Matsubayashi-ryu Bristol England

A few photos from last night’s 9th anniversary celebration.

We had some fun with Pinan and Naihanchi applications, shared cakes, cakes and more cakes, and presented kata for everyone’s entertainment.

We talked about our recent Okinawa visit and the achievements that our little local dojo has accomplished. I emphasised that it is important to know what we are offering in the dojo — a Karate that is more than just kicking and punching. We are here for learning, preserving, and sharing Okinawan Karate , the Karate that came from its birthplace, as best we can, following the teachings of the teachers in Okinawa.

I thank everyone for their understanding and support through continuously attending training. We should keep it up. We will reap the rewards in the future - there is power in continuity.

Lastly, just like today’s celebration, training should be fun - not stressful and not forced.

Now, let’s start our road to 10 years: a decade of Okinawan Karate in Bristol. We can do it!

Ganbarimashou!!! 🥋

Addendum!!! Thank you to those who brought foods last night. Some took the opportunity to showcase their baking skills, like young Lucas. Thank you, thank you and thank you!!!



Shorin Martial Arts Bristol Shorin Bristol

https://www.shorinmartialartsbristol.com

Quiet classes last week. Some are squeezing in the last few days or weeks of their holiday. In a way, it is great to have different faces in these smaller classes as we unpacked stories and corrections from our recent visit to Okinawa.

As always, there are new pieces of advice, corrections, updates, and tips on how we do techniques, kata, and Karate in general. Everyone is excited about these technical changes, although the initial reaction-including from the body-is, “How can I do this? I have been practising these moves like this for a long time!”

This is what makes Karate unique, in my opinion, the pursuit of unachievable perfection and the continuous, never-ending improvement.

Apart from these many lessons, there are also some lessons that I picked up for the soul. In relation to achievements, I was talking to the students about things such as good GCSE results, school achievements, job promotions, contract deals, or any personal success:

「実るほど頭を垂れる稲穂かな」
Minoru hodo kōbe o tareru inaho kana

“The fuller the rice grain, the more the rice stalk bows its head.”

The meaning is that the more knowledgeable, skilled, or accomplished a person becomes, the more humble they should be.

What is the relation between this and the practice of Karate?

I believe this is Karate—beyond kicking and punching, twisting and mangling people.🙂👊

Have a great weekend everyone! See you all next week.



Photo of the week - young Lucas and Andrea, teaching each other.

https://www.shorinmartialartsbristol.com/

A Historical Photo and a Great Achievement for Us at Matsubayashi Ryu Bristol

Recently, we took on the challenge of testing. Andrea took her Shodan, Marcus tested for Nidan, and I tested for Yondan.

The grading panel consisted of the President and Vice President of the World Matsubayashi Ryu Karate-do Association, Yosh*taka Taira Sensei, 10th Dan, and Toshimitsu Arakaki Sensei, 10th Dan, respectively.

It was a wonderful and intimate testing. Understandably, it was nerve-racking, as these are no less than living legends and Masters of Okinawan Karate. At the same time, it was an incredibly enjoyable experience and a great opportunity for us to showcase what we do here in Bristol, England.

Thankfully, all our hard work paid off. We all passed and were graded, and now we begin a new chapter in our journey.

Personally, I don't grade simply for myself or to gain ranks. I do it to share, lead by example, and inspire our current and future students in Bristol. If I can do it, anyone can. I will continue to study, train, to help and guide anyone interested in Bristol with my current understanding of Okinawan Karate, and Matsubayashi Ryu in particular.

Let's all train together -hard, but always with enjoyment.

Ganbarimashou! 🥋

https://www.shorinmartialartsbristol.com/



Shorin Martial Arts Bristol Shorin Bristol

Some cool training photos captured on some very hot session nights last week and yesterday!

Classes have been a little quieter due to holidays and illness. We wish everyone a fantastic holiday and a speedy recovery, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the dojo when you're ready.

As always, kihon remained a core focus, but last week we also spent extra time working on practical applications, body conditioning, bo, and tonfa. Because of the heat, we reduced the intensity of the workouts and focused more on applications and two-person drills instead. I think everyone learned a lot and had plenty of fun.

There are still two classes left this week, so let's make the most of them. For the time being, everyone is welcome to swap their usual training days if that helps.

See you there!

https://www.shorinmartialartsbristol.com/

The dojo has been a little quiet over the last few weeks. Life happens, football has taken over, and the summer holidays are here. I've been busy with my work and life stuff too, so there hasn't been much posting.

One thing I can assure you of, though, is that the classes have always been running, and Matsubayashi Ryu Bristol continues to make great progress with everyone who attends.

