Information Sheet

What is kyushinkai?

'Kyu-shin' means seeking understanding of how the universe works and how we can live in harmony with this. The word 'kai' is club. Studying martial arts such as Judo or Aikido or Kendo trains you to have an open mind and a relaxed body, leading you towards harmony with nature.

What is Judo?

In 1882 Jigoro Kano introduced a system based on some of the traditional fighting arts of Japan into which he incorporated modern ideas of physical education and teaching methods together with high moral ideals.

He called his system Kodokan Judo and the present day Olympic sport of Judo is derived from this.

Professor Kano intended his system to be used as a method of physical, mental and moral improvement as well as for the development of contest proficiency. He was also concerned that people should be able to protect themselves so he included methods of self-defence.

Today the sport of Judo is still evolving under the supervision of the International Judo Federation and, as it is an Olympic sport, the emphasis is on elite physical and contest development.

Most Judo in this country is recreational and the majority of students are under 16 years old. Although some children and adults will go on to 'serious' contesting and aspire to become national or even Olympic champions, many will be happy just to have fun and enjoy the physical, mental and moral benefits that the founder intended. The Practice of Judo Judo is practiced on mats that ideally are of high-density foam covered in heavy-duty vinyl with a non-slip base. Canvas covered mats are sometimes used but are considered less hygienic.

The rules of Judo stipulate that the participants wear a specific cotton uniform based on Japanese clothing that has no hard fastenings such as buttons or zips or buckles and many techniques depend on the participants wearing the correct outfit. The design of the uniform protects against minor injuries such as mat burns and the suit will withstand the rigours of training that would destroy 'normal' clothes.

Footwear is never worn or placed on the mat and while in the practice hall (dojo) all participants usually wear foot covering (flop-flops or similar) that they can slip on and off when coming onto or leaving the mat area. Footwear is not worn at all in some dojo, shoes being removed before entering.

All participants should arrive on time be ready to take part in the formal start of the class and stay until the end and help clean the mat and clear up if required.

Roger Marks, Chief Instructor, Kyushinkai

Back to the top