Bushido - The way of the warrior

So, in essence, it is "The school where you train in the way of the warrior."

A progressive martial arts school, with a modern approach to its training and teaching program.

Whilst still upholding the traditions of its ancestry.

This being:

• Manners - Respect, discipline and dojo etiquette.

• Techniques - Basic movements, kata and kumite.

• Philosophy - Knowledge of the art form itself and its origins.

The style of karate taught at the Bushido Academy is Kyokushin Karate.

Kyokushin is a hard style of karate from Japan founded by the late Grandmaster Mas Oyama and now practiced all over the world.

Mas Oyama founded this karate system in the 1950's. Originally known as Oyama Karate, it later became known as Kyokushin Karate – this translates to "The Ultimate Truth".

Mas Oyama over the years had been trained in many different martial arts styles. It was combination of these styles, years of training and his own beliefs that lead to the Kyokushin Karate as we know it today.

Over the years many other styles have developed from their Kyokushin ancestry.

Senior Kyokushin instructors in years past have found themselves in a position where they too have had their own beliefs and ideas on the martial arts.

Some wished to take them further and explore their boundaries of the martial arts. This in turn led to the evolution of these other styles.

These other styles include:

Shidokan, Seido Kaikan/K1 Kickboxing, Ashihara, Daido Juku, Seido JuKu, Enshin Karate, Yamaki Karate, Kurosawa Karate, Spirit Gym- Nicholas Pettas, to name just a few of karate styles heavily influenced by Sosai Mas Oyama teachings.

Many of today’s elite Kickboxing/MMA fighters from around the world were originally top level Kyokushin full contact karate fighters.

K1 superstar fighters such as the late Andy Hug, Francisco Filho, Sam Greco, Peter Graham, Nicholas Pettas, Glaube Feitosa and MMA UFC star Georges St. Pierre were all originally Kyokushin full contact fighters.

Georges St. Pierre has gone from Kyokushin student (also Shidokan black belt) to UFC World Weleterweight champion and is now one of the best MMA fighters in the world. Known for his supreme technique and well mannered persona.

Their road to success paved by their hard and demanding full contact karate training. You need strong discipline to be a champion and Kyokushin is full of discipline in its hard training.

Although Mas Oyama has since passed away the legacy of his hard training still lives on in millions of students worldwide.

The modern approach at the Bushido Academy dojos allows students to understand the "place" for the values taught in the martial arts and their "place" in a modern, western society. With an understanding of how this will make them a "better person", both mentally and physically. This also applies to how the student will conduct themselves inside and outside of the dojo.

The main aim is helping each student develop into a "better person".

This is of paramount importance to the instructors at the Bushido Academy Dojo’s.

Personal development is targeted in two areas:

• Mental application (spirit, knowledge, confidence & focus)

• Physical application (fitness, technique, self control & Co-ordination)

We aim to build a strong character and spirit within the student. One which will help the student over come any of "life's hurdles" inside and outside of the Dojo.

No matter how hard or high those hurdles might appear to be at the time.

We strive to train and live a life with a "strong spirit", capable of achieving anything we set our minds to, if we really try hard enough.

As the late Sosai Mas Oyama said "The only secret is sweat…" Osu !!

The Martial Arts is a proven way to improve personal development in the young and old alike.

Reinforcing some of the old values of life and making one mentally and physically stronger.

Your first week of training is free – so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Take charge of your life today, make a start to a "better you", accept the challenge!!

We look forward to seeing you at one of our Dojo’s soon.

Sensei Jolyon and Shihan Hasegawa from Japan at a summer training camp.

Sensei Jolyon Foster is the Founder & Head Instructor of the

Bushido Academy – Melbourne Australia.