Important notice: All classes at Avonmouth Rugby Club on Tuesday 11th August 2026 have been cancelled. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday classes will run as normal. Thank you for your understanding.

Kyōtō Shotokan Karate Dōjō is proud to celebrate its 30th Anniversary with a special seminar featuring Sensei Dave Kershaw 8th Dan and Sensei Dorian Fretwell 8th Dan. Taking place over 9–11 October 2026, the weekend includes free and paid karate sessions, together with a specialist Bō seminar, marking three decades of traditional Shotokan Karate in Bristol.

Congratulations to John Sun on achieving Shodan (1st Dan) and Sharon Joseph on earning Nidan (2nd Dan) at the SKIF-GB Dan Gradings following the 52nd Summer Gasshuku in Nottingham. This article looks at the demands of a traditional Dan grading, the challenges faced by all Kyōtō candidates, and why perseverance is just as important as promotion in the lifelong journey of karate.

We are proud to recognise the achievements of the following students and congratulate everyone who successfully passed their Dan Grading following the 52nd SKIF-GB Summer Gasshuku under the instruction of Hanshi Hiroshi Ishikawa, 9th Dan.

Members of Kyōtō travelled to Nottingham to train under Murakami Shuseki at the 2026 SKIF-GB Spring Course. Focusing on body mechanics, timing, centre line and the principles behind Shotokan Karate, the seminar proved to be one of the most technically insightful courses of the year.

SKIF-GB has announced that Hanshi Hiroshi Ishikawa (9th Dan) will visit England for the first time to instruct at the 52nd SKIF-GB Summer Gasshuku. Open to all karate organisations, the event promises an exceptional opportunity to train with one of the world’s most respected Shotokan instructors.

The karate club at Takushoku University has produced some of the most influential Shotokan karate masters in history, including Hirokazu Kanazawa Sōke, Shiro Asano Hanshi and Manabu Murakami Shuseki. Discover how its demanding training culture helped shape modern karate and why its legacy continues to influence traditional dojos such as Kyōtō today.

The Japanese proverb Saru mo Ki Kara Ochiru reminds us that even experts make mistakes. In karate, setbacks are not signs of incompetence but opportunities for growth, humility, and continuous improvement.

Kyōtō is proud to support UK Coaching Week 2026. Discover why this year’s theme of Purposeful Play fits so naturally with traditional Shotokan karate and how well-designed activities help students learn, develop and enjoy training.

At first glance, they may look like simple games, but every activity in the dōjō has a purpose. Discover how reaction challenges, balance exercises and partner drills help develop the timing, coordination, awareness and decision-making that underpin traditional Shotokan karate.

Members of Kyōtō joined karateka from across the region at the Beaufort Centre in Newport for the latest Wales & Southwest Regional Squad session. Led by Sensei Dave Griffiths 7th Dan, the training focused on kumite footwork, resistance band drills, reaction training and shobu ippon practice.