top of page

About Yoseikan

The original yoseikan Mochizuki dojo in Shizoaka province,  Japan
Master Minoru Mochizuki

Since our reforming in 2001 The YOSEIKAN KARATE ASSOCIATION U.K has had the opportunity to help countless students acquire foundational skills, develop new techniques and confidently move forward in their journey of discovery into the traditional culture of Japanese Budo Arts.

​Yoseikan combines elements from Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, Aikido and Kobudo

( Traditional Japanese Weapon Training ) 

We provide a professional and established system with a wide range of courses to support students

from all ages, backgrounds and levels.

​​

​

The First Yoseikan Dojo and thus the system established in the Shizouka province of Japan in the 1930's by the late Master Minoru Mochizuki 1907 - 2003.
Minoru Mochizuki was the first Japanese Master to formally organise the budo arts

into a complete mixed martial arts system which included Karate, Aikido, Judo, Jujitsu, Kobudo. 
In 1954 Minoru Mochizuki taught the first European students following an invitation to teach for the founder of the French Karate Federation Henri Plee.
In 1955 Henri Plee invited Sensei Vernon C. F.  Bell to France to study Yoseikan with other representatives from Germany ( Mr Seydel ) Italy (  Mr Malatesti )
All were asked to consider setting up National Federations for the development of Yoseikan in each of their countries.
In 1956 with his authority from the Yoseikan ( Master Mochizuki ) Vernon C.F. Bell Founded the First British Karate Federation with the intention of forming a Governing Body for all Karate Styles in the united kingdom, he began by teaching yoseikan karate to his students, which he later described as an early form of the shotokan system.
In 1965 following correspondence with the Japan Karate Organisation ( Shotokan system )

Vernon Bell agreed to personally sponsor the first visit by a group of Japanese Shotokan Instructors,

this unfortunately also marked a breakdown in the relationship between Master Mochizuki of the Yoseikan system and Vernon Bell.

Although ultimately successful for British Karate, in particular for the shotokan karate system,

this eventually marked the downfall of Vernon Bells dreams for a British Karate Federation.

Vernon Bells dream of a multi style English Governing body faded away and his British Karate Federation was disbanded in 1966 with most of its members opting to join the newly formed British Shotokan Organisation.
In his later years Vernon Bell redirected his efforts back towards helping promote the Yoseikan System of Karate Budo again whilst attempting to rebuilding his former connections with master Mochizuki.

Whilst continuing his alliances with the many loyal independent groups already establish in Karate, Judo and specifically by forming the European Jujitsu Union from which he was awarded his 10th Dan in Jujitsu.

​

​Without the help and guidance of Vernon Bell, our now chief Instructor would have no doubt not have had the opportunity to continue his martial arts studies in Japan,

and then later obtaining his current qualifications.

Currently with over 57 years martial arts training experience behind him 

Chris Clarry holds the rank & title of Shihan 8th Dan in Yoseikan Karate.

​

In 2001 Chris Clarry reformed the Yoseikan Karate Association U.K  into its current format,

 protecting its name and heritage by registering with an official U.K trade mark.

 â€‹

Vernon C. F. Bell Hanshi 10th Dan sadly passed away on the 27th Feb 2004 ( 1922 - 2004 )
A True Pioneer of British Karate and a dear friend and mentor, whom will be sadly missed by us all from the martial arts community from the early years.

​

Wikipedia Reference click here

​

Minoru Mochizuki, the founder of Yoseikan Budo, permanently relocated from Japan to France in 1999 to live with his son, Hiroo Mochizuki, in Aix-en-Provence.

​

This move occurred after he had spent the majority of his life teaching and developing martial arts in Japan. In 2000, he officially passed the leadership of the Yoseikan Budo school to Hiroo, bestowing upon him the title of Soke (headmaster) 

Minoru Mochizuki continued to practice and teach martial arts until his passing on May 30, 2003,

at the age of 96, surrounded by his family in France. ​

​

Chris Clarry with the late Vernon C. F. Bell

Presentation.

Chris Clarry with Vernon C. F. Bell

Founder of the British Karate Federation 1956

True Pioneer of British Karate.

official yka trade mark logo badge

T.M

©2001 by YOSEIKAN KARATE ASSOCIATION U.K.   The YKA is protected by the Laws Governing U.K Trade Marks reg No. UK00003025844

bottom of page