Bristol Budokan Kyushindo Karate Club

Very true

We would like to wish all students and online friends a happy Christmas if you celebrate it and hope you enjoy time with friends and family if possible and relax. The Bristol Budokan will be closed over this period so we hope you all the very best into the new year and much success in your training and goals.

Unfortunately due to circumstances outside of our control the Bristol Budokan will not reopen in January and will remain closed for the foreseeable future. We will post updates as to when the club does return. Finally..

Thank you Grandmaster Chris Freke from all at the Budokan for your tireless dedication and passion for the art of Kyushindo Karate. You have guided the art for over 40 years and helped so many people realise their potential, we are all so very grateful for your time and efforts and have grown alongside you in your journey which has now come to an end. Please rest well and enjoy your retirement and we will always be there for you should you call.

We would all like congratulate master Chris Freke who has now been awarded his 7th Dan and is now the grand master (hanshi) of the Kyushindo style practiced at the Bristol Budokan. He has diligently studied this art for over 50 years and continues to train and pass on his knowledge to all students with care and passion. He was joined in celebration by sensei Richard Cooper (3rd Dan) and master Lee Plummer (5th Dan)

DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN BUDO AND SPORT MARTIAL ARTS Budō (武道) martial arts and sport martial arts are two distinct disciplines with unique focuses and goals. Budō, which translates to “martial way,” emphasises personal development, self-improvement, and the cultivation of a strong moral character through rigorous training and discipline. It places a heavy emphasis on traditional values such as respect, humility, and integrity, and seeks to cultivate mental fortitude alongside physical prowess. In contrast, sport martial arts prioritises competition and performance in a controlled environment with defined rules and regulations. While both styles involve physical techniques like strikes, kicks, throws, and submissions, the intentions behind their practice are fundamentally different. Budō aims to foster personal growth and spiritual enlightenment, while sport martial arts focus on winning competitions and trophies. Understanding the distinctions between these two approaches is essential for practitioners to align themselves with their preferred goals and aspirations within the realm of martial arts practice. www.nakmas.org.uk . . . . . @uk_sport @officialsportengland @sportandrecalliance @dcmsgovuk #budo #MartialWay #officialmartialarts #officialblackbelts #martialartstraining #martialartist #nakmasngb #nakmas

Tonight’s class will be the final class of 2023 and after we will be closing for the festive period. We would all like to wish all students, friends and our online followers a very merry Christmas if you celebrate this holiday and a happy new year.

We will reopen Wednesday 3rd of January and look forward to seeing everyone and any new friends ready for the new year and new challenges that will come with it.