We've been focusing on kihon, kihon, and more kihon, followed by Fukyugata Ni, the Pinan kata, and some students are now progressing to Wankan kata. We've also been spending a lot of time on the bunkai for Fukyugata Ichi, Fukyugata Ni, and Pinan Nidan so that everyone becomes confident and familiar with them.

In kobujutsu, we've been consistently working on Shuji no Kon, Shiromatsu no Kon, Ufugusuku no Kon, and Choun no Kon.

Thank you to everyone who joined me last week. Let's keep the momentum going and continue tomorrow!

https://www.shorinmartialartsbristol.com/

We had a bit of a quiet spell due to exam season and the holidays, but things are looking better next week as students return. We’ll start with David, who has just returned from Okinawa, where he enjoyed the air, food, and hospitality, and of course the teaching of Tetsuo Makishi Sensei, Toshimitsu Arakaki Sensei, and Yosh*taka Taira Sensei.

Here is a very quick video highlighting David this week and young Lucas, who is our newest and youngest dojo member. Welcome back, David, and welcome, Lucas!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and I look forward to seeing you all next week.

Shorin Martial Arts Bristol Shorin Bristol

https://matsubayashi-ryu.com/
https://www.shorinmartialartsbristol.com/

5 off-the-mat photos, 5 on-the-mat action photos, and 1 group photo that capture what happened last night.

Last night was the first Shorin Martial Arts Bristol Natsu Matsuri (Summer Festival). This initiative was driven by our desire to promote Okinawan Martial Arts—Karate and Kobujutsu—in Bristol and the surrounding areas, and hopefully to reach even further through social media.

As planned, everyone took part in either a solo, duo, or group demonstration of karate kata, ranging from Fukyugata Ichi through to Chatanyara Kusanku. We also demonstrated Kobujutsu kata using the Bo, Sai, Nunchaku, Tonfa, and K**a. While many of these kata are well above our current level, everyone gave their best effort to showcase what they have been learning and working towards. The skills, enthusiasm and commitment shown by all the students was inspiring.

During the break, everyone enjoyed food and drinks generously contributed by students and family members. When I walked into the social room, I was amazed by the number of cakes—it almost felt like a baking competition! Perhaps a Shorin Martial Arts Bristol Bake Off could be an idea for the future.

The purpose of the demonstrations was not to be perfect, but to improve ourselves and share our progress with our peers, friends, and families. It was an opportunity to inspire our junior students to work hard and see what they can achieve, while encouraging our senior students to continue setting a positive example. It was also wonderful to see students meeting one another outside of regular training and for me to meet many of their families. Ichariba Chode—once we meet, we are brothers and sisters. The support, kindness, and sense of community shown by everyone was truly humbling.

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend. Thank you also for the generous food and drinks, especially the wonderful homemade cakes—I truly appreciate the time, effort, and kindness that went into preparing them.

Most importantly, thank you to all the families for your support. Your encouragement and commitment make a huge difference to our students and our club.

I know it is exam season and holiday time, so many students were unable to attend. To those who joined us last night, thank you for helping make the event such a success. Your participation, enthusiasm, and support made the evening a memorable one for everyone involved.

Sandra reminded me of the phrase Ichigo Ichie—"one time, one meeting." We hope there will be a second Natsu Matsuri next year, but the first one can only happen once. Everyone who attended last night helped make that moment special and memorable.

As a small token of appreciation, everyone who took part will receive a commemorative programme certificate.

For now, please enjoy the photos—videos will follow soon!



Shorin Bristol

Forging, conditioning, and feedback on structure were the focus last night. I asked the students to have a conversation with our homemade makiwara (striking board). It is not a traditional straw-wrapped board, but it does the job. It is a good “friend” to talk to as well—very honest.

It teaches you to align your knuckles and helps you develop strength. The conversation was short and simple, just enough to get the right answer at that moment: “Am I punching correctly?”

Well done to all who attended this week. Classes are a bit light at the moment due to exams and life commitments, but as always, we make the most of the situation. Whether the class is big or small, there is always something to learn and enjoy.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Come and join us! https://www.shorinmartialartsbristol.com/


Shorin Martial Arts Bristol Shorin Bristol

Last Thursday’s Kobujutsu training saw 4 students focusing on Bojutsu and another 4 on Saijutsu, studying Ufugusuku no Kon and Sai Dai San respectively.

It was wonderful to see our newer students enjoying the training and making steady progress in both weapon handling and kata demonstration. As the saying goes, mighty oaks grow from small acorns — keep going, your efforts will grow with time and consistency.

Tomorrow brings another week of training and another opportunity to improve. Keep seeking progress; it is good for the soul.

Ganbarimashou — let’s do our best together.

https://www.shorinmartialartsbristol.com/