grading

It gives me 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 bunkai […]

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

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

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

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!

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