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 65 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.
Whether you are an experienced karateka or just beginning your journey; the Kyudokan will help you on your own martial arts path.
The Kyudokan 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.
In addition to Karate, Kyudokan also offers:
- Weapons Training: to help co-ordination and dexterity
- Karate Camp: members can spend a few days a year in the New Forest enjoying camping, BBQ's, obstacle courses and of course Karate!
- Social Events: in addition to being a truly traditional karate club, the Kyudokan is a very friendly and family focussed organisation and we have an active social scene amongst our members.
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Family Karate class Tuesdays 6pm
23 students + 7 Sensei’s = high standards
Next sessions Thursday Chamberlayne Leisure Centre
6pm Family Class
7pm Senior Class
7pm Advanced Juniors
🥋Family Session 11:45am
🥋🥋Advanced Junior Session 12:45
🥋🥋🥋Senior only Session 12:45
🥋🥋🥋🥋Grading Session 13:00
What a great day at Kyudokan Karate
A special well done to Scarlett, Warren and Clarke.
Comment on Facebook 263617303796490_1723136244511248
Good job Warren
🥋Kyudokan Introduction Nunchaku Session🥋
Socially distanced & Brand new Nunchuck's still in packaging that the students get to keep
Next Karate Sessions are Saturday at Bitterne Leisure Centre
11am Family Session
12pm Seniors Only
12pm Advanced Juniors
Family Session: 42 Students + 9 instructors = Great Lesson.
Next session tomorrow 6pm, special Nunchaku Class
The translation of Zanshin is a state of awareness, of relaxed alertness. The mind is completely focused on action and fixated on the task at hand. Zanshin is being constantly aware of your body, mind, and surroundings without stressing yourself. It is an effortless vigilance.
I endeavour to live my life intentionally and acting with purpose using Zanshin rather than living mindlessly without focus or direction. Living with a focused mind has enabled to not only progress in my karate but also my battle with Parkinsons Disease
The Japanese proverb “After winning the battle, tighten your helmet.” means the battle does not end when you win. The battle only ends when you lose your sense of commitment, intention and when you stop paying attention. Zanshin is being focused, alertness regardless of whether the goal has already been achieved. For me, Zanshin is the way I live my life. To have complete awareness and focus everywhere in life.
A state of mind
The Japanese art of archery, Kyudo, study Zanshin. My schools given name is Kyudokan. The name was given to me by Kiyoshi Yonemoto Sensei. He thought the name epitomises my karate. I didn’t realise the significance of the name at the time. 30 years later, I do now.
I have many goals in life but Its not the target that matters. It is not the finish line that matters. It is the way we approach the goal that matters. Everything is aiming. Zanshin
🥋11:45: Family Training
🥋🥋12:45: Advanced Juniors
🥋🥋🥋12:45 Seniors Only
Next Session, Places at Eastleigh Tuesday 6pm Family Session.
Training Covid-19 safe
Grace Burgess | Wave 105 1000 Faces 2020 | Wave 105 Cash for Kids
Grace Burgess | Wave 105 1000 Faces 2020 | Wave 105 Cash for Kids
www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk
Hello!!!! I’m raising money to support Wave 105 Cash for Kids in the South so they can make a real difference to the lives of lots of children who need it. I’m planning on doing an all day karate-thon on Sunday 11th October and have also been selling off some old toys to raise money. Anything yo...Kyudokan Karate following COVID-19 safety guide lines.
Each student is 2.5metres apart and temperature checked upon arrival.
🥋11am Family Session
🥋🥋12noon Seniors only session
🥋🥋🥋12noon advanced juniors
Next 3 sessions Sunday from 11:45 am Holly Hill Leisure centre
Kyudokan Goju Ryu Karate Do updated their phone number.
3 sessions tonight and every Thursday
🥋6pm Family Session
🥋🥋7pm Advanced Juniors
🥋🥋🥋7pm Seniors Only
Next 3 Sessions at Bitterne Leisure Centre on Saturday from 11am
Comment on Facebook 263617303796490_1713750632116476
Excellent first session! We loved it! Thank you David and co x
🥋🥋Another great evening at Kyudokan Karate.🥋🥋
31 new members in the last 5 weeks! Now is an amazing time to join. 🥋You will receive a free Gi (uniform) when you join🥋
Next 3 Sessions at Chamberlayne Leisure Centre this Thursday
🥋6pm Family Session
🥋🥋7pm Seniors Only
🥋🥋🥋7pm Advanced Juniors
4 Amazing Sessions at Bitterne Leisure Centre Today
🥋11am Family Session: all ages all levels
🥋🥋12pm Senior Only Session
🥋🥋🥋12pm Advanced Juniors
🥋🥋🥋🥋1pm Grading session
Congratulations to all that passed: Nikola, Harry, Jason, Finlay, Mark, Tony, Martin, Lucas, Kayden, Austin, Jithin and Mark.
