Welcome
Kyudokan Goju Ryu Karate Do
Kyudokan Goju Ryu Karate Do is an established karate school of many years standing and continues to study Goju Ryu karate under the direction of David Morris.
Since its beginning, in 1979, the Kyudokan has represented the traditional values of karate and is one of the very few in the UK still teaching authentic Japanese karate. David continues to study and at 63 his visits to Japan have afforded him a wealth of knowledge, which is evident in the Kyudokan’s teaching ethos: a great depth of tradition, sometimes lacking in the more modern ‘Westernised’ schools.
The Kyudokan is a full time dojo in the Northam area of Southampton and being central, is easily accessible from all over the city. Fully equipped and with expert tuition, you will find instructors and students alike ready to welcome you. Whether you are an experienced karateka or just beginning your journey; the Kyudokan will help you on your own martial arts path.
The kyudokan also has weekly training at Chamberlayne Leisure Centre, Bitterne Leisure Centre, Holly Hill Leisure Centre in Sarisbury Green and Places leisure Centre in Eastleigh
Classes cater for all ages, genders and abilities allowing adults and children and families to train separately or together depending on their preference.
The structured syllabus helps the student gain and develop confidence and fitness while learning the traditional ways of martial arts.
Everyone has the opportunity to progress through the grades from white belt to black belt and beyond with encouragement to undertake more in-depth study.
Latest Posts
Kids Karate Parties from £105 (25% discount for members).
Your child can be a Black Belt and Sensei for the day with their friends.
Mini Karate Lesson, breaking boards, fun and games, cake cutting with samurai sword.
Free follow up lesson for all attending.
Free use of Main Dojo for party available.
Eight minds one thought, Eight thoughts one mind........Nihon Goju Ryu Karate Do
It’s this guy I’m worried about
At least we know the fate of at least one of the sticky bandits
Another awesome session!!
Everyone fully charged, really going for it. Kumite was very good, techniques coming in fast and furious!
Hard but fair.
It doesn’t matter if you win. It doesn’t matter if you lose. It doesn’t matter what grade you are. You just do.
Seeing two friends really going for each other, no quarter given, then collapse, hug with beaming smiles on there faces! I can ask for no more.
It’s called respect...... total respect!!
For the children.....
Just recently I had to tell some students they were unsuccessful in passing their grade. If they only knew that I was just as disappointed as they were. Mine was greater than there’s because their disappointment was for themselves, mine was for all of them.
Not passing your grade doesn’t mean you failed, it just means you haven’t succeeded yet. Each mistake teaches us something. Failure is so important.
All great sportsmen and women have failed. Muhammad Ali, Lewis Hamilton, Paula Radcliff and many more have failed many times. But they all became champions.
I have failed. When I took my 2nd Dan. We learn from failure not from success.
Remember,..failure will never defeat you, if your determination to succeed is strong enough
Congratulations to those who passed their grades yesterday at the Kyudokan Honbu. Everyone gave 100% and for those who were unsuccessful this time, I believe if you continue to practised, your efforts will be rewarded.
The art of emptiness.......
I’m moving soon, a massive milestone in my life. And in doing so, I now understand the importance of emptiness. Some call it minimalism.
I’ve studied karate for most of my life and dedicated most of it teaching others. I do this because I enjoy. Simply enjoy. I have taught, over the years maybe over 10,000 students. My mind has always been full. For me, in a sense, I have had 10,000 lessons
But while doing so I have forgotten myself.
I have forgotten, not the many things we see, I have forgotten the things we don’t..I have forgotten not of things but the space between them. The emptiness, void or negative space. It’s found everywhere, interiors, architecture and garden. In music, flower arrangement and poetry. It is also in karate.
In my home I had too many things,. Nothing washighlighted. But since I have removed just about everything I have owned, I’ve begun to understand by expanding the space in which there is nothing, the things that are there left, you begin to notice
I now see the emptiness full of possibilities, like a promise yet to be fulfilled.
