As part of the Platinum Jubilee, the Royal Voluntary Service established the Platinum Champions Awards in honour of their patron, Her Majesty The Queen and the example of selfless and tireless service she has embodied over the last 70 years. 70 outstanding volunteers have been recognised as Platinum Champions for their extraordinary volunteering effort in each of 7 awards categories. Sensei Steve’s Award was in the “physical health” category but resonated across several others including “children”, “community” and “mental health”. The entry standard was incredibly high with many thousand compelling nominations being made and it is a reflection of the dedication, initiative and energy he brings to running Kyoto SKC and supporting its members and the community that Steve was selected as a Platinum Champion.
Congratulations to Sensei Steve Ashby on being selected as one of only 490 Platinum Champions across the whole of the United Kingdom. Sensei Steve was selected in recognition of the phenomenal commitment he has made over more than a quarter of a century to Kyoto Shotokan Karate Club, to Shotokan Karate International – Great Britain (SKI-GB) and to the physical development and wellbeing of the hundreds of young karateka he has welcomed into the dojo.
Since founding the Club in 1996, Sensei Steve has worked tirelessly to make a family focused and friendly club to inspire and share his love of traditional karate and the health, fitness and life benefits at the heart of the martial art. He creates a welcoming atmosphere, making the Club accessible to all and inspiring and motivating all with the traditional martial qualities of respect, earnest endeavour and eagerness to learn. Hundreds, predominantly children, have thrived under his instruction and leadership absorbing the culture, self-confidence and discipline at the heart of Kyoto’s way. When Covid struck he was among the first to adopt remote training, understanding the need to sustain club members’ physical and mental wellbeing.
He constantly strives to improve the Club for its members and is tireless in support of the National Association; he received the 2019 Association Wilkinson Sword award for support to Shotokan karate at local and national level.
Congratulations and Oss Sensei Steve