Eric Van Vaerenbergh
Kancho (Chairman) International Budo Kaikan
Hachidan (8th degree black belt) Kyokushin Budokai All-Round Fighting
December 10, 2024 – Blankenberge, Belgium
It is a privilege to present Kyokushin Budōkai Goshin Dō: A Comprehensive Guide by Hanshi Marc Howes, a book that offers an extraordinary journey into the heart of Kyokushin Budōkai Goshin Dō. More than just a technical manual, this work is an in-depth exploration of the art, philosophy, and values that define this unique martial art.
Marc Howes masterfully unpacks topics that are both timeless and essential for practitioners and enthusiasts alike. From understanding Kyokushin Budōkai Goshin Dō and its philosophical roots in Bushidō and Budō virtues, to delving into the intricate interplay of the internal and external aspects of these virtues, this book provides a roadmap for martial artists seeking to refine their practice and deepen their understanding of the art.
Highlights include in-depth discussions of Kokoro – the mind or heart at the heart of Budō – and its role in personal and martial development. Marc’s insights into Child Development and Budō offer a unique perspective on how martial arts can shape character and resilience from an early age. Furthermore, his exploration challenges practitioners to find balance and clarity amid the complexities of training and life.
On a practical level, the extensive explanations of stances, strikes, and blocks provide invaluable detail for anyone seeking to improve their technique. These sections are not only instructive, but also intimately connected to the broader principles underlying Kyokushin Budōkai Goshin Dō.
Marc’s dedication to both the art and the community is evident throughout this book. Whether you are a seasoned martial artist or a newcomer to the discipline, this guide offers wisdom, inspiration, and practical knowledge that will enrich your journey.
With great respect for Hanshi Marc’s work and gratitude for his contributions to the martial arts world, I invite you to embark on this journey and discover the depth of Kyokushin Budōkai Goshin Dō.
With the utmost respect,
Kancho Eric Van Vaerenbergh
Saiko Shihan Marcel Vanderschaeghe
Founder: Ashihara Goshinryu Karate
President & Technical Director of the European Organisation for Self Defense e.V.
December 23 2024 – Bonn, Germany
In 1982 Hot Chocolate sang their hit ‘It Started with a Kiss’ and a kiss marked the end of a heated argument and the beginning of a very close, still lasting friendship in Leek, Netherlands in 1994 with Hanshi Marc Howes. I am sure that this extraordinary event, even for him, will be worth a chapter in his memoirs.
KISS also has a completely different meaning for Hanshi Marc and his admirable way of teaching, namely in the form that he applies this as a principle in his teaching and is therefore always able to explain seemingly highly complex topics in a simple and understandable way. Keep It Simple Stupid!
In Hanshi Marc’s case, everything starts with a KISS.
As the founder and leader of the Jigoku Dojo, Shotei Kumite and Kyokushin Budōkai Goshin Dō, this principle helped and still helps him to cater for the various requirements and needs of his students and interested parties on an individual basis.
His outstanding personality, coupled with his exorbitant knowledge in many areas, even outside of martial arts, enables him to assess almost any situation and provide advice and support. The fact that he is always able to convey this knowledge in a simple and structured way has been sufficiently proven by his previous publications, starting with his work on Mixed Martial Arts (1993) up to his last book (2023), sufficiently proven. And there it is again ‘KISS’.
Hanshi Marc has accompanied me on my path of Budō for 30 years now and has been a formative figure for me, but also for my children and students. I am probably one of the few people who have been able to support him in the creation and further development of the style since the official founding of Kyokushin Budōkai Goshin Dō (2012). Which fills me with particular pride.
This book proves once again the methodical didactic intelligence, the passion for Budō and the extremely high talent for teaching and knowledge transfer that Hanshi Marc can call his own. It combines a short but intensive introduction to Kyokushin Budōkai Goshin Dō with philosophy and teachings from the previous books, which makes it clear that his works form a circle and can and should be seen and understood without problem in an overall context.
His special ability allows him to convey topics such as style, Budō, mental and physical development without the reader having to have read the other books, which I would personally recommend to anyone interested.
This book is like a travelogue and any serious traveller in Budō should embark on and enjoy this highly recommended educational journey. It is definitely worth it!
