We're very happy to announce the following grade promotions from our belt testing event held today in Egremont...

56 of our members participated across multiple sessions during the testing day, which lasted from 9:30am until 5pm.

Everyone worked hard and it was great to witness some excellent performances of effort, skill and application.

The grading included the testing of fundamental techniques, combinations and kata, plus lots of two-person drills, pad work, self-defence scenarios and sparring. Brown belt candidates also had to develop their own kata applications and explain to the panel their methodology.

What a fitting way to end our 20th Anniversary Year!

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the grading. Whether successful or unsuccessful, the prize for everyone is the same...

Keiko, Keiko, Keiko!
(practice, practice, practice)

Big thanks to panel members for their kind assistance, Egremont Town Council for hire of their venue and not forgetting our amazing instructor team for their dedication in supporting all our members on their ongoing karate journey 🙏🙇‍♂️

See you all back in the dojo again soon!

We're very proud to announce that one of our black belt members has recently won a special award during his Pass Off Parade...

Euan Renkin, who has been with us since 2016, recently joined the armed forces after leaving school and has just completed his basic training with the Soldier Academy.

He was honoured with the 'Best at Physical Training' Award for demonstrating the highest level of physical fitness and determination.

Naturally very pleased with his award, Euan has kindly acknowledged our dojo - putting much of his physical capabilities, character development and work ethic down to his years of dedicated karate training...

Needless to say, we are very proud of Euan and we would like to congratulate both him and his supportive family on this special recognition.

We also hope that Euan's story may inspire some of our younger members to continue training hard in the dojo with determination, and resist giving in at the first, second or even the tenth hurdle!

If you happen to see Euan in class when he's back in Cumbria then make sure you give him a big pat on the back! 🥋🙏🙇‍♂️

A massive well done to the 30+ E.S.K.K members who completed our 11th annual 100-Kata Challenge yesterday evening in commemoration of World Karate Day...

On 25th Oct 1936, a meeting took place in Naha, Okinawa, featuring several prominent karate masters of the time.

It was here that the term "karate" was agreed upon to help standardise the future development of their art.

We worked hard together for over 2 hours, mixing up 3 kata to 100 reps and also added 100 burpees into the mix to make sure we were all cooked well done!

The kata we performed were Kihongata (Fukyugata) Ichi and Ni, plus Naihanchi Shodan, which is the core form in our style.

There's still time to donate to help us raise funds for our Community Fund - click HERE to do so 🙏

We would also like to express how proud we were to see so much energy, dedication and most of all, camaraderie in the room yesterday. This is what our karate is all about and it was wonderful to witness 🙇‍♂️

Congratulations once again and see you back in class soon!

Karate is not just a martial art; it's a way of life that promotes discipline, respect, and physical fitness. This unique practice offers numerous benefits tailored to different age groups, from children to teenagers and adults...

Benefits for Children...

1. Physical Fitness
Karate provides an excellent workout, helping children improve their strength, flexibility, and coordination. Regular classes can enhance their overall fitness levels and instil healthy habits from a young age.

2. Discipline and Focus
Through structured training, children learn the importance of discipline and concentration. Karate requires focus during practice, which can translate into better attention spans in school and other activities.

3. Self-Confidence
As children progress through the ranks and earn belts, they gain a sense of achievement that boosts their self-esteem. Learning new skills and overcoming challenges in karate helps them feel more confident in their abilities.

4. Social Skills
Karate classes provide a unique opportunity for children to interact with peers in a supportive environment. They learn to work together, respect others, and build friendships, enhancing their social skills.

Benefits for Teenagers...

1. Stress Relief
Adolescence can be challenging, often bringing stress from school, relationships, and personal issues. Karate offers an effective outlet for releasing tension and managing stress through physical activity.

2. Self-Defence Skills
Teenagers can benefit from learning practical self-defence techniques that boost their safety awareness and empower them to handle challenging situations with confidence.

3. Enhanced Physical Fitness
As teenagers go through growth spurts, karate helps them maintain a healthy lifestyle. The combination of aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility work contributes to overall physical development.

4. Goal Setting
Karate encourages teenagers to set and achieve goals, whether it's mastering a new technique or preparing for a belt test. This skill is valuable not just in martial arts but also in academics and personal pursuits.

