SKIF-GB National & Regional Coaching Structure
We are pleased to announce that we now have a new Region that will join Scotland & North West, East Midlands & Southern Area. Wales and South West have over recent years had an increase in Student Membership at their clubs which has resulted in a positive representation at both Junior Interclub Competitions & National Championships.
The hard work that Dave Griffiths and Steve Ashby has put into their areas, is rightly so being rewarded with the addition of a new region which in turn will raise the standard not only at club and regional level but also at a National one as well.
It will be 10 years in 2024 that Hanshi introduced the regional structure with the main emphasis on enabling students to have better access to high quality Regional Squad Sessions, without always having the need to travel. It also enabled the Regional Coaches to take ownership on the development of students at 'grass root' level within their area to become potential representatives at both National & International level, with their careful guidance, advice and expertise we hope that this has encouraged students to attend training and compete at the National Championships.
Regional and Assistant Coaches will continue to report to Pasq Mura, National Coach. Please note that it is the Coaches responsibility to update him on the progress in your regions, regularly send attendance from squad sessions and transfer money into the Squad Account which goes to the cost of competing at International tournaments.
We will resume National Squad Sessions to ensure that all students and coaches have the opportunity to meet up and train together as a whole squad and keep up to date with any changes particularly regarding Kata. Sensei Pasq regularly goes and travels Nationally and Internationally to train with Kancho & Murakami Shuseki and is up to date with all the changes that come about regarding techniques and Kata.
The National Squad will likely be held 1-2 times a year, and will continue to be moved around so that it is fair to all regions.
HOW STUDENTS CAN BE CONSIDERED FOR SELECTIONS:
Consideration for Selection for the National Team will be based on the following:
1. Regular attendance at Regional Squad Sessions. (Regional Coaches/Assistants will be required to send a regular attendance list to the National Coach post their sessions)
2. Regular placing’s at the National Championships
3. 'Selections' Training - Students wishing to be considered for the National Team to attend an International Tournament are required to attend this session where Individuals will 'Fight-off' for their place in the Squad, this applies to both Kata & Kumite Competitors.
These sessions will consist of:
- Team Briefing
- 90-120 Minute Training (This will also include Individuals Fitness & Cardio Vascular Assessment)
- ‘Fight-off’ Kumite
- Kata Performances (Preliminary & Tokui)
- Team Selection Announcement
Historically the Spring Nationals has always been a Team Championships, in light of the World Championships in August, and due to the fact that we wasn't able to hold a Nationals in the Autumn there will be Individual Kata for all ages at the upcoming Nationals in April.
Congratulations once again to Dave & Steve, welcome on board and can't wait to see a Wales & South West Team in the 7 Person Regional Event.
Oss
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What This Means for Kyōtō and the Wales & Southwest Region
The creation of the SKIF-GB Wales & Southwest Regional Squad structure in February 2023 marks an important milestone for traditional Shotokan karate across our part of the UK.
For many years, karateka in the Southwest and Wales often travelled significant distances to attend national squad sessions, seminars and development events. While this commitment remains an important part of karate spirit and progression, the formation of a regional structure creates new opportunities for students and instructors closer to home.
For Kyōtō Shotokan Karate Dojo (橋頭), it represents more than simply adding another training session to the calendar. It helps establish a stronger pathway for karateka in Bristol, Newport, Exeter and surrounding areas to train together regularly under the SKIF-GB banner, building technical standards, friendships and regional identity.
The Wales & Southwest region now brings together clubs and instructors from across the area, helping create:
- greater access to higher-level squad training,
- improved competition preparation,
- shared technical development,
- stronger links between dojos,
- and increased opportunities for junior and senior karateka alike.
Regional sessions are not solely aimed at elite competitors. They are designed to help students experience different training environments, develop confidence, and gain exposure to broader aspects of traditional Shotokan karate beyond their own weekly dojo classes.
For Kyōtō students specifically, the regional structure provides an additional bridge within the wider SKIF family:
SKIF World → SKIEF Europe → SKIF-GB → Wales & Southwest Region → Local Dojo
This pathway helps karateka understand that even while training within a local Bristol dojo environment, they are also connected to something much larger internationally — a worldwide Shotokan organisation built upon shared technical standards, etiquette, discipline and continual learning.
The Wales & Southwest region also plays an important role in instructor development and leadership opportunities. By working together across clubs, instructors can share ideas, support grading preparation, develop refereeing and coaching skills, and help strengthen traditional karate across the region as a whole.
As the region continues to evolve, the aim remains simple:
To create an environment where karateka of all grades and ages can continue improving together while maintaining the traditional values and technical principles of SKIF Shotokan karate.
For Kyōtō, we are proud to play a part in helping develop and support karate throughout Bristol, the Southwest and Wales.