🥋 Launch of SKIF Devon – Expanding Traditional Karate in the Southwest
Kyoto Shotokan Karate Dojo is proud to announce the launch of SKIF Devon, established in January 2025 by Sensei Nick Bruce-Jones, senior instructor at Kyoto.
SKIF Devon is affiliated to SKIF-GB and forms part of the wider Southwest region, continuing the development and spread of traditional Shotokan karate within the organisation.
🏯 From Bristol to Exeter – Expanding the Dojo Network
The establishment of SKIF Devon represents a natural progression within the SKIF-GB structure. a long-standing senior member of Kyoto with many years of experience in training and teaching traditional Shotokan karate, and the move to establish a dojo in Exeter reflects both his experience and commitment to developing karate beyond the Bristol area.
For some time, Sensei Steve Ashby had encouraged the idea of expanding into the Southwest, recognising the opportunity to bring structured, traditional karate training to a new area.
SKIF Devon currently operates within the Met Office in Exeter, providing structured training for Met Office employees and their families, with participation by invitation.
🥋 MOSSA Open Day – The First Step
Sensei Nick invited Sensei Steve to support the event, where SKIF Devon delivered a professional and engaging display promoting the benefits of karate training.
The display included:
- SKIF-GB branded table and materials
- Pop-up banner displays
- Video footage of karate training and competition
- Informational leaflets and pamphlets
The response was extremely positive, with over 20 enquiries generated—clearly marking SKIF Devon as one of the standout displays of the event.
🥋 Classes Begin – Building Momentum
Following the success of the open day, SKIF Devon launched regular classes shortly afterwards.
Training currently takes place:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings
- Two 1-hour sessions per evening
This structure provides an ideal opportunity for participants to train at the end of the working day—offering a focused and productive way to transition from work into personal development.
🧠 Ongoing Development and Connection to Kyoto
Sensei Nick continues to travel from Exeter to Bristol when possible to:
- Teach at Kyoto
- Continue his own training and development
This reflects the traditional approach within SKIF, where instructors remain active in their own progression.
🥋 Progress and Early Development
Since launching, SKIF Devon has already begun to establish a strong foundation:
- Students have achieved early grading success, including:
- 8th Kyu (orange belt)
- 9th Kyu (red belt)
- Several students are progressing towards their first grading
- A number of returning karateka (brown belts) have re-engaged with training, bringing valuable prior experience into the dojo
This mix of beginners and experienced practitioners creates a positive and supportive training environment.
🏆 Continued Support and Visits
SKIF Devon has maintained strong links with Kyoto and the wider region through ongoing visits and collaboration.
- Sensei Steve Ashby visited SKIF Devon to conduct pre-grading assessments in:
- June 2025
- February 2026
- Neil and Annabel Bishop (Kyoto/Westridge Shotokan) also visited during Easter 2026, training whilst in the area.
These visits help ensure consistency of standards and reinforce the shared approach across SKIF-GB dojos.
📍 Looking Ahead
SKIF Devon continues to grow steadily, providing high-quality traditional karate training within the Southwest.
At the MOSSA Open Day on 24th February 2026, SKIF Devon was once again represented—this time by its own students, demonstrating the early development and independence of the dojo.
🏯 A Growing Presence in the Southwest
The launch of SKIF Devon represents an important step in expanding traditional Shotokan karate within the region.
With strong foundations, continued support from Kyoto, and alignment with SKIF-GB, the dojo is well positioned for continued growth and development.
🥋 Kyoto Shotokan Karate Dojo
Kyoto Shotokan Karate Dojo is proud to support the development of SKIF Devon and the continued expansion of traditional karate within the SKIF-GB organisation.