Benefits for Adults...

1. Stress Management
For busy adults, karate serves as a productive way to relieve stress. Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, which help improve mood and reduce anxiety.

2. Physical Health
Regular practice of karate can lead to weight management, improved cardiovascular health, and enhanced flexibility and strength. It’s an enjoyable way to integrate fitness into a hectic lifestyle.

3. Mental Discipline
Karate requires mental focus and discipline, which can enhance cognitive functions like decision-making and problem-solving. These skills are transferable to work and personal life.

4. Community Connection
Joining a karate dojo fosters a sense of belonging and community. Adults can meet like-minded individuals who share their interests, leading to friendships and support networks.

Try Karate Today >

Karate offers a wealth of benefits across all age groups—children, teenagers, and adults alike can find value in this martial art. From physical fitness to mental discipline and social connections, the positive impacts of karate are profound and lasting. Whether you're looking for a new hobby or a way to improve your health, consider giving karate a try!

This summer, our Karate Kidz camps were a true highlight for a bunch of young martial arts enthusiasts from West Cumbria!

With a blend of discipline, fun, and learning, our camps in Workington and Whitehaven offered a unique experience that kept primary school kids engaged and active throughout the summer holiday season.

Each day, our camp was packed with exciting activities designed to improve physical fitness, enhance martial arts techniques, develop life-skills and foster teamwork. From early morning warm-ups, specialised karate training sessions and numerous challenges along the way, the kids were constantly moving and learning.

Our hugely experienced instructor team provided plenty of attention to each participant, ensuring that everyone could progress at their own pace.

​In a display of their dedication and hard work, participants proudly showcased their skills and commitment at the karate grading today, culminating in a very successful event. 

Members were tested against fundamental techniques and combinations, kata, a selection of two-person drills, pad work and close-range sparring. Everyone gave their utmost effort, reflecting the spirit of perseverance that our karate embodies.

Among the achievers were two individuals, Stanley Watkinson and Robyn Denny, who stood out with their exceptional performances, earning well-deserved first-class passes. Their dedication and skill were evident throughout the grading, setting a very high standard for others to follow.

Overall, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride as participants received their well-deserved grades, with fellow members, instructors and spectators looking on and celebrating their accomplishments. It was a proud moment to see such positivity and camaraderie in the room.

Special thanks to members of the grading panel for sharing their time and experience, plus our instructor team for their amazing support towards the ongoing development of our members.

Congratulations to the following members on their successful grading and we look forward to seeing you back in class again soon!  

The 20th Anniversary Training Camp held at The Crown Hotel from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th July was a resounding success, with participants enjoying a weekend filled with learning, camaraderie, and valuable experiences.

The event, known as Gasshuku, brought together members in a special tradition that has been ongoing since the opening of the dojo in 2004. Participants were welcomed to the camp with an opening salutation on Friday afternoon, followed by a schedule packed with various training sessions and activities aimed at enhancing skills and fostering a sense of togetherness.

Throughout the weekend, attendees engaged in rigorous training sessions, shared meals, and enjoyed leisure time together. The camp provided a platform for participants to immerse themselves fully in the training, bond with colleagues, and create lasting memories.

The emphasis on courtesy added a layer of respect and discipline to the entire event. Participants were encouraged to not only train with enthusiasm but also be mindful of their own well-being and that of others around them.

The diverse range of activities, from warm-ups and practical applications to kata, ju-jutsu, fitness drills, nunchaku, pad work, mobility and rope work, plus a thought-provoking presentation on self-defence law, ensured that everyone had opportunities to learn and grow in different aspects of martial arts and fitness.

The weekend culminated in a closing salutation on Sunday afternoon, marking the end of a successful and enriching training camp. Participants left with not just improved skills but also a sense of accomplishment and stronger bonds within the group.

The organisers, Chris and Jenny, expressed their gratitude to all participants for their support and active participation in making the 20th Anniversary Training Camp a memorable and rewarding experience. Here's to many more successful weekend training camps ahead!

This month we have launched our brand new Junior Achievement Badge Programme!

This system has been created by our instructor team to help supplement each child's experience in the dojo and support them whilst progressing through our Level 01 Curriculum.

