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 […]
Congratulations Chris Curtis & Graham Zabel for achieving 1st Dan Read More »
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!
Congratulations to Dermot Lynch on achieving Yondan (4th Dan)! Read More »
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
Congratulations Theodora Welch on a successful Shodan Grading Read More »
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
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
28th October 2023 – Laurence Wilson promoted to 3rd Dan Read More »
Shoto is happy to announce the successful gradings to 1st Kyu for Chris Curtis, Rhiannon Matthews and Graham Zabel
October 2023 – 1st Kyu gradings – Chris Curtis, Rhiannon Matthews & Graham Zabel Read More »
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
16th September 2023 – Shoto Annual Awards Ceremony & Dinner Read More »
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.
4th February 2023 – Sam Kouzarides promoted to 3rd Dan Read More »
It gives me great pleasure to announce that Robin Welch has been awarded his Rokudan (6th Dan) by John Blain Sensei for services to SHOTO. On a personal note, I am absolutely delighted that Sawbridgeworth has such a supportive senior grade who trains regularly and contributes to the development of others. Oss and kind regards,Paul
Robin Welch Rokudan Read More »
Ian Davey and Marie Fortune both passed their Shodan grading on 24th September 2022. We congratulate them on their excellent preparation, hard work and fighting spirit.
