grading

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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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 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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