These beautifully designed coloured woven badges are awarded when a student achieves satisfactory competence in a particular technique, skill, or exercise…

• Aimed at junior members (primary school age), ranked white belt to orange stripe.
• Designed to increase student interest, involvement and commitment.
• Makes coming to class more exciting as students collect the complete set of badges.
• Practice is required to achieve each badge, meaning standards will progressively improve.
• The selection of badges cover the most important aspects of our Level 01 Curriculum.

The four-month interval between our belt gradings can seem a long time for younger students. So this is where our achievement badge programme really comes into its own - by maintaining interest and engagement and providing a visual sign of progress on monthly, weekly and even lesson by lesson basis.

We had the pleasure of leading an incredibly enjoyable seminar today with our chief instructor, Chris Denwood, focusing on the interesting topic of joint attacks in the realm of traditional karate practice.

The seminar was a deep dive into a multitude of crucial elements, exploring not only the importance of maintaining safety protocols during training sessions but also shedding light on the contribution that joint attacks may play in practical self-defence.

We also delved into the biomechanics that underpin the successful execution of joint attacks, emphasising the skills required to leverage these techniques effectively.

We're proud to announce that our 2024 Student of the Year Awards were recently bestowed upon Catherine Jackson (senior) and Jackson Borrowdale (junior), during our 20th Anniversary celebrations last weekend.

Find out more about our Student of the Year Award HERE >

Both Catherine and Jackson have exhibited unwavering commitment to our karate and fitness classes over the course of several years. Their consistent display of commendable qualities not only reflects their personal dedication but also exemplifies the core values and ethos upheld by our dojo.

The recognition of Catherine and Jackson as Students of the Year serves as a testament to their exceptional contributions and serves to highlight their role as distinguished ambassadors for our organisation.

As part of his duties as Student of the Year, Jackson had the honour of selecting a local charity to benefit from a donation provided by our Community Fund. Mayfield School was chosen as the recipient of this contribution and plans are underway to liaise with the school for their presentation in the near future.

​Find out more about our Community Fund HERE >
​
Please join us in extending our heartfelt congratulations to Catherine and Jackson for their well-deserved accolades.

Wow...two whole decades! And what a great turnout to help celebrate this significant milestone...

We'd like to thank everyone who came along to our 20th Anniversary Celebrations on Saturday evening at Whitehaven Golf Club. We were so happy to see upwards of 130 guests including members (both past and present), parents, friends and supporters share such a wonderful evening together.

As part of the event, we incorporated some speeches plus an awards presentation, to include special acknowledgements to nominated members and of course, our amazing instructor team. Also announced were this year's winners of our coveted Student of the Year Award (Catherine Jackson and Jackson Borrowdale). Congratulations to everyone who picked up an award...they were all very much deserved.

Half way through the evening, we also had our charity raffle draw. Thanks to your kind generosity in both purchasing tickets and providing some special prizes, we were able to raise a total of £730! This will go directly to our Community Fund and help support people in need here in Cumbria.​

Raffle prizes were predominantly driven by our instructor team and also included some very kind donations from the following local businesses...

​Advanced Aesthetics, Whitehaven >

The La'al Ratty, Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway >

Mawson's Ice Cream Parlour, Seascale >

Devi Yoga, Whitehaven >

​Advanced Physio, Egremont >

​​House of Swain, Whitehaven >
​
​Revive Holistic Therapies, Beckermet >

Thank you to all businesses involved in making our charity raffle such a huge success!

Here are some selected photos from the many taken on the evening...

Our key mission at E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness has always been to create an extended family, positively impacting the lives of others within our community though our passion for traditional martial arts, personal health, safety and fitness training. The fact that we've now been able to do this for 20 years (and counting) and to literally thousands of people, makes us feel very proud indeed.

Our deep gratitude to everyone who has helped to make the past two decades possible. We really appreciate your support and here's to the next 20 years! 

​Chris & Jenny x

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who took part in this year's Karate Kidz Easter Camp...we had a wonderful time and hope you did too!

Over the past two days, we've been learning karate techniques, hitting pads, completing fitness drills, working on balance and coordination, enjoying some ball and hoop games, undertaking special easter crafts and taking on our Blaze Pod challenges!

We've also been learning about being kind and respectful, trying your best, how to lose like a winner and helping others. These were part of our camp rules, which the children came up with themselves. The camp rules then became our 'rules for life' so that each child came home with a positive mindset for growth.

We ended the camp with a certificate presentation for those children who completed all the sessions. A big well done to everyone - those certificates were very well deserved!

Special thanks go to the Cumbria HAF Programme in funding the event for eligible young people, Truly Scrumptious for their excellent catering services and to E.S.K.K members Natasha and Jayden for kindly assisting us.

Parents...Keep a look out for our next Karate Kidz Camp coming this Summer!​

Congratulations to everyone who achieved their belt promotion today at our spring grading (see results below).

We had 50 candidates over three separate sessions challenging ranks from red stripe through to purple belt.

Candidate examinations covered a range of fundamental techniques, combinations, kata and application, pad work, partner drills and various sparring.

Special well done to those grading for the first time, as we know how daunting it can be. You've earned our respect for standing up and giving it your best shot. That's all we can ever ask!

Big thanks to members of the grading panel and staff at Egremont Market Hall for helping to make sure the day ran smoothly.

Regardless of individual results, the outcome is always the same for everyone...More training!

We look forward to seeing everyone back in class again soon 👍

Feel free to share with family and friends 😊

Our chief instructor, Chris Denwood, along with 7 of our dedicated members, recently travelled to Okinawa (the birthplace of karate). The purpose of their visit was to undertake specialist training at the Kyudokan Honbu Dojo, under the leadership of Higa Minoru 10th Dan Hanshi. 

As well as daily karate training (and some wonderful sightseeing during their rest periods), the group also had the opportunity to practice and hone their bo-jutsu skills with James Pankiewicz Sensei from the Asato Dojo.

Furthermore, Chris was asked to deliver an international seminar in Naha, to a wonderful group of karate practitioners, both living in Okinawa and visiting from abroad. The topic of the seminar was Naihanchi Kata Analysis and Application, which was very well received.

To end what was already a wonderful trip, Chris was honoured to have his Renshi 6th Dan Rank ratified by Kyudokan and awarded by Higa Minoru Hanshi. This was further endorsed by panel examination with senior masters of the Okinawa Karate and Kobudo Federation. We'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate our chief instructor on what is such a well deserved recognition.

​You can read the associated Facebook Post Here >

​We have been travelling to karate's birthplace for the past 15 years and it was wonderful to make this year's trip to coincide with our 20th Anniversary! We feel very fortunate to belong to such an esteemed dojo on Okinawa and honoured to be able to share such a unique and authentic form of Karate here in West Cumbria!

Our sincere thanks to Kaicho and fellow members at Kyudokan for their kind support and friendship. Also, big thanks to James Pankiewicz Sensei for his valuable bo-jutsu teachings and the kind invitation for Chris to teach again at his wonderful dojo.

Finally, a huge well done to our students who accompanied Sensei, supported our event and trained their hearts out to show the quality and dedication we have for Okinawan Karate here in our humble dojo.

Until the next time...we can't wait!

Yesterday (11th Feb), we held our first members' workshop of 2024 for our adult and teen members, on the fundamentals of Nunchaku!

Most people will know about nunchaku, as it was made popular from the 1970’s by the movie star, Bruce Lee. However, it had been used as a traditional weapon on Okinawa for much longer.

Whilst the majority of its use nowadays is based on aesthetic performance for display and entertainment, its original design and intent was much more practical!

In this special workshop, we shared with participants the three practical purposes of Nunchaku and a series of kihon-waza…fundamental striking, swinging and rotating techniques.

We covered an introduction to the nunchaku, component parts, including history and uses, nunchaku safety advice and pre-training checks, warm ups and preparatory exercises, the three practical purposes of nunchaku, a series of fundamental techniques including strikes, swings and rotations, plus some tips for home practice.

As well as practicing for general interest or historical purposes, training with Nunchaku also provides a valuable insight into flexible weapon control, circular movement principles and body awareness...which are all excellent attributes to help our regular karate practice!

It was a great day and everyone came away both smiling and energised, with plenty of new learning to practice!

Big thanks to everyone who came along to support the event and also to The Cumbria Academy for Autism for the kind use of their training hall.

