Congratulations to Suzanne Welch on achieving 3rd Dan

It gives us great pleasure to announce that Suzanne Welch underwent a grading on 23rd August in Sawbridgeworth and was awarded 3rd Dan. The grading was presided over by Sensei’s John Blain, Tony Kilcullen and very ably supported by Sensei’s Gaz Waldram, Mike Trogal and Eche Ginikanwa. Suzanne was thoroughly tested including the new Self-Defence format […]

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Congratulations to Heather Mollinson on being awarded 4th Dan

It gives us great pleasure to announce that Heather Mollison underwent a grading on 26th July in Sawbridgeworth and was awarded 4th Dan. The grading was presided over by Sensei’s John Blain, Tony Kilcullen and very ably supported by Sensei’s Steve Johnson, Gaz Waldram and Konomi Yajima. Heather was thoroughly tested including the new Self-Defence

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Tribute to Sensei John Morgan 7th Dan (1938-2024)

It is with great sadness that SHOTO announces that Sensei John Morgan passed away on 15th December 2024.  We offer our deepest condolences to Sensei’s family and friends at this very difficult time. Sensei Morgan (1938-2024) started his karate training in 1972 under the renowned karate master Enoede Sensei in the famous Marshall Street baths in

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Congratulations Chris Curtis & Graham Zabel for achieving 1st Dan

We have great pleasure in announcing that at the SHOTO grading event held on Saturday 19th October, Chris Curtis and Graham Zabel both successfully passed their Shodan gradings, before an extensive and no doubt daunting panel of SHOTO seniors headed up by Sensei Blain and Sensei Kilcullen. Congratulations to both Chris and Graham and also to

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Congratulations to Dermot Lynch on achieving Yondan (4th Dan)!

SHOTO is very pleased to announce that Dermot Lynch has been awarded his Yondan (4th level black belt).  Dermot is Club Secretary at North London Dojo and also Licensing Officer for SHOTO.  He was very supportive to Sensei Randall, who used to refer to him as “Mr Shoto”.  Congratulations Dermot.  Oss!

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Congratulations Theodora Welch on a successful Shodan Grading

Theodora Welch passed her Shodan grading at the Sawbridgeworth Dojo on 1st May 2024. The grading panel was led by Sensei Tony Kilcullen aided by Senseis Steve Johnson, Gareth Waldram and Nick Nicholls.Theodora has a strong family lineage with both parents holding blackbelts (Robin Welch 6th Dan and Suzanne Welch 2nd Dan) Early nerves during

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Congratulations to Bill Hart on completing the SHOTO Instructor assessment

Many congratulations to Bill Hart who passed his instructor’s assessment on 21st April 2024. Bill’s lesson was well tailored to all the grades in attendance and enjoyed by all. SHOTO’s Instructor Programme, ensures 1st, 2nd and 3rd Dan Instructors are persons who have not only passed the relevant gradings, but have been assessed as being

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