Kyoto Chief Instructor Named Finalist – Active Award

Kyoto Shotokan Karate Dojo is proud to share that Chief Instructor, Sensei Steve Ashby, has been named a finalist in the Active Award category at the BBC Radio Bristol Make a Difference Awards 2025.

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Recognition for Community Impact

The Make a Difference Awards, hosted by BBC Radio Bristol, celebrate individuals and organisations who are making a meaningful impact within their communities.

Sensei Steve was shortlisted following recognition of the work being carried out through Kyoto Shotokan Karate Dojo — helping people of all ages become more active, build confidence, and develop through structured martial arts training.

The judges commented that they were “really impressed” with the work being done, leading to selection as a finalist within a highly competitive category.

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The Active Award

The Active Award recognises those who:

• Encourage people to become more physically active
• Support health, wellbeing, and community engagement
• Create opportunities for participation across all ages

These are values that sit at the core of Kyoto’s philosophy — making karate accessible, inclusive, and beneficial for everyone.

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Awards Ceremony

Finalists have been invited to attend a formal awards evening:

📍 Bristol Harbour Hotel, Corn Street
🗓️ Friday 26th September 2025

The evening will bring together finalists from across all eight award categories, with winners announced on the night.

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A Reflection of Kyoto

While this recognition is awarded to Sensei Steve personally, it reflects the wider Kyoto dojo:

• Students who train with commitment and consistency
• Families who support and grow within the dojo
• Instructors who give their time to develop others
• The strong community built over many years

Kyoto has always focused on long-term development, not short-term gain — helping individuals build confidence, discipline, and lifelong habits of activity.

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Looking Ahead

As part of the awards process, BBC Radio Bristol will be sharing the stories of finalists across radio, online platforms, and at the awards ceremony itself.

This provides an opportunity to highlight not just Kyoto, but the broader importance of:

Getting active. Staying active. Supporting others to do the same.

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Thank You

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the Kyoto journey — past and present.

This recognition belongs to the whole dojo.

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Kyoto Shotokan Karate Dojo
Bristol (BS11)
🌐 www.kyotokaratebristol.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @kyotokarate
📘 Facebook: /KyotoShotokanKarateClub