Matsubayashi-ryu Bristol England

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/

Here are a few action photos from the recent testing.

Our highest grade was 1st kyu, and we also had students taking their very first grading. It was great to see the difference in each student’s performance across the levels. For the 1st kyu students, it showed the result of years of hard work. For the newer students, it was a glimpse of what lies ahead.

As I’ve said before, the 1st kyu students can look back at where they started and appreciate how far they’ve come. And for the 8th kyu students, I hope you can look at them and think, “I want to move like that one day”—and work towards it.

Let this be a reminder to inspire one another.

Congratulations again to everyone. Karate doesn’t end at testing—it’s just one part of the journey. On Monday, we return to regular training—more learning, more fun, and more exploration.



Shorin Martial Arts Bristol
Shorin Bristol

The dojo is a sacred space where the human spirit is polished, courage is fostered, and superior human nature is bred through hard, sweaty training - Shoshin Nagamine Sensei.

Everyone worked hard tonight—it was truly enjoyable. For two hours of testing, the world seemed to stop: no noise, away from the busy mind—just peace through Okinawan karate.
Please join me in congratulating everyone on successfully passing the test. Great job, all!

More photos tomorrow!
Shorin Martial Arts Bristol

A busy night before testing tomorrow. I’m very happy with the students’ dedication and hard work—please join me in wishing them good luck!




Shorin Martial Arts Bristol

It has been a busy week preparing for testing. There are a few who are still on holiday or unwell, but the majority of students have managed to catch up with their training.

Next week will be the same for two nights—syllabus work, checking our standards, and getting ready for the big night. We aim to present good form, heart, and a decent standard of Matsubayashi Ryu, as we understand it at our current level.

Good luck, everyone. Have a restful weekend—you’ve earned it after all the hard work.




https://www.shorinmartialartsbristol.com/

Learning and sharing knowledge, experience, and time between senior and junior students in preparation for the testing—that is what happened on Monday night and will continue in the next few training sessions before the big day.
Well done to everyone who managed to attend. I hope you benefited from the skill sharing and had fun.

See you all on Thursday!

https://www.shorinmartialartsbristol.com/


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After the bank holiday, the dojo has come alive with strong energy and commitment over two focused days of training.

Even with some students still away on holiday, those who attended showed great effort — stepping onto the mat with focus and the mindset of preparation for the upcoming grading.

This is what karate is about: not convenience, but commitment; not perfection, but daily improvement — and enjoying the process.

Keep sharpening your basics. Keep refining your kata. Keep showing up — this is the main thing.

Well done to everyone who trained.
The journey continues… step by step, we move forward together. 🥋💪

P.S. A special thank you to all the senpais who helped so willingly. It is wonderful to see them supporting others and sharing their knowledge with junior students — that spirit is truly beautiful to see.

Shorin Martial Arts Bristol

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

Big thanks to Heinz Tessner, Sandra James, David Still

for all of your support! Congrats for being top fans on a streak 🔥!