How does Kyushindo Karate differ from mainstream Karate?

The principles of Kyushindo Karate were/are:

• Teaches self-discipline

• Teaches self-protection

• Improves fitness

• Uses movement, speed, accuracy and focus

• Uses English for all its techniques

• Promotes self-confidence, but with respect for others

• Is non-contact

• Is not competitive or aggressive

• Does not rely on physical strength

• Does not use stylised shouts or forced breathing

• Does not do breaking or hardening of striking parts

Kyushindo Karate is based principally on Shotokan Karate, with input from the Chinese internal arts: Tai Chi, Bagua and Hsing-I.

George Mayo set up his clubs with some students doing both Kyushindo disciplines so elements of Kyushindo Judo are taught, mainly break falls, ground holds, and basic throws.

I have heard that the Tai Chi principles and footwork came out of Southampton and that Bristol had the Bagua and Hsing-I influence because a ‘Chinese Boxing’ club used the same venue after the Karate, and there was some interaction.

However, the influences may have come from an earlier period or from elsewhere. 

Aikido:

Aikido has also influenced Kyushindo Karate over the years. This influence was reflected in the KIJA 1985 syllabus as ‘Releases’ *.

I was told that Derek Collins had some Aikido training before starting Kyushindo Karate. The Bristol Kyushindo Judo instructor, Ian Parfitt, shared some Aikido experiences in his classes.

Martin Hardy trained for a few years in Aikido while running the Surrey club, though he criticised its footwork and stopped going because the instructor was prone to losing his temper.

The running around the hall, interspersed with various exercises and general discomfort, was introduced to the Banstead club by Martin from this Aikido club as a warm-up. I carried on this tradition at Romsey. The Romsey club had a more regimented ‘hall run’ with various fixed exercises (gym benches), but I introduced the ‘freestyle’ approach. You know who to blame now 😁.

Be grateful you haven’t had the full version with hopping, bunny squats, ‘ET’ walking (walk whilst squatting), black belts doing punches on corners so you don’t cut the corners whilst running, extra press-ups in centre of hall for lazy/cheating individuals and techniques numbering in the 100’s (I used to put zinc oxide tape plaster on my coccyx to prevent grazing from the sit-ups before the dojo was fully matted).

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