Our approach to Judo

The History of Judo

Judo (which translates to  ’the gentle way’) is an unarmed modern Japanese martial art, combat sport, and Olympic sport. Judo was created in 1882 by Kanō Jigorō distinguishing itself from its traditional jujutsu school predecessors due to its emphasis on “randori” (free sparring) instead of “kata” (pre-arranged forms).

Jujutsu was developed to combat the samurai of feudal Japan as a method for defeating an armed and armoured opponent in which one uses no form of weapon. As striking against an armoured opponent proved ineffective, practitioners learned that the most efficient methods for neutralising an enemy took the form of pins, joint locks, and throws.

The objective of modern competitive judo is to throw an opponent, immobilise them with a hold, or force an opponent to submit with an arm-lock, choke, or strangle.

Benefits of doing Judo with us

  • Learn a traditional Martial Art
  • Do an Olympic Sport
  • Improve your self defense capabilities
  • Significantly boost your physical fitness
  • Practice discipline, fortitude, and perseverance
  • Become part of a welcoming family
  • Build confidence by working towards achieving goals
  • Having fun!

Guiding Principles

The Kyu Shin Do Philosophy

Our club tries to stay true to and embody what we understand from the Kyūshindō philosophy which was developed by budō master Kenshiro Abe (who founded the British Judo Council) in the mid-20th century and which became his central statement for his personal approach to both Judo and as a way of life. 

Abe felt that there were three fundamental principles within Kyushindo which should be reflected in the Martial arts and in his outside life.

Abe saw that the application of this philosophy to Judo could be achieved by using gentle smooth movements, soft, quick and safe. These movements spring from a relaxed mind and body, which helps to build up strength and purpose. The accumulation of efforts is a steady motion about the radius of the centre of gravity and that all energy resigns to this basic cyclic pattern.

Kyu = Desire – Yearn – Sphere – Circle – Search – Study.

Shin = Heart – New – Spirit – True – To be true to ones self.

Do = Way or Path , a way of life or self discipline .

Our Club

We are a BJC affiliated Judo Club based in Chester-le-Street and Newbottle with a main focus on the traditional art, competition techniques, self-defence and of-course fun!

We’re a fun, caring, family style club that encourages personal development no matter your starting experience.

Our senior mat trains hard and pushes our squad of more serious fighters in their competitive endeavours.

Our experienced coaching team are all fully qualified in coaching, first aid and child safeguarding, and hold over 150 years of joint judo experience with multiple national and international competition successes.

We have 2 large mat areas to cater for Junior and Senior Judoka, and take students of all ages ranging from 6+ years.

At Kyu Shin Do Ryu, we believe in nurturing both the physical and mental aspects of our athletes.  We aim to develop not only skilled competitors but also individuals who embody the true spirit of Kyu Shin Do Judo. 

Our head coach Bryan (3rd Dan black belt) took over Kyu Shin Do Ryu over 35 years ago and we have developed a fun, caring, family style club.