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 […]

It is Shoto’s very great honour to announce the promotion of Hanshi John Blain to 9th Dan.  A truly rare moment, with this grade so infrequently awarded. Hanshi John Blain began karate training in 1971 at a small club in Hertfordshire.  Shortly after its closure, he saw an advert in a newsagent’s window for a

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Sensei Joseph McCullagh has been awarded 8th Dan (Hachidan) Sensei Joe lives, teaches and trains in Northern Ireland, he is a traditional Shotokan instructor which led to a firm mutual friendship with Sensei Randall.Sensei Joe, from the whole of SHOTO we wish you well and congratulate you upon your promotion.

Congratulations to Laurence Wilson from Sawbridgeworth dojo on successfully passing his 3rd Dan grading on 28th October 2023!  Laurence had obviously done a huge amount of preparation in advance of his 5 hour grading and SHOTO are delighted to award him with his grade.  The grading panel consisted of: Sensei Tony Kilcullen (8th Dan), Sensei

Shoto is happy to announce the successful gradings to 1st Kyu for Chris Curtis, Rhiannon Matthews and Graham Zabel

Congratulations to Sam Kouzarides from Kingsbridge dojo on successfully passing his third Dan grading on 4th February 2023. Sam travelled from South Devon to Hertfordshire in order to try for his grading, and SHOTO are delighted to award this very challenging and technical grade to such a worthy student.