It gives us great pleasure to announce that Sensei Konomi Yajima was promoted to the rank of Godan (5th Dan) by Sensei John Blain (9th Dan) on 28th January 2026. Sensei Konomi is and extremely dedicated instructor at Shoto’s North London Dojo and also leads the junior lesson programmes across North London and Winchmore Hill […]
Congratulations to Sensei Konomi Yajima who has been awarded 5th Dan Read More »
It gives us great pleasure to announce that Sensei Eche Ginikanwa was promoted to the rank of Godan (5th Dan) by Sensei John Blain (9th Dan) on 26th January 2026. Sensei Eche is senior instructor at Shoto’s North London Dojo and brings dedication and a wealth of knowledge to his students. Many congratulations Sensei Eche!
Congratulations to Sensei Eche Ginikanwa who has been awarded 5th Dan Read More »
It gives us great pleasure to announce that on Saturday 18th October three gradings were held at the Sawbridgeworth Dojo before a panel that was presided over by Sensei John Blain 9th Dan and Sensei Tony Kilcullen 8th Dan. The Panel (of 12) was unanimous on the quality of kihon, pre-arranged kumite and kata. The
Shodan & Nidan Gradings 18th October 2025 Read More »
SHOTO is very proud to announce that both Sensei Steve Johnson and Sensei Gareth Waldram have been awarded Shichidan (7th Dan) Both Steve and Gareth have trained consistently with SHOTO for over 40 years, training with both Sensei John Blain and the late Sensei John Morgan. They are seen here with Sensei John Blain (SHOTO Head
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 Senseis John Blain and Tony Kilcullen, very ably supported by Senseis Gaz Waldram, Mike Trogal and Eche Ginikanwa. Suzanne was thoroughly tested including the new self-defence format
Congratulations to Suzanne Welch on achieving 3rd Dan Read More »
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 Senseis John Blain and Tony Kilcullen, very ably supported by Sensei’s Steve Johnson, Gaz Waldram and Konomi Yajima. Heather was thoroughly tested including the new self-defence
Congratulations to Heather Mollinson on being awarded 4th Dan Read More »
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