My home felt chaotic with clutter. I thought there being not enough space or emptiness. It’s like looking at arrangement of things in the areas that are empty.
In the art of painting, what is not there is just as important, if not more, than what is there.
It is found in Japanese conversation. It’s in the purposeful pauses in speech which make words stand out. In music it’s the silence between the notes which make the music.
In karate, it’s the deliberate pause at the end of the bow before we come back up – as to make sure there is enough meaning and look respectful. It’s the space we need before and after we attack.
I’m taking time out during the day to reflect and breathe. By having fewer things, I can enjoy the space
And now for me, It is in the quiet time I need to find myself again
,
Understanding nature.......
There is no big difference between a bonsai master and karate teacher. In fact their paths are exactly the same, they care deeply for their art and have a huge responsibility, sometimes life or death.
The bonsai master can have many trees but each one is an individual, he cares for each one. The karate teacher the same.
The bonsai master grows, cares and shapes the tree into what he or she believes to be beautiful. The relationship continues for many years, sometimes for life until the master dies.
Sometimes no matter what they do, the tree will die.
The karate teacher will have students leave, through no fault of their own. They both feel sadness.
The karate teacher grows, cares and shapes his or her student to be able to, not only strong physically but to prepare them mentally in life.
The bonsai master uses wires to shape and control each branch in a particular way to how he or she believes the tree should look and sometimes cut the root back severely to make the tree grow stronger.
The karate teacher shows and teaches the student how to move and believes how a technique will work, always correcting an arm, leg or body. Sometimes they are very hard and severe on the student but understand it is necessary to make the student stronger.
There is no big difference between nature and us. Through caring and understanding nature we understand ourselves.
Karate Vs Parkinsons
Karate, I believe has been my closest ally in my fight every day against my illness. I fight it every day.. Now, everyday is a battle.
As a teacher, I get my students to perform in front of the class, scrutinising and correcting their technique. Some feel uneasy with this but it brings out many benefits. To do something when you don’t want to is called courage.
If I ask my student to do this, shouldn’t I ask myself?
For me, it is not courage, for me it is to never ever give in.
In comparison to others, my kata Tensho is poor but every move that I make, that I chose, defeats my Parkinson’s
Over time, my Parkinson's disease will slow my movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. It won’t kill me but its effect will shorten my life
Symptoms can be different for everyone. Some of mine
causes stiffness or slowing of movement.and sometimes I may drag my feet as I try to walk. My steps will become shorter and my arms don’t swing.
Sometimes my face may show little or no expression and my speech is sometimes hesitant. Parkinson's disease symptoms worsen as my condition progresses over time.
I find it so difficult and painful just standing up to get out of a chair and sometimes may drag my feet as I try to walk. Muscle stiffness occur in any part of my body and can be so painful and limit my range of motion.
My posture is poor and stooped and I have balance problems as a result I find it difficult to walk and as you can see my decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling and walking.
My enemy is with me every hour, every day. I feel sorry for it, because even sometimes when it thinks its defeated me, it hasn’t, Im just taking a rest.
You inspired me for over 30 years when I was training and then passing the knowledge I learned to my students now that I no longer train you still inspire me your attitude to your condition is outstanding but my friend I did not expect anything less Keep up the fight 🤗
Bloody hell Dave, youre a legend. Taking a break, but not defeated - a fantastic message
You are such an insperation dave you played such a big part in creating the person i am today an have been for so many people keep up the fight mate
Big respect to this man.
I was having a bad day,,Dan, if I can keep going,, karate helps
Well done David , remember you are only beaten when you say you are , keep up the fight , regards Dave.
Stay well
Thank you for sharing Sensei.
