For three decades, Kyōtō Shotokan Karate Dōjō has been dedicated to providing traditional Shotokan Karate training in Bristol. Since opening its doors in 1996, the dojo has welcomed hundreds of students of all ages and abilities, helping them develop confidence, discipline, resilience and lifelong friendships through karate.
To celebrate this milestone, we are delighted to announce our the continuation of this years celebrations with our 30th Anniversary Seminar, taking place across 9th–11th October 2026, featuring two highly respected instructors with a long-standing connection to the dojo and to British Shotokan Karate.
Welcoming Two Outstanding Instructors
Leading the weekend will be Sensei Dave Kershaw, 8th Dan, the instructor under whom Kyōtō Chief Instructor Steve Ashby first began his karate journey in Grimsby in 1984.
For many students within SKIF and beyond, Sensei Kershaw has been a significant influence over several generations of karateka. His teaching combines strong traditional values with decades of practical experience, making every course both technically insightful and enjoyable.
Joining him will be Sensei Dorian Fretwell, 8th Dan, another highly respected instructor known for his technical precision, practical applications and extensive knowledge of both karate and traditional weapons.
Together they bring well over a century of combined martial arts experience, promising an exceptional weekend of learning for karateka of all grades.
Seminar Schedule
Friday 9th October
5:30pm – 6:30pm
Sensei Dave Kershaw – Karate
FREE SESSION
An ideal opportunity for Kyōtō members, local clubs and anyone wishing to experience Sensei Kershaw’s teaching for the first time.
Saturday 10th October
12:30pm – 1:30pm
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Sensei Dave Kershaw & Sensei Dorian Fretwell – Karate
£25 per person
The main anniversary seminar will feature two technical karate sessions delivered jointly by both instructors, exploring traditional Shotokan principles, effective application and the finer details that only decades of experience can provide.
Sunday 11th October
10:30am – 12:00pm
Sensei Dorian Fretwell – Bō
£15 per person
The weekend concludes with a specialist Bō seminar led by Sensei Fretwell. Whether you are new to traditional Okinawan weapons or already have experience, this promises to be an excellent opportunity to develop your understanding of the weapon and its relationship to karate principles.
Celebrating Thirty Years of Kyōtō
Reaching thirty years is a remarkable milestone for any dojo.
From humble beginnings in 1996, Kyōtō has grown into an award-winning club while remaining true to its original philosophy: welcoming everyone, teaching traditional Shotokan Karate to the highest standard, and supporting every student’s individual journey.
Over those three decades the dojo has celebrated countless gradings, national squad selections, competition successes and friendships, while remaining part of the wider SKIF family.
Having Sensei Dave Kershaw return to teach at the anniversary seminar makes the occasion especially meaningful. As the instructor who introduced Steve Ashby to karate over forty years ago, it represents something of a full circle—bringing together the roots of Kyōtō with the community it has grown into today.
Combined with Sensei Dorian Fretwell’s expertise, this promises to be one of the highlights of the dojo’s anniversary year.
Book Your Place
Whether you are a beginner, an experienced karateka or simply wish to celebrate this important milestone with us, everyone is welcome.
Places are expected to be limited, so early booking is recommended.
We look forward to welcoming students from Kyōtō, across SKIF, and from clubs throughout the UK for what promises to be a memorable weekend of training and celebration.
Event Summary
30th Anniversary Seminar
Friday 9 October 2026
- 5:30–6:30pm – Sensei Dave Kershaw (Karate)
- Free
Saturday 10 October 2026
- 12:30–1:30pm
- 2:00–3:00pm
- Sensei Dave Kershaw & Sensei Dorian Fretwell (Karate)
- £25 per person
Sunday 11 October 2026
- 10:30am–12:00pm
- Sensei Dorian Fretwell (Bō)
- £15 per person
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