Our Ryu History

In 1954 Minoru Mochizuki taught the first European students in the Yoseikan system, first in Switzerland and then in France where he was invited to teach for the founder of the French Karate Federation, Henri Plee. In 1955 Henri Plee invited his long time friend Vernon C. F. Bell to study the Yoseikan system along with other representatives from Germany (Mr Sydel) and Italy (Mr Malatesti).

All eventually received their Shodan (1st Dan) diplomas from Master Minoru Mochizuki and were all asked to consider setting up national Federations for the development of Yoseikan in each of their own countries, all agreed.

In 1956 Vernon Bell founded the British Karate Federation with the intention of forming a governing body for all karate styles in the U.K, and in due course set about inviting some of the finest martial artists of that time, Hoang Nam & the legendary Tetsuji Murakami to name but a few, organising along the way some of the first public demonstrations of karate ever seen, and so begun the makings of the British Karate federation.

Some of the first pupils trained at the Royal British Legion hall in Upminster, Essex & between 1958 and 1965, Vernon Bell helped established branches up and down the country, as the B.K.F continued to grow, he also continued to encourage visiting teachers from the orient and then in 1965 following correspondence with the Japan Karate Association which was at that time under the supervision of their Chief Instructor Masatoshi Nakayama Vernon Bell agreed to personally sponsor a visit by a group of J.K.A instructors to help the future development of (Shotokan) Karate in the U.K. ( Taiji Kase, Hirokasu Kanasawa, Keinosuke Enoeda & Hiroshi shirai ) So began Vernon Bell’s part in helping the development of the Shotokan system in the U.K.

Although ultimately successful for the British Karate Movement and the Shotokan system, this was to eventually mark the downfall of Vernon Bell’s B.K.F due to disagreements between Mr Bell and his B.K.F committee. The B.K.F eventually disbanded ( 1966 ) with most of Vernon Bell’s members opting to join the newly formed Shotokan organisations.

As a direct result Vernon Bell redirected his efforts back towards the original Yoseikan system leaving behind the Wado Ryu / Shotokan blend & opting for a more Gojo Ryu / Okinawan influence over our Karate foundation techniques & kata. Whilst also promoting the Arts of Tenjin Ryu Jujitsu, Judo & Aikijutsu to his few remaining students,

In 2001 Vernon C. F. Bell presented Chris Clarry with official documentation entrusting him with the duty of continuing the original Yoseikan linage, originally bestowed to Vernon Bell by the late Master Minoru Mochizuki, Via Henri Plee founder of the French Karate Federation

( The following was written by Shihan Chris Clarry )

Vernon Bell had spent a lifetime teaching and promoting the Budo Arts and all of the old school Karateka will have had some dealings with him at one point or another, he was an inspiration to both my father and I , but more than that he was a dear friend to us both, he will be missed.

 Vernon C. F. Bell died Friday 27th February 2004 at 1600hrs. ( 1922 - 2004 )