Bloody inspirational, as usual! Keep fighting, I love seeing these videos on my feed, they really motivate me in my everyday life. You’re an evergreen legend. 😀
Good on ya sensei, much respect, keep on fighting
Domo arigatou Gozaimashita x
🥋osu
Omg I love you Dave !! What an inspiring video and post .. thank you so very much for sharing your battles. It makes us all feel stronger 😍 and definitely helps me to understand what you are dealing with. Xx
You’re an inspiration; to your students and to me too!
Very nice performance. Be well.
Nice Tensho. Ichikawa Goju Ryu style is different from others.
You were big and strong Craig, it was many years ago but I remember you. I hope you and family are keeping well
Very nice Dave.. Great Video... Battle on!
Open Training Today
18:30 - 20:00
All Seniors & Juniors above blue belt.
Kyudokan Dojo
Just a reminder to everyone:
Weapons Training - Sunday 12:30 - 14:00
Squad Training - Sunday 14:30 - 16:00
Venue: Kyudokan Dojo, Southampton
If possible please confirm your attendance, just send a message or call Sensei Morris.
07949 682378
davidrobertmorris@icloud.com
The kamae in karate is very important and should never be dismissed as just a static or guard position but are momentary postures. They aren’t meant to be kept like a stone statue, forever immovable. They should flow from one to another as the situation dictates and move accordingly.
In form and fighting, the kamae should studied most earnestly and should be an expression of one’s attitude.
Your attitude, like the samurai is to move forward, to attack. Of course, if you have to pull back, you must never feel like your retreating, because if you lose control, you lose composure, and you will be defeated. So even if you have to withdraw, you must have the attitude that you are momentarily pulling back but are still engaged, ready to move forward again
Your guard and attitude…………consider this!
The kamae in karate is very important and should never be dismissed as just a static or guard position but are momentary postures. They aren’t meant to be kept like a stone statue, forever immovable. They should flow from one to another as the situation dictates and move accordingly.
In form and fighting, the kamae should studied most earnestly and should be an expression of one’s attitude.
Your attitude, like the samurai is to move forward, to attack. Of course, if you have to pull back, you must never feel like your retreating, because if you lose control, you lose composure, and you will be defeated. So even if you have to withdraw, you must have the attitude that you are momentarily pulling back but are still engaged, ready to move forward again
Your guard and attitude…………consider this!
Hi everyone,
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.
Our Zen Christmas Party before Christmas was a huge success...........so we are going to do it again for those who couldn’t make!!
We don’t want to leave anyone out so the invitation is to the parents too! I’m a bit worried as you may see your children’s instructors in a different light ! Lol
Please let me know as soon as possible and I will book it. Same as before , all you can eat for £21.50 plus service charge. ( the food was brilliant) !
Holly Hill Karate Club
This years Student of the Year 2018 goes to Oliver Baker
Oliver is 10 yrs old, and has been with Kyudokan for just about 2 years, His favourite Kata is Gekifai as it combines ‘awesome’ movement of both upper and lower body (his words).
He enjoys the broad mix of martial arts in conjunction with the pure Goju Ryu that Kyudokan has to offer
Well done Ol’s - from a proud Old Man 🥋👏
Congratulations Oliver, a very fine karateka with the attention and determination to go far!
Well done Ollie 😁xx
With 2018 drawing to a close it was my pleasure to award Student of the Year awards to three outstanding karate students attending clubs within the association.
Bitterne Karate Club Grace Burgess
Weston Karate Club Leo Chan
Eastleigh Karate Club Zoe Bean
Congratulations to Grace, Leo and Zoe
Kyudokan Cup Award 2018
This year is the first year for this special award. It is an award in recognition for dedication, progress and much more.
Leo Strong is 15 years old and began training the Easter after his 7th birthday, so a few months shy of 9 years!
He had some difficult times at infant school and karate helped him rebuild his self esteem and gain confidence. Going from strength to strength he works hard at everything he does (with the possible exception of French 😉).
Currently in his final year of Hamble school Leo is studying for his GCSE's and hoping to continue studying A level maths and Engineering at college.
