Thank you to all the students who attended this weekend’s New Year Course with Sensei Aragane.
Several Kyoto Shotokan Karate Dojo students from Bristol attended the course, continuing the club’s strong involvement in national SKIF-GB training.
This was the first time that Hanshi Asano’s students had come together to train since his passing last month. A two-minute silence was held before training began, a fitting way for everyone to pay their respects and take a moment to reflect on him and the memories they shared and reflect on his life and legacy 
Sensei Aragane was first invited to the UK by Asano Hanshi in the 1980s, assisting at national seminars and travelling around clubs to teach alongside him. His warm, friendly, and approachable demeanour has always made him a popular instructor in the UK, and that remains true to this day.
Thank you to everyone who attended, whether you travelled from near or far. We truly appreciate the continued effort and dedication you show.
We look forward to seeing you all again soon 
🏯 Kyoto Representation at the Course
Kyoto Shotokan Karate Dojo was well represented at the course, with students travelling from our Bristol (BS11) classes to take part in this important national training event.
Those in attendance included:
- Steve Ashby
- Nick Bruce-Jones
- John Sun
- Matthew Sun
- Sue Hula
- Mati Olyzynka
- Patrick Lizin
- Sharon Joseph
- Phoenix Shelper
This strong turnout reflects Kyoto’s ongoing commitment to development within the wider SKIF-GB community.
As part of SKIF-GB, Kyoto students regularly benefit from opportunities to train under senior instructors at national courses such as this—ensuring the knowledge, standards, and experience gained at these events are brought directly back into our classes in Bristol.
For some students, attendance at courses such as this forms part of their Dan grading development, helping to build the depth of understanding, experience, and commitment expected at advanced levels within traditional karate.
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