Congratulations to Hanshi John Blain on being awarded the grade of Kyudan (9th Dan) on 31/03/2024

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 […]

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Congratulations to Sensei Joseph McCullagh on his promotion to 8th Dan

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.

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28th October 2023 – Laurence Wilson promoted to 3rd Dan

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

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16th September 2023 – Shoto Annual Awards Ceremony & Dinner

On 16th September Shoto held its annual awards ceremony and dinner.  It was a fabulous night shared between not only those who train in karate but also friends and family.  It was great to see each other for a social event, as well as to award an impressive 13 dan grade certificates, including: Marie Fortune

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Congratulations to Ian Davey on completing the SHOTO Instructor Programme

I’m delighted to formally record that Ian Davey, 1st Dan of Harpenden Club has attained the attained the status of SHOTO Qualified Instructor having completed the SHOTO Instructor Programme. The purpose of the Programme, which has recently been introduced, is for SHOTO to ensure that its upcoming 1st, 2nd and 3rd Dan Instructors are persons

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Congratulations to Laurence Wilson on completing the SHOTO Instructor Programme

It is my great pleasure to formally announce that Laurence Wilson, 2nd Dan, of Sawbridgeworth club has attained the status of SHOTO Qualified Instructor having completed the SHOTO Instructor Programme. The purpose of the Programme, which has recently been introduced, is for SHOTO to ensure that its upcoming 1st, 2nd and 3rd Dan Instructors are persons

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