He is proud to assist teaching karate at the Thursday Chamberlayne class and still gets immense satisfaction from training hard with Morris Sensei and Fyfe Sensei both of whom he has the greatest respect for.
As well as continuing to work on technique and fitness Leo is keen to expand his weapons knowledge to add to his nunchuka skills!
We have so many good students and to award this trophy for the first time was a difficult decision to make. But I believe it was a very popular one and congratulate Leo on winning the first Kyudokan cup
Nice to see people with such determination well done Leo
Congratulations Leo! Thoroughly deserved 🤙
Congratulations my son, so proud of you x
An absolute pleasure to be around, learn from and always the example i give to my son Ollie who study’s at Kyudokan - if he keeps up the training he’ll be just like Leo one day. (PS Remember this sentiment next time we face up with the pads on big man 😃😃😃)
Congratulations Leo
Congratulations Leo
Well done Leo ❤️
Well done Leo!! ❤️
Congratulations, well deserved Leo
Congratulations Leo xxx
Congratulations from Ben Falinski.
Congratulations Leo
Proud Mummy moment. Xx
Well done leo!!!
Well done Leo!!
Well done Leo
Congratulations Leo!
So proud of you Leo x
Well done Leo !
Grading Seminars
There are two grading seminars , focusing on working towards your next grade.
Saturday 22nd December
9.00 to 10.30 beginners, red, yellow, and orange belts ( maximum of 10 )
11.00 to 12.30 green belts and above
( maximum of 10 )
Sessions £12.00
For green and above we want to continue the session after 12.30 with an informal lunch, together with a question an answer time.
If you would like this opportunity, please bring along some food , sandwiches etc.
To make these session more rewarding, each session will be reduced to a maximum of 10, so let me know as soon as possible. Don’t be disappointed !
Holly Hill Karate Club
Please note, this Sunday and the following Sunday, the 23rd and 30th December karate classes will be held at our main Kyudokan dojo headquarters in Southampton
Classes at Holly Hill will resume back to normal in the year, week commencing 6th January.
Bitterne Karate Club
Pleased be advised that there is no class this Friday at Bitterne Leisure Centre. However, you can still continue your training this week at the Kyudokan headquarters today from 5.00-6.30 and tomorrow at Chamberlayne Leisure Centre 6.00-7.00.
The Art of Communication
Western communication style relies heavily on words. In conversation, we believe in expressing ourselves verbally as vitally important
In contrast, Japanese communication relies less on words and more on body language, gestures, tone of voice, facial expressions and posture.
Japanese speak of haragei, the art of silently communicating "belly to belly," through intuition rather than with words.
The reason why the Japanese are able to get their message across is because they rely more on non-verbals for their communication
For example, think of a conversation with a student. One raised eyebrow can clearly say "You forgot to bow when you entered the dojo," and a certain tone of voice can communicate volumes. This is classic high context communication that needs only a minimum of words in order to get the message across. Japanese tend to have this style of communication, it is described as ichi ieba ju wakaru
Understanding ichi ieba ju wakaru ( body language, gestures, tone of voice, facial expressions and posture ) the Japanese often describe their communication style as “ hear that when the speaker says 10%, the listener will be able to figure out the other 90% “ on the basis that you understand the non-verbals.
For the westerner, this communication style can be difficult if not impossible to understand.
After many years of study with Yonemoto Sensei, it is more recently that I have understood his way of thinking. My good friend Daniel Tennant Sensei and I have spent many hours talking and discussing Yonemoto Sensei’s ways. He expects you to work hard to find the answers to your questions. This means asking effective follow-up questions after he has given you the first 10%.
If no such follow-up questions are asked, Sensei will tend to assume that you have grasped the other 90%.
For you, you must tune into the non-verbals, body language, gestures, tone of voice, facial expressions and posture This will enable you to pick up more messages, and enhance your ability to read between the lines.
