This morning was our annual Kangeiko (Winter morning training). Students arrived at the dojo bright and early, for a start time of 6am. This traditional training session is held right at the beginning of a new year and held at a time, where students must use their minds and bodies at a time when it would normally be a struggle. The Kangeiko started off with some lap running and then onto some traditional training, partner work, pad work and finished off with a breakfast enjoy

Zoku students came together today for a fun evening of Japanese games, activities and snacks. The evening began with a musical warm up (thanks to Sempai Tamsin) and then students were split into groups, where they completed 6 rotations of craft, games and fun. With half an hour to go, parents and family arrived, where they were able to watch the formal presentation of many trophies, certificates and awards. It was a really enjoyable evening and a great end to 2025.

A relatively small amount of students entered for the final exam of the year. But those who did attend, did themselves proud and passed with flying colours. Not an easy feat, with so many bugs and colds circulating at this time of the year. 100% pass rate and some great achievements and grades awarded. Well done!

On Sunday 9th November the Dan grading was held for our higher and Dan grades. Preparation had been full on, in the months and weeks leading up to to the grading. Written Japanese tests, Anatomy tests, stamina, freestyle, self defence, history oral and physical aspects were all graded on, as well as character and determination. This was a very difficult exam for all involved, which took just over 4 hours to complete. We are pleased to announce the following new grades: Caitli

A huge congratulations is in order for Enfys and Isaac, who have achieved their 1st Dan (Shodan) Black Belt awards, after initially passing their black belts back in May A lot of hard work has gone in to these grades, which were thoroughly deserved.

Every year during the month of October, Zoku karate students are invited to join us in supporting the Breast Cancer UK charity, by donating money and wearing a pink karate belt to all their classes within the month. This year we raised £196. Well done all! One of our classes on a Friday evening, in Stevenage, wearing their pink belts.

Congratulations to all the karateka who participated in today's grading. Well done to everyone who attended, achieving a 100% pass rate. Great job!

A good turn out for the June Kyu grading, with many different grades from white belt, all the way up to Brown/white stripe. All students...

We held a Dan grading today, where 4 of our Zoku higher grades were attempting their next grades. The grading was a relatively short exam...

A large group of Zoku students attempted the exam day today, to try and pass their next belts. We had grades from white belt all the way...

We had a great turn out for our 6am Kangeiko lesson (early morning winter training) this morning. Some very tired faces on arrival but...

This evening was our association presentation evening, where we showcased to the parents, families and spectators, the hard work that...

A smaller group of Zoku students attending the December kyu grading, as is normal this time of year. Everyone passed their next grades...

In November we awarded two 1st dan (Shodan) awards to two of our black belts. They have both worked hard to achieve several tasks and...

Today we held our Dan grading exam, for higher grade students to attempt gradings for Intermediate Black belt, Black belt and Dan grades....

Today I was lucky enough, along with our governing body (CMAA), to be able to award Sensei Sarah and Sensei George with their Sichidan...

Once again Zoku students dressed in their gi and pink karate belts for the month of October to raise awareness and money for Breast...

A great turn-out of students attending the grading exam today, even with many having been on summer holidays only a couple of weeks ago....

Today Zoku sent 8 students to compete at the Japan Shotokan Karate England Open Championships. For some it was their first ever...

A large amount of Zoku students were entered into their next grading exams today. Ranging from beginners going for their first belt, to...