To talk of the style to persons not practising Martial arts, and therefore with no feel for what some of the major differences are, is always a difficult thing to do. Indeed a good understanding will only come after many months even years of practice. Having said this, there are some points which can be made about the style to anyone starting to learn it in the hope that they will quickly grasp what the obvious differences are. To begin with there is a major difference of attitude towards competition, an aspect of judo that has in recent times much corrupted the art, and made it, particularly in the west, just another combat sport. The Kyu-Shin-Do style has allowed competition to take place only on a skill base. Judoka practising or competing together, do so by use of the techniques learnt, applied in a relaxed although still powerful and effective manner. The application of a technique that works largely because a person of superior strength applies it is, as far as Kyu-Shin-Do is concerned, simply bad technique. The training of the Judoka takes place through hard work and practise of their technique, and not in the weight room, where they might think to makeup for lack of technique and practice. There has in recent times been a development of what some are pleased to call "Competition Judo". A limited set of techniques that are allowed room for bad timing and the application of strength to power an opponent to the ground. In the Kyu-Shin-Do style the Judoka must learn a whole set of various techniques, which are learnt in a relaxed manner until they are second nature. All power must come from the excellence of the technique in its timing and correct method of application.

Kenshiro Abbe 8th Dan