One last thing, be sure to leave enough silence between each conversation. This will give time to truly understand what has been said. I have said before
“ you hear but you don’t listen, you look but you don’t see”
David Morris Sensei
Julia Broad, you may find this interesting. It's a very sophisticated version of what I say about joining up the dots and inference rather than stating every little thing. David puts it perfectly😊
The Art of Communication
Western communication style relies heavily on words. In conversation, we believe in expressing ourselves verbally as vitally important
In contrast, Japanese communication relies less on words and more on body language, gestures, tone of voice, facial expressions and posture.
Japanese speak of haragei, the art of silently communicating "belly to belly," through intuition rather than with words.
The reason why the Japanese are able to get their message across is because they rely more on non-verbals for their communication
For example, think of a conversation with a student. One raised eyebrow can clearly say "You forgot to bow when you entered the dojo," and a certain tone of voice can communicate volumes. This is classic high context communication that needs only a minimum of words in order to get the message across. Japanese tend to have this style of communication, it is described as ichi ieba ju wakaru
Understanding ichi ieba ju wakaru ( body language, gestures, tone of voice, facial expressions and posture ) the Japanese often describe their communication style as “ hear that when the speaker says 10%, the listener will be able to figure out the other 90% “ on the basis that you understand the non-verbals.
For the westerner, this communication style can be difficult if not impossible to understand.
After many years of study with Yonemoto Sensei, it is more recently that I have understood his way of thinking. My good friend Daniel Tennant Sensei and I have spent many hours talking and discussing Yonemoto Sensei’s ways. He expects you to work hard to find the answers to your questions. This means asking effective follow-up questions after he has given you the first 10%.
If no such follow-up questions are asked, Sensei will tend to assume that you have grasped the other 90%.
For you, you must tune into the non-verbals, body language, gestures, tone of voice, facial expressions and posture This will enable you to pick up more messages, and enhance your ability to read between the lines.
One last thing, be sure to leave enough silence between each conversation. This will give time to truly understand what has been said. I have said before
“ you hear but you don’t listen, you look but you don’t see”
David Morris Sensei
KYUDOKAN more than just a karate school.
Over the next few months we will be posting bio's of not only our instructors, but also some of the many students who train together and enjoy the many benefits the association has to offer.
This week.........Dan Fyfe
Kyudokan senior instructor, Dan Fyfe is 37 years old and started karate at the age of 12 years old. He is married and has two children, ages two and nine.
Dan’s first instructor was one of my first teachers , Kevin Fox Sensei .
When Kevin emigrated to New Zealand, his senior instructors and Dan we given the responsibility of overseeing the club.
After a few years Dan joined the Kyudokan. Dan, also known as Baldy is the founder of the Garden Club a very well respected jujitsu and grappling Club in the Locks Heath area of Southampton.
It is fair to say that Dan is very popular among the students and is a very well-respected member of the team. His personality and passion shines through and is very infectious. Kyudokan is growing from strength to strength and with personalities like Dan sensei the future looks particularly good.
Next up will Liz Barnes, the highest graded woman in the Kyudokan, watch this space.........
Ollie thinks the world of Dan
Sensei Dave, I have trained all over the world and your Dojo and students still stand out as an inspiration!
Christmas Training Times
With Christmas just around the corner, here are the training times for all clubs:
24th December Monday Xmas Eve Closed
25th December Tuesday Xmas Day Closed
26th December Wednesday Boxing Day Closed
27th December Thursday 6.00-7.00 Juniors
7.00-8.00 Seniors
28th December Friday 6.00-7.00 Juniors
7.00-8.00 Seniors
30th December Sunday 10.30-11.30 Mixed
Please note ALL classes will be at our main dojo at
Fairways House
Mount Pleasant Road
Southampton
SO14 0QB
For those who haven’t been to our dojo, there is an area where you can watch, chill out with refreshments available.
