Mr George Mayo

Forum Poster Joined: Feb 22, 2006 Posts: 3

Hi everyone

I am very new to this online stuff so I hope I don't humiliate myself. I am practicing a style now called Mayo Shin Do that used to be called Kyu Shin Do. For many years I believed that the techniques and ethos behind my training were unique in the martial arts world (technique not competition, no use of force but skill etc).

My background is Karate (3rd dan) and over the last 10 years or so I have dabbled in the grappling arts. Recently I bit the bullet and took a Mayo Shin Do Judo grading and achieved blue belt status. I am absolutely loving it (I never enjoyed BJC this way!). My point is that the techniques used in Mayo Shin Do are strikingly similar to Zen Judo. I believe there must be a common source. I have seen a manuscript (including photographs) by Mr Abbe and Mr Mayo in which the throwing techniques resemble those I practise and the ones I see illustrated on this site.

Does anyone form Zen Judo know anything about Mr George Mayo? Footage of him from the early 60s performing Kyu Shin Do Judo techniques can be found on the Mayo Shin Do website.

Many thanks

Clint

Guest

Hi Clint

Yes, I do remember Chief as he liked to be called by his students. I had the luck to train with him from 1965 until 1975 when he stopped coming to the Bristol club, which I continued to run and still do so, although we are situated in Uphill, North Somerset.

Zen Judo was formulated by Dominic McCarthy in the mid 1970's. This was due to the way Kyushindo Judo was beginning to go, Mac as he was known believed that the spirit of Kyushindo had been lost and that was heading the way of orthodox systems in respect that competition was the most important thing. Mac was a member of the Portsmouth Kyushindo club that met at the Oddfellows Hall. One of the original members, Paul Blaker I believe is still practising.

The techniques in Zen Judo although similar have changed from the original Kyushino. As you progress through the grades the throws become more akin to the BJC style (Also know as Kyu Shin Do as Abe Kenshiro founded the BJC with Ontani Mashsitaro in the 1950' early 1960's , the use of locks and chocking techniques and of Kata, which were never part of original Kyushindo Judo was introduced. Also that Japanese terminology is used through out.

Chief never liked the use of Japanese for some reason but this was in use when I started my training. There are Kyushindo clubs still open through out the country but they have adapted Judo to individual instructors ideas of how it should be practised. From what I have seen some bearing very litte resemblance to what Chief taught me.

I still photographs of Chief demonstrating ground holds and a few throws taken in Bristol in 1972.

Hope this helps.

Regards.

Ian

Forum Poster Joined: Feb 22, 2006 Posts: 3

Thank you very much Ian Very Happy

A lot of interesting info there!

Would it be possible to see the photographs of Mr Mayo demonstrating techniques? This would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks

Clint

Guest

Hi Clint

I have only the 35mm test prints and at the moment do not have a scanner. Will post the prints as soon as a scanner becomes available.

Ian.

Forum Poster Joined: Feb 22, 2006 Posts: 3

Hi Ian

Thanks! That would be most kind.

My competition experience is under BJC rules may I ask what are the rules regarding competition in Zen Judo. For example how is a throw judged to be successful? Also when is it appropriate to engage an opponent in groundwork?

Regards

Clint