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
Excellent junior and adult mixed session today at Holly Hill. Great to see even more new starters. Well done Alexander and Kevin!
Congratulations to Theo: best advanced junior.
Each week this trophy is awarded to the student who puts in the most effort in the advanced junior class. Theo is working hard on Sanchin for his Grading in two weeks
Congratulations from Okinawa!
Congratulations go out to Miss Jemma Jackson who passed her Shodan, black belt with the Kyudokan Goju Ryu Karate Association.
Jemma, 18 , who lives in Bramshaw, has been training in karate since a very young age. She joined the Kyudokan nearly two years ago after being with another club for many years.
David Morris Sensei, Chief Instructor of the Kyudokan, remembers her first day and recalls “when Jemma first stepped into our dojo, it was very daunting for her. There were many students, men and women who were sparring, contact was hard but controlled. Kyudokan students are from many martial arts and styles, Jujitsu, Muay Thai. Kung Fu. I could see then that she felt uneasy with what she was seeing”.
At her previous club Jemma explained “she had experienced very little contact or understood going to ground and using Goju effectively”.
David continues, “karate has many facets and the one most important one being, especially when going for black belt is “can you fight? “ or more importantly, have you the courage to fight? Jemma could of turned away and gone back to her previous club. But she didn’t.
Jemma openly admits she doesn’t like fighting but she had to spar with all the black belts present for her grade. Jemma completed 6 non stop 3 minutes bouts with each of the black belts, then repeat this 2 more times, sparring 6 people non stop for nearly an hour.
Her black belt is testimony to her courage. Well done Jemma!
Congratulations to Sam: best advanced junior.
Each week this trophy is awarded to the student who puts in the most effort in the advanced junior class.
Well done Sam. You look quite well David. Xx
Well done Sam.
🥋🤺Wednesdays Junior Session included Kobudo training🤺🥋
Blast from the past!!
Scott Paul
Congratulations to Charlie: best advanced junior.
Each week this trophy is awarded to the student who puts in the most effort in the advanced junior class. This week focussed on Bunkai. Last week focussed on Kata and the trophy was won by Harry.
Great job Charlie!
The extra space makes training enjoyable and spectators and parents can relax in the larger area where light refreshments are available..
The dojo offers ample parking, a kitchen to prepare food and with a traditional Japanese feeling about it, our classes are continue to grow. If your interested or want to find out more about our one to one personal coaching, please contact me
Happy Birthday To Us!!!
It has been 1 year since we moved into our own Dojo!
Thank you so much for your support - we have loved watching you all develop over the last year.
Make sure to check out our updated training times so you can make the most of your Kyudokan Membership:
👊MONDAYS👊
@ The Kyudokan Dojo, Fairways House, Mount Pleasant Road, Southampton, SO14 0QB
⏱5.45 - 6.45pm Girl Power: Female only Combat Fitness
⏱7 - 8.30pm Advanced Seniors (1st KYU and above only)
👊TUESDAY👊
@ Places Leisure Eastleigh, Passfield Avenue, Eastleigh, SO50 9NL
⏱6 - 7pm Junior Karate Session
@ The Kyudokan Dojo, Fairways House, Mount Pleasant Road, Southampton, SO14 0QB
⏱7.30 - 9pm Senior Karate Session
👊WEDNESDAY👊
@ The Kyudokan Dojo, Fairways House, Mount Pleasant Road, Southampton, SO14 0QB
⏱5.30 - 6.30pm Junior Karate Session
⏱6.30 - 8pm Junior Advanced Karate Session (Green Belt and above only)
👊THURSDAY👊
@ Chamberlayne Leisure Centre, 150 Weston Lane, Southampton, SO19 9SJ
⏱6 - 7pm Junior Karate Session
@ The Kyudokan Dojo, Fairways House, Mount Pleasant Road, Southampton, SO14 0QB
⏱7.30 - 9pm Senior Karate Session
👊FRIDAY👊
@ Bitterne Leisure Centre, Dean Road. Bitterne, Southampton, SO18 6AQ
⏱6 - 7pm Junior Karate Session
@ The Kyudokan Dojo, Fairways House, Mount Pleasant Road, Southampton, SO14 0QB
⏱7.30 - 9pm Senior Karate Session
👊SUNDAY👊
@Holly Hill Leisure Centre, Barnes Lane, Southampton, SO31
⏱10.30 - 11.30am Junior & Senior Karate
@The Kyudokan Dojo, Fairways House, Mount Pleasant Road, Southampton, SO14 0QB
⏱2 - 6pm Monthly Weapons & Grading Sessions for Juniors & Seniors. Please ask for the date of the next session!
Sensei David Morris has just pulled this little gem 💎 from the archives!
We continue to teach the children at Bitterne Leisure Centre and will continue to do so. We are the only original sports club remaining at Bitterne, I remember the opening ceremony , 1984, officially opened by Government official Sir Ian McFarland.
35 years!! Boy, do I feel old!!
I've fond memories of Karate Tots at Bitterne Leisure Centre 🙂
Yes that’s Frazer Talbot xxx lol I still have this x
Look at their little faces! Maybe you'd like to do a taster class with my preschoolers? They're 2-4 years, Ollie was only just 4 when he started with Liz all those years ago.
Sallyann Bentley isn't that Frazer on the far left? Xx
Wednesday's Junior class at Fairways House will revert back to 5.30pm to 6.30pm as this time seems to be better for those who found it difficult to come to the earlier time.
This will start immediately from tonight.
Carmel Gardner
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.
Jiten Desai
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!!
二人とも前足がウイークポイントだね！
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
,
David Morris Enjoy your new home; 🏡 I hope you get really 'spaced out' there! 🙏😊
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.
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 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 🤗
Thank you for sharing Sensei.
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
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. 😀
Very nice performance. Be well.
You’re an inspiration; to your students and to me too!
Very nice Dave.. Great Video... Battle on!
Good on ya sensei, much respect, keep on fighting
🥋osu
Stay well
You were big and strong Craig, it was many years ago but I remember you. I hope you and family are keeping well
Bloody hell Dave, youre a legend. Taking a break, but not defeated - a fantastic message
Big respect to this man.
Domo arigatou Gozaimashita x
Well done David , remember you are only beaten when you say you are , keep up the fight , regards Dave.
Nice Tensho. Ichikawa Goju Ryu style is different from others.
I was having a bad day,,Dan, if I can keep going,, karate helps
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!
Well Dave, that makes sense, think we do that dailyx
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
Congratulations Oliver, a very fine karateka with the attention and determination to go far!
Well done Ol’s - from a proud Old Man 🥋👏
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
Well done Grace xx
Well done Grace, amazing x
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 xxx
Congratulations Leo! Thoroughly deserved 🤙
Congratulations from Ben Falinski.
Congratulations my son, so proud of you x
Congratulations Leo
Congratulations, well deserved Leo
Congratulations Leo
Well done leo!!!
Well done Leo
Congratulations Leo
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 😃😃😃)
Well done Leo ❤️
Well done Leo!! ❤️
Well done Leo!!
So proud of you Leo x
Proud Mummy moment. Xx
Congratulations Leo!
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😊
Upcoming Events
It's not what you see, it's the eyes that you see with.