Kyudokan Grading Course
Kyudokan Dojo
Fairways House
Mount Pleasant Road
Southampton
SO14 0QB
Saturday 15th December 2018
Time 10.00-12.00 noon
Cost £12.00
This is a special course for Green belt and above to go through all the requirements for their next grade.
Particular attention will be on the katas . Gekifa, Siafa, Sanseru, Unshu, and Tensho.
Please let me know if you as soon as possible, if you will be attending.
Many thanks
David Morris Sensei
You have seen Leo before. But I was asked how old is he.
Leo is 14!
Enough said!
ボクシングスタイルで、拳に力が入り過ぎ！打つ時に肘が脇より後ろに行ってる！肘を曲げ過ぎ！90度で良い！一呼吸で二発撃つ！吸っても吐いても！拳を握るのは当たる時だけで良い！これを練習してごらん。
I will explain to Leo, Sensei. We are very fortunate you give this advice
Actually he's 15! 😉
とても良いものを持っているので、正確に書くね。この腕力は凄いと思います！しかし打つ時に肘を下げるから、その分遅くなるし、力が入って遅くなる！拳は構えた所から肘を前に出して打つ！引かずに打つ！一吐きで二発打つ！一吸いで二発打つ！一発ずつ凄いパンチを出してるけど、力み過ぎて間が均等に空いてる！？この打ち方をマスターして下さい。偉い事に成るかもよ！
もっと早く打てるのに❗️😅
With Christmas just around the corner, here are the training times for all clubs:
24th December Monday Xmas Eve Closed
25th December Tuesday Xmas Day Closed
26th December Wednesday Boxing Day Closed
27th December Thursday 6.00-7.00 Juniors
7.00-8.00 Seniors
28th December Friday 6.00-7.00 Juniors
7.00-8.00 Seniors
30th December Sunday 10.30-11.30 Mixed
Please note ALL classes will be at our main dojo at
Fairways House
Mount Pleasant Road
Southampton
SO14 0QB
For those who haven’t been to our dojo, there is an area where you can watch, chill out with refreshments available.
Girl Power at the Kyudokan Martial Arts Centre.
Brilliant session last night.
When I thought of a name for the class, I didn’t realise how fitting it was.
Girls, your awesome!!
Power in your kicks, Power in your punches !
Great to see Jean and Chloe back training after injury
If you to get fit and have fun, come along to our Girl Power class. For ladies only, Girl Power is a great way to keep fit and with Christmas parties coming up, you’ll burn all the calories you need to be able to fit in that dress and have that extra glass of proescco!
Kyudokan dojo looking good! Completely redesigned the reception area at the weekend. Shoe and bag rack fitted and new seating area too.
Many thanks to Paul Gibbs who kindly gave us two leather sofas for our dojo and Daz Strong, always helpful and supportive who collected and delivered them to the dojo.
Tea, coffee and soft drinks available and TV for members and spectators.
Karate or Boxing or Jujitsu?
In karate, tradition is a belief passed down with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past. I believe by adhering to guidelines dictating how an how technique should be done ( in Kata ) are given greater importance than if it works.
Ive been told that my dojo favours boxing and Jujitsu more than karate and that I have moved away from my traditional karate roots.
I really don’t deserve such a compliment. Yonemoto Sensei said I must continue to observe other fighting arts. I’m very grateful for his advice because everything I have seen is contained in Goju.
Its not what you see, its the eyes that you see with
Upcoming Events
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior & Senior Training 10:30 am Junior & Senior Grading TRAINING Red – Green Belt 12:30 pm Junior & Senior Grading TRAINING Red – Green Belt @ Kyudokan Goju Ryu Karate Do Feb 17 @ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm | ||||||
| Junior & Senior Training 10:30 am Junior & Senior Grading Red – Green Belt 12:30 pm Junior & Senior Grading: Blue belt – Brown belt 2:30 pm Junior & Senior Grading: Blue belt – Brown belt @ Kyudokan Goju Ryu Karate Do Feb 24 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm |
It's not what you see, it's the eyes that you see with.