Next Training session is at Holly Hill Leisure Centre on Sunday
11:45am Family Session: all ages all levels
12:45pm Advanced Juniors
12:45pm Seniors Only
Comment on Facebook 263617303796490_1709099879248218
Congrats everyone - thought Martin done an amazing Kata.
Congratulations to all those passing their grading today! Well deserved! 👏
🥋Amazing sessions at Chamberlayne Leisure Centre, every Thursday at 6pm and 7pm🥋
🥋6pm Family Session, all ages, all grades
🥋7pm Advanced Juniors
🥋7pm Seniors Only
🥋Next Sessions: Saturday 11am and 12pm at Bitterne Leisure Centre
Grace Burgess | Wave 105 1000 Faces 2020 | Wave 105 Cash for Kids
Grace Burgess | Wave 105 1000 Faces 2020 | Wave 105 Cash for Kids
www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk
Hello!!!! I’m raising money to support Wave 105 Cash for Kids in the South so they can make a real difference to the lives of lots of children who need it. I’m planning on doing an all day karate-thon on Sunday 11th October and have also been selling off some old toys to raise money. Anything yo...Comment on Facebook Hello!!!! I’m ...
Grace is starting early after breakfast and will then be at Holly Hill for 2 hours. Then home for personal karate lessons with family members 😬, lots of kata, punchbag sessions and through to the early evening when we might let her stop for dinner!! 🤣
Great class again at Places Leisure. Meeting every Tuesday 6.00 to 7.00pm, the classes are for juniors and seniors ( families are becoming very popular) Mums and Dads enjoy the classes and are close to their children. A great social event. Book your place next week. Go to our website kyudokan.co.uk.
Our next class is on Thursday 1st November who juniors and seniors 6.00 -7.00. Advance juniors and seniors 7.00-8.00. All information on website. You can book your class. But make it quick spaces running out fast.
A Heavy Burden
Nihon Goju Ryu Karate Do has a traditional linage of great standing and the Kyudokan follow the teachings of teachers past and present. All karate schools have their own grading system and depending on the teacher’s beliefs, their school’s grading system will differ. It is often said that belts and grades are not so important, it is the development and his or hers understanding that is more important.
So what does a belt and its ranking system truly mean? Some people believe it is status, some people believe it is seniority, some people believe it the symbol of the path of their journey to black belt… whatever you believe, the most important thing is what it means to the individual student.
The black belt is a burden. I believe the teacher who awards the grade has just as much responsibility as the student who attempts it. The teacher must be careful not to award the grade without considering the huge burden being placed upon the student. The black belt is symbolic, it represents many things we strive to live up to, fortitude, courage, resilience and many more. It is the first step at the bottom of the mountain.
Yesterday I studied with a great teacher. He said the journey up the mountain is hard, each dan grade representing base camps. Camps to prepare you for the next stage. Today, two Kyudokan students will attempt to reach the third camp, Debbie and Leo Strong.
I have been asked many times if I have failed students who attempt their grade. Fortunately I have. I have not placed a burden they could not carry.
Comment on Facebook A Heavy Burden ...
Thanks for all the support - means a lot. Three and half hours stretching body and mind resulted in a pass for us both. Exhausted and thrilled 😊x
I thought I had a lot to remember, and so much to still learn, when I took my first grade. Incredible that the path in front now looks even longer! I believe there are wise people who talk about the importance of the journey rather than just destination though! 😉 😊
Well said - good luck both of you 👏👏
Very best of luck today Debbie Strong and Leo . You 100% deserve the grade and I’m certain you will absolutely smash it .
(Non ninja response - #terrified!) 😉😂😂😂
Very well written Sensei!
🥋🥋Another amazing week at Kyudokan Karate at our 4 venues around Southampton. 🥋🥋
Even more new members started this week ✅
Covid-19 safe ✅
Busy Classes ✅
4 students passed their next grade ✅✅✅✅
Amazing friendly family atmosphere ✅
🥋🥋We have an amazing joining offer: no joining fees, no insurance fees till August 2021 and a free Gi (uniform) when you join. Its never been a better time to start your training🥋🥋
Comment on Facebook 263617303796490_1690263791131827
my son Dylan wants to come back he used to go to bitterne leisure about 4 years ago where do you do the classes now
Ollie really enjoyed the advanced junior class yesterday (despite his tired little face 🤣)
Red Suits
I have often been asked why do the children wear red karate suits and not the traditional white karate suits like the majority of karate schools. Maybe when I say I like the colour and that the children can spend more time training, less time washing, you may be slightly disquieted by my attitude and apparent lack of upholding tradition.
The colour red donotes strength, passion, self sacrifice and blood. It is the color that ‘gets the blood flowing’. Many phrases such as the terms for “embarrassment to death” or “growing red with anger” or “deficit spending or losses” or “complete stranger” are denoted with Japanese word for ‘red’.
