As Kyōtō Shotokan Karate Dōjō enters its 30th anniversary year, we are pleased to confirm our continued affiliation with SKIF-GB for 2026.
Thirty years is a significant milestone for any karate club. What began in 1996 as a small local dōjō has grown into a thriving karate community, producing generations of students, black belts, instructors, competitors, referees and lifelong friends. Throughout that journey, our commitment has remained unchanged: to provide high-quality traditional Shotokan karate in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Our continued affiliation with SKIF-GB ensures that our students remain connected to one of the world's leading traditional karate organisations. Through SKIF-GB, students have access to nationally recognised gradings, championships, regional squad training, instructor development programmes, referee qualifications and regular opportunities to train with some of the most senior instructors in Europe and Japan.
The relationship between Kyōtō and SKIF-GB extends far beyond administration. It reflects a shared commitment to preserving the technical standards, values and spirit of traditional Shotokan karate as taught by Asano-hanshi and the late Kanazawa-sōke and continued today through SKIF worldwide.
Chief Instructor Steve Ashby reflected on the anniversary year:
"Reaching our 30th anniversary is something I could never have imagined when we first opened our doors in 1996. Many students have come and gone over those three decades, but the friendships, experiences and lessons learned through karate remain. We are proud to continue our journey with SKIF-GB and look forward to helping the next generation of karateka develop both on and off the dōjō floor."
The year ahead promises to be a memorable one. Alongside our regular training programme, students will have opportunities to attend regional and national events, compete at championships, take gradings, and participate in special activities marking the club's 30th anniversary.
While much has changed since 1996, the principles that underpin our training remain the same: respect, perseverance, continuous improvement and a commitment to supporting one another along the karate path.
We would like to thank every student, parent, instructor, supporter and friend who has contributed to Kyōtō's story over the past three decades. Your support has helped shape the dōjō into what it is today.
As we celebrate this milestone year, we look forward to continuing our journey together under the SKIF-GB banner and building the next chapter of the Kyōtō story.
Oss.
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