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.

As Learning Disability Week 2026 highlights the theme “Do You See Me?”, Kyōtō reflects on how karate can help individuals with learning disabilities build confidence, develop skills, make friendships and discover their own unique path to success.

Why do karate students clean the dōjō before training? This article explores the Japanese tradition of Ōsōji (大掃除), the role of junior students in preparing the training space, and how cleaning develops respect, humility, discipline and pride in the dōjō. More than housekeeping, Ōsōji is an important part of traditional karate culture and character development.

Kyōtō Shotokan Karate Dōjō has been named Best Martial Arts Club in the Business Awards UK 2026 Sports and Leisure Awards. The award recognises the club’s commitment to traditional Shotokan karate, community spirit, and thirty years of serving students and families across Bristol.

Most karateka think of tatami as simply the mats beneath their feet, but these competition surfaces influence movement, timing, distancing and mindset. In this article, Kyōtō explores the history of tatami, why traditional karate was often practised on hard floors, and how training on both everyday hall surfaces and a dedicated 12m × 12m competition tatami area helps develop adaptable, well-rounded karateka.

As Volunteers’ Week 2026 concludes, we explore the connection between volunteering and traditional karate-do, and how service to others reflects the deeper values of the martial arts.