How does Kyushindo Karate differ from mainstream Karate?

Kata

Practitioners typically aim to perform the techniques with flow in Kyushindo Katas. The designers intended the Katas to be exercises in coordination and movement rather than the study and analysis of fighting moves contained in them (Bunkai).

The core Katas A, B, C, D and E (known as 1,2,3,4,5 in KIJA) are based on the Pinan/Heian katas, found in most Karate styles. A and C are part of the Romsey syllabus for black belt, and B, D, and E are optional to learn for Dan grades. A series of technique exercise katas have been developed over the years (e.g. Chops, Fists, Elbows, Falls) along with variations of the basic Block and Punch Kata.

Block and Punch kata is universal to all areas. The 8-step, 16-step and 1st Kung Fu Katas were developed in the Southampton area and were not performed in other areas. Weapons Katas were created by Ron (Short Stick, Jo and Sword) and Russell (Knife) at Romsey.

I focus on the unarmed Katas in my training. I did try to learn some Jo katas after I gained a black belt and I developed the Jo for use in a 3-man demonstration of Kata D, where Sean McCrossen used Nunchucks and Mark Harrison did the unarmed version. However, I have lost enthusiasm for weapons katas since then.

Rejecting the Path of Others

Kyushindo Karate does not promote the training methods for body hardening (striking objects repeatedly to create physiological changes) or object breaking, and it does not encourage training methods that may cause injury to oneself, either in the short or long term.

In 2008, there was an out-of-the-ordinary conclusion to the Romsey club session when Ron brought out some wooden boards and asked the three instructors that evening (Chris Savage, Russell Keep and myself) to perform breaking. Although Chris Savage was keen to use punches, Ron told us to use only open hands. I knew the theory was to hit through and have a focused intention, and it worked (though it did sting a bit!). Anyway, I’ve done that, ‘read the book and seen the movie’, so not again, thank you – though the junior students were much more impressed than I was.

Kyushindo Karate is not taught as a sport. There have been Kata competitions in the past, but, as far as I know, there have not been any in Kumite (fighting).

At Romsey, however, there is not a ban on students wishing to enter tournaments.

I believe that around 1997, some Romsey students entered an AMA competition and did fairly well, considering it was their first experience.

Breathing

George Mayo always emphasised ‘natural breathing’, so Kiai (short shout) was never practised at clubs in the KIA or KIJA.

Romsey practices Kiai occasionally but not to the extent that a typical mainstream club would, i.e., constantly. There has also been a fairly recent emphasis on forced exhalation during striking, as too many students were not focused.

However, Dan grades should develop natural breathing, as their focus and intent will be developed and ingrained by then.

I never practice this forced exhalation, even whilst demonstrating, so I hope I am not giving a different impression to newcomers in the club.