In Budō,
Saiko Shihan Marcel Vanderschaeghe
Shihan Todd Reeves
Founder: Shin Atemi
December 20th 2024 – Japan
Marc has been a friend and a mentor of mine for many years now, we met whilst teaching on a seminar together and immediately clicked.
Now I say Marc not Hanshi because this is the way that we are with each other personally. This man has absolutely no ego and has never once told me that I have to refer to him using any titles.
However.. when we are on the mats or in a dojo I always refer to him as Hanshi, I say this by choice and with the deepest and sincerest respect.
There are lots of people in this world with inflated egos and titles but this man has none of that. I can only hope that if I reach his age someday that I can do what he does half as well as he does it.
I can tell you all now with 100% confidence that anything that this man writes is worth reading. I know how particular he is and how passionate he is about everything he does.
So to my good friend Marc, I congratulate you on another fantastic book and look forward to many more years of friendship.
Big Osu!
Shihan Todd Reeves
Shihan Marcel van de Berg
AIKO Tokubetsu Komon 特別顧問 (Special Advisor), Shibucho 支部長 (Branch Chief), Dojocho 道場長 (Dojo Chief), Board Member.
23 December 2024 – Netherlands
It is my privilege to write this foreword for Hanshi Marc Howes his book Kyokushin Budōkai Goshin Dō: A Comprehensive Guide by Hanshi Marc Howes. I have known Hanshi Marc Howes for many years now and I’m glad I am able to call him a Mentor and Friend. As a Mentor/Teacher I have learned a lot of techniques, aspects around Goshin Do, Martial Arts. I gained valuable insights in how he views martial arts and its implementation constantly adapting the ways he views impractical and makes them practical.
As a friend the most important thing I have learned from him is fun and laughter, as a person he is funny, he understands human behaviour and how certain behaviour connect together. Always giving more than he takes with modesty and respect. The great thing is that in my work as an Agile Coach/Scrum Master I can use all this knowledge he gives me, as it all relates together, from the way you practise and execute work, to the way people interact together and how behaviour influences teams and personal interactions. Within my realm of Agility Coach, I know what he teaches is practical and delivers value from the start.
The books Marc writes gives you valuable insight and understanding in the different topics with a practical insight and experience you can directly relate to or use. Read the books to understand the viewpoints he delivers and then adapt them to your own viewpoints. Understand there is always more than one way to do things based on your individual case, never assume without investigating, and foremost keep laughing because a smile always works wonders.
I hope that I may learn so much more from Hanshi Marc Howes and many more years of friendship.
Osu,
Shihan Marcel van den Berg
🥋 A Young Person’s Guide to Kyokushin Budōkai Goshin Dō
Discover the Way of Strength, Compassion, and Inner Balance
Welcome to a journey unlike any other—a path where martial arts becomes more than movement, more than self-defence. A Young Person’s Guide to Kyokushin Budōkai Goshin Dō is a book crafted for curious minds, brave hearts, and anyone ready to explore what it truly means to live with courage, respect, and resilience.
Written by Hanshi Marc, a lifelong martial artist, educator, and storyteller, this guide brings the ancient virtues of Budō to life through vivid metaphors, engaging stories, and practical lessons tailored for young readers from 10 years above. Whether you’re a student stepping onto the tatami for the first time or an instructor seeking to pass on the deeper meaning of the art, this book offers a bridge between physical training and philosophical growth.
🌱 What You’ll Discover:
The Budō Virtues: Learn how values like integrity, perseverance, and mindfulness shape not just your training – but your life.
Stories That Stick: Explore powerful metaphors and tales that make complex ideas simple, memorable, and fun.
Tools for Life: From handling fear to building confidence, this guide offers practical wisdom for everyday challenges.
A Path to Follow: Kyokushin Budōkai Goshin Dō isn’t just a martial art – it’s a way of being. This book helps young readers walk that path with clarity and purpose.
📚 Why This Book Matters:
In a world full of noise and distraction, young people need anchors—principles they can trust, and mentors who guide with heart. This book is both a compass and a companion, helping the next generation of martial artists grow strong not just in body, but in spirit.
IBK UK 