Given the popularity of this workshop, we will look to hold our second of the year in a few months time...with another topic to help supplement and enhance our standard karate curriculum 👍

Karate is a martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan, and has gained immense popularity worldwide. It is not only a form of self-defence but also a holistic practice that offers numerous benefits for individuals of all ages. Today, we will explore the wide-ranging advantages of practicing karate and how it can positively impact people's lives.

Physical Fitness and Health
One of the most notable benefits of practicing karate is improved physical fitness. Engaging in regular training sessions enhances strength, flexibility, and endurance. Through various techniques such as kicks, punches, and stances, practitioners develop strong muscles and improve their cardiovascular health. Moreover, karate helps to increase agility and coordination through the execution of precise movements.

For children and adolescents, participating in karate can be particularly beneficial for their growth and development. By engaging in this martial art form at an early age, they develop healthy habits that promote overall well-being throughout their lives. Regular training improves posture and balance while also enhancing bone density – crucial factors for proper growth.

Mental Discipline
Karate is not solely focused on physical aspects; it also places great emphasis on mental discipline. The practice involves concentration and focus to execute moves accurately while maintaining control over one's emotions. This mental discipline cultivated through karate spills over into other areas of life as well.

Children who practice karate often exhibit improved concentration levels in school as they learn to channel their energy effectively during training sessions. They develop self-discipline by following instructions from instructors diligently while adhering to the structure inherent in traditional martial arts practices.

Self-Confidence and Empowerment
Another significant benefit derived from practicing karate is increased self-confidence. The gradual progression through different belt ranks instils a sense of accomplishment as individuals conquer new challenges along their journey. Through consistent effort and dedication towards mastering techniques or even participating in competitions, practitioners gain confidence in their abilities.

This newfound self-confidence has a positive impact on various aspects of life. Children who practice karate often experience improved self-esteem and are better equipped to handle peer pressure or bullying situations. Similarly, adults find themselves empowered and more assertive in both personal and professional settings.

Stress Relief
In today's fast-paced world, stress has become a common affliction for people of all ages. Engaging in physical activities such as karate provides an effective outlet to release stress and tension. The intense focus required during training sessions acts as a form of meditation, allowing individuals to disconnect from their daily worries and find some inner balance.

Karate also teaches valuable breathing techniques that help calm the mind and reduce anxiety levels. By practicing controlled breathing during training, individuals learn how to regulate their emotions effectively, leading to improved mental well-being.

Social Interaction and Community
Practicing karate offers ample opportunities for social interaction and building a sense of community. Training sessions often involve group exercises or partner drills where individuals can bond with fellow practitioners. This camaraderie fosters teamwork, respect, and mutual support among participants.

In addition to the immediate training environment, karate dojo provide a broader community where individuals can connect with like-minded people who share similar goals. This sense of belonging is especially important for children who may benefit from positive role models within the karate community.

Conclusion
From physical fitness and mental discipline to increased self-confidence and stress relief, practicing karate offers numerous benefits for individuals of all ages. Whether it is children seeking personal growth or adults striving for holistic well-being, this martial art form provides a comprehensive approach towards self-improvement.

A huge well done to all our members who took on their grading challenge today - results are listed below!

Everyone gave it their best and we were very proud to see some wonderful performances across our curriculum including fundamental techniques and combinations, kata and their application, two-person drills, self-defence, pad work plus various types of sparring.

Special congratulations go to Rebecca Borrowdale, Kevin Stilling and Claire Taylor on achieving first-class passes for their respective grades.

What a wonderful way to round up our training this year at E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness. So for the next two weeks until we break up for Christmas, you can expect lots of fun stuff in the dojo as we celebrate everyone's achievements!

Big thanks to members of the grading panel for their time and support, plus staff at Egremont Town Council for helping to ensure that the day could run as smooth as possible.

If you or one of your family members are interested in starting karate with us, then we will be enrolling new beginners from Monday 8th January!

We have classes in locations across West Cumbria, which are suitable for juniors from 5 years and up, teenagers and adults of all ages... 

E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness are very proud to be supporters of the Karate for Mental Health Movement, and were recently presented with a certificate acknowledging so...

Knowing that we have already helped provide direct support to a number of our members through our martial arts and fitness classes, we are very happy and privileged to help fly the 'Karate for Mental Health' flag here in Cumbria.

