Yoshin Ryu / Coulsdon Martial Arts is a well-established martial arts school and sports club located in Coulsdon, South London. With over 30 years of experience, they offer classes in JuJitsu, Judo, and Karate for adults and children of all levels.
Originally founded by Errol Field as a collection of clubs based in youth centres and sports halls in the Croydon area, Yoshin Ryu has since grown and flourished. In the mid-nineties, Errol purchased an old church in Coulsdon and transformed it into a full-time dojo and the headquarters of Yoshin Ryu, aptly named Coulsdon Martial Arts.
The dojo hosts classes six days a week and is the venue for special events such as competitions and gradings, which are typically held on Sundays. Yoshin Ryu is actively involved in all its disciplines, regularly participating in local, national, and international competitions. Additionally, they provide demonstrations for schools and festivals and often contribute genuine martial artists for television programmes.
The martial arts taught at Yoshin Ryu include JuJitsu, Judo, and Karate. JuJitsu can be best described as a combination of Judo and Karate, incorporating both stand-up techniques such as punching, kicking, and throwing, as well as ground techniques like grappling, hold downs, and submissions. They also offer JuJitsu Kumite, a modern sport that combines elements of Ju-Jitsu, Karate, and Judo for semi-contact fighting.
Judo, known as the Gentle Way, focuses on gripping and throwing opponents effortlessly, without involving punches or kicks. Karate, on the other hand, is a Japanese martial art that emphasises evasive body movements, blocking, and counter-attacks using kicks, punches, and strikes. Yoshin Ryu specifically teaches Shotokan Karate, developed by Gichin Funakoshi, which encompasses the elements of Kihon (basics), Kata (forms or patterns of moves), and Kumite (sparring).
Apart from physical fitness and self-defence training, Yoshin Ryu places great importance on the Dojo Kun, a set of philosophical rules for training in the dojo. These rules include seeking perfection of character, being faithful, striving for excellence, respecting others, and refraining from violent behaviour.
Yoshin Ryu / Coulsdon Martial Arts is dedicated to providing high-quality martial arts training in a supportive and challenging environment. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced martial artist, their experienced teachers and diverse range of classes ensure that there is something for everyone.