A slower paced embodied yoga practice helping you to slow down, take a deeper breath and tune in a little more. You’ll be invited to find your own rhythm of the breath and connect with your inner-self via fluid and mindful movements. Eventually arriving to stillness, letting go of any tension to experience a deep relaxation. The busy thinking mind will slow down, nervous system will calm and your body will relax completely. This class is suitable for beginners. Please bring a mat.
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Prices:
– single class – £12
– 3 classpack – access to any weekly class, 30 days expiry from purchase date – \*£33
– 6 classpack – access to any weekly class, 60 days expiry from purchase date – \*£68
\*special events, like courses, Gong Baths, workshops etc not included
Abut the venue: [The Wilds](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Wilds+at+Barking+Riverside/@51.5253889,0.1243979,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x47d8a55bdd4a67bf:0xa9e132218dc5017b!8m2!3d51.5253889!4d0.1243979!16s%2Fg%2F11pxkgqys4?entry=ttu) is the community and ecology centre in Barking Riverside. Well connected with bike paths, public transport, buses or London Overground. Parking is also available.
Learn to Meditate
An open-eyed technique, Raja Yoga meditation, can help you to learn how to relax, develop concentration and or even start the journey to personal enlightenment. We share the philosophy behind meditation as well as the skill of meditation. Like any skill, meditation requires practice. By doing a little every day, it soon becomes a natural and easy habit.
Explore how to:
* Relax your mind and create moments of calm
* Find inner peace and other qualities within yourself
* Take charge of your thoughts, emotions and responses
* Recharge your energy by connecting to a higher source
This course runs **once a week for 4 weeks on Wednesdays**. Each lesson is **60 minutes** long and must be **attended on a consecutive basis**.
**If you would like to make a voluntary donation, please click** [here.](http://%5Bhttps//www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/%5D(https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/) "\[https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/\](https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/)")
\* I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored. We will process your personal data in line with the GDPR requirements and always store it securely and use it only for the purpose for which it has been collected. We will not pass on your details to any third parties without your consent.
Heartspaces - Mindful Lunch Break
Bring your own lunch and enjoy mindful eating then time for discussion and connection. Led by Kate Dean and Tatiana Kassessinoff.
The Heartspaces programme is a series of weekly spiritual gatherings led by Unitarian ministers and volunteers across London open to spiritual seekers, existing Unitarians and curious newcomers. Monthly Wednesday lunchtimes and every Thursday evening.
Suggested donation: £5
Don't let this be a barrier - contact Kateboo if you can't afford to contribute in this way.
Kung Fu & Self-Defence in Battersea Park – Timeless Skills
**🥋 Feel Safer, Get Stronger, Train Smarter - Battersea Park Bandstand**
Join our friendly, outdoor Kung Fu classes in Battersea Park, focused on practical self-defence, functional fitness, and calm under pressure — all taught in a relaxed, ego-free environment.
These sessions are designed to help you build real martial skill, improve strength and mobility, and develop confidence that carries into everyday life. No prior experience needed.
Many people stay on afterwards for a relaxed social at the Pear Tree Café, just a short walk away.
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**🧠 About the Classes**
Whether your goal is to improve fitness, learn practical self-defence, reduce stress, or simply try something different, these classes are open to **all levels (ages 16+)**.
Training blends **traditional Kung Fu methods** with a modern understanding of movement, wellbeing, and long-term health.
You’ll learn how to:
* Handle punches and common attacks effectively
* Use footwork and positioning to avoid strikes
* Improve flexibility, balance, and joint mobility
* Condition the body safely and progressively
* Practise breathing and mindful awareness for calm and resilience
Sessions are **beginner-friendly**, taught at a sensible pace, and structured to help you build skill step by step — without intimidation or pressure.
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**📍 When & Where**
🗓 Saturdays 2:30–4:30pm
🗓 Wednesdays 6:30–8:30pm
📌 **Battersea Park — Central Bandstand**
We train outdoors year-round. If it rains, we train under cover nearby. Sessions are adapted sensibly to conditions — part of building resilience and presence.
The location is well connected and easy to fit into a normal working week.
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**💰 Pricing**
**🎟 First class (taster): £15**
Try it out before committing — no pressure.
**🉐 New joiner offer (after your first class):**
* 4-class block: £48 (£12 per class)
* 8-class block: £88 (£11 per class)
(Use within 2 or 4 months respectively)
**📅 Ongoing training (standard pricing after your first block):**
* 5-class block: £60 (valid 2 months)
* 10-class block: £100 (valid 4 months)
Classes are paid in advance. Blocks are non-refundable but flexible if you can’t attend every week.
**📩 Booking & Contact:**
✉️ [joe.cheung75@gmail.com](http://joe.cheung75@gmail.com)
📱 WhatsApp/text: 07914 411979
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**🎒 What to Bring**
* Loose, comfortable clothing.
* Water.
* An open mind - everything else is taught step by step.
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**💬 What Students Say**
*"* *Joe makes everybody feel welcome, and more importantly, he is a great teacher. Rather than a one size fits all approach, he tailors the class to your strengths and weaknesses and he is extremely patient."*
– Natalie, beginner
*“A true gem for anyone searching for a holistic system to train strength and awareness.”*
– Julius, beginner
*“I strongly recommend his services for 16 year olds and over. If you are passionate about martial arts then this class will open your mind to many classical & practical Kung Fu styles.”*
– George, White Sash
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**🔔 Important Info**
* Please let me know in advance about any injuries or health conditions.
* Classes are non-refundable.
* Regular training builds confidence, skill, and resilience over time.
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**👤 About the Instructor**
I’m Joe Cheung, a black sash instructor in Baji Zhandao Kung Fu. My martial arts background includes:
* 12+ years Baji Zhandao Kung Fu (2nd Black Sash)
* 10+ years Bujinkan Ninjitsu (2nd Dan Black Belt)
* 2 years Urban Krav Maga
Private one-to-one lessons are also available — just ask.
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**🧭 What Is Baji Zhandao?**
Baji Zhandao means *“Battlefield Style”*. It blends over 10 powerful Chinese martial systems into one adaptable method:
* Baji Quan
* Yang Tai Chi Quan
* Pigua Zhang
* Tongbei Quan
* Bagua Zhang
* Xingyi Quan
This system was developed by Grandmaster Chen Fu Sheng — a former Chinese Special Forces instructor with 50+ years of real-world martial experience.
🔗 More information: [bajizhandao.co.uk](https://bajizhandao.co.uk)
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**✅ Ready to Begin?**
If you want to feel safer, get stronger, improve mobility, and train in a grounded, supportive group — you’ll be very welcome.
Train outdoors. Build skill for life. Leave stronger than you arrived.