If you'd like to learn more about how karate may be beneficial for your mental health, then please don't hesitate to Contact Us...we're always happy to chat 👍

On 25th October 1936, a group of esteemed Okinawan Karate teachers held a pivotal meeting to discuss and agree upon the future of their art…

We celebrate World Karate Day to pay our respects to those who came before us and come together to acknowledge the truth that regardless of what style we happen to practice and where we happen to be around the globe, we are but one family.

As usual, we completed our 100 Kata Challenge this evening here in Cumbria and raised some cash for good causes in the process.

We performed 100 repetitions of Naihanchi Kata (plus one for the dojo) and split these up with 100 burpees for a super-charged challenge in true E.S.K.K style! 

​It was also nice to welcome Jenny, Kevin, Sandra, Joe, Richard and Rachel from our fitness classes, who conducted their own demanding challenge alongside us, combining a total of 100 exercises from our weekly Kettlebell, Body Conditioning and Enduro-Strike sessions!

It was great to see such a range of grades, ages and experiences meet to take on this challenge together. For some it was their first time and for others it has been an annual habit for the past decade.

​A special shout out to our junior members who participated...we were especially impressed with all your hard work and commitment. Thanks also to the Cumbria Academy for Autism for kindly providing us the use of their hall.​

If anyone would like to find our more about our Community Fund and/or make a donation, then you can do so via the button below - sincere thanks in advance!  ​

It is with great honour that I share the outstanding results of today’s black belt grade examination. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to David, Natasha, and Sian, esteemed members of our dojo, on achieving their well-deserved Shodan rank!

Before challenging the grading, each candidate demonstrated their knowledge by submitting an essay or delivering a presentation on a chosen topic related to karate. Then today, they arrived early in the morning for a panel interview, before getting warmed up...

The physical grading itself was an arduous four-hour test that encompassed a wide range of elements. From performing the fundamentals, combinations, and kata to executing pre-arranged exercises, flow drills, combative applications, self-defence techniques, pad-work, and fitness routines. The candidates also excelled in clinch work, ground fighting, surprise stress tests, various forms of sparring, as well as board breaking and much more!

Throughout the examination, each candidate demonstrated immense perseverance and a resolute mindset. They admirably adapted to every challenge thrown their way. These individuals have dedicated many years to training at our dojo, showing unwavering commitment, even when faced with their own individual pressures and not to mention the sight of equally capable members giving up along the way.

As chief instructor, I am immensely proud to be associated with these remarkable individuals. It is an incredible privilege to share my karate with them and feel humbled that they have entrusted me, along with our team of amazing instructors, to oversee their martial arts training. It has been gratifying for us all to witness their growth over the years and we offer our deepest respect.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to fellow panel members John, Lewis, Elaine, and Terry Sensei for their invaluable support and guidance throughout the day. Thanks also to black belt instructors Alison, Warren, and Shaun for their participation in and support of the candidates.

I look forward to seeing you all back in the dojo soon, as you continue forward in your karate journey!

​Chris 🙏🙇‍♂️

On Friday evening, our Chief Instructor Chris Denwood was invited to teach a seminar for the Kendal Chojinkai Dojo...

The kids had fun exploring some basic kakie drills and the adults/teens focussed on the universal movement pathways of Kihon, incorporating related applications from both Naihanchi and the Pinan Kata.

It was really nice to catch up with old friends and meet a few new ones too!

Chris Denwood was invited to Ayr last weekend to teach on behalf of the Karate for Mental Health movement, alongside fellow instructors, Jamie Gray and Ben Eayrs. The event raised a total of £1,500 for charity.

He expressed his passion for the cause, stating, “Mental health is an increasingly pressing concern, and karate training offers an excellent way to cultivate physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Besides fostering a supportive community network, karate promotes a holistic balance of attributes that positively impact various aspects of everyday life. To me, this embodies the true essence of ‘self-defence’ and makes it a valuable activity for people of all ages.”

The Karate for Mental Health movement is a national programme divided into different regions across the UK. Regular seminars are organised throughout the year to raise awareness and support local charities. The recent Northern seminar was dedicated to raising funds for The Ayrshire Women's Hub.

Local News Article >

We are very proud to be able to support the Karate for Mental Health movement here in Cumbria, and