White on the other hand is inherently denotes death and mourning too. This peaceful color also stands for purity and truth. White is the color of snow, starting on a blank page, going back to the roots and to scorn or treat someone cold.
However, while I believe it is very important to uphold tradition maybe by being a little bit different than all the rest is refreshing and free thinking.
Many years ago in the 80's , there was a very powerful and progressive karate style who dominated kumite competitions all over the country. It's instructors were Mike Dinsdale Sensei and Greg Wallace Sensei. The style was unlike the traditional karate of the day and to be honest was frowned upon. But in competition it worked, they competed and won. They won against biased referring and hostility for their lack of tradition. They were called Renshinkai........they wore red karate suits!.
Their moto was " Strength in Unity" a moto I believe the Kyudokan follows..
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Comment on Facebook 263617303796490_1689641211194085
Whether or not I like or agree with the post matters not, after all, what on Earth do I know and who should care what I think? But I must say that I love when people, particularly in the martial arts community can think for themselves and have the courage to forge different paths. Love it. (Ps, we’ve done blue and black and white during various iterations of my school). 😊🙏
🥋🥋Family Sessions + Senior Only + Advanced Juniors + 12 students successfully Grading 🥋🥋
Another amazing week at Kyudokan Karate with 10 sessions this week at 4 locations around Southampton.
While keeping Covid-19 safe, with temperature checks, social distancing and hand cleansing.
The Kyudokan family continues to grow with more members again this week in addition to more parents now becoming members joining in the training.
🥋🥋🥋Gradings🥋🥋🥋
A very well done to Lilly, Gracie, Jessica, Patrick, Elliot and Luke for passing there grades today.
It was very tough grading session with the students having to work extremely hard to demonstrate that they were ready to be awarded their grade. Part of the grade included sparring which was possible with their siblings. 🥋🥋🥋
A brilliant end to a great week. With lockdown being eased and our classes starting in the leisure centres Kyudokan Karate students returned to training.
Sunday at Holly Hill Leisure Centre proved to be very popular. It’s important for everyone to remember to book your place in our classes. Places are going fast and we need to know how many students attend to make sure we have the correct number of instructors. Booking can be done in advance so go to your app now.
Next training....... Places for People Leisure Centre, Tuesday 6.00pm.......book now to avoid disappointment
Comment on Facebook A brilliant end to a...
Jon Read get involved
This morning class at Bitterne Leisure Centre once again was awesome. Kyudokan students are enjoying the classes, its been a long time in lockdown. Our next classes are tomorrow, Sunday at Holly Hill Leisure Centre
Comment on Facebook This morning class ...
First session and can’t wait for the next. Great club and thanks for the welcome
I hadn’t realised Leo had been graded. Congratulations Leo well deserved 👏👏
We’re quarantining after going to France to see my parents. Will be back as soon as we can!
First karate lesson for junior and senior students of the Kyudokan last night at Chamberlayne Leisure Centre. Strictly following government guidelines on social distancing, sanitation and well being of all our students, the lessons were awesome,
We take these unprecedented times very seriously and have increased the instructor to student ratio and with so many members continuing their training online during the lockdown and attending the outside classes too, the standard and enthusiasm was brilliant.
With lockdown being relaxed, now is a great time to join Kyudokan Karate.
Our next class is tomorrow Saturday 22nd August at Bitterne Leisure Centre, 11.00am.
Interested? Come along, children adults and families very welcome
Remembering our international ties with our South African friends before lockdown. Hoping to return to see you all again soon
Why choose Kyudokan?
'Kyudokan' means to search for the way. Here are six reasons why we believe your search begins here.
Quality, individually focussed teaching: Our classes are split into small groups, where typically 5 - 7 students, of the same level of experience, are assigned their own sensei (teacher), this ratio ensures highly efficient progression.
Traditional: Kyudokan practices Goju-Ryu (Hard - Soft) Karate - a style for life that is highly practical for all ages, fitness levels and strength. It is signified by combining soft flowing movement with powerful strikes and throws.
Support: Kyudokan has a strong admin team that ensures our members are up-to-date on all club information. We have a free app ( and ) featuring class timetables and booking, club message board and progress tracking.
Karate for real life: Students start with very light contact and progress to full contact as they become more proficient at Kumite (sparring) and controlling their technique. This syllabus helps prepare our students for the real world.
Value: An affordable monthly fee that gives members access to up to 8 hours of training per week. Excellent family discounts are available, as well as a range of additional courses such as weapons training and study groups.
Belonging: A club with a family atmosphere that has been running for over 40 years. Annual events include a xmas party for students and families, camping trips, birthday parties and even school holiday clubs!
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WE CURRENTLY HAVE A CLEARANCE SALE ON SELECTED PRODUCTS - LOOK OUT FOR THE STARRED ITEMS!
It's not what you see,
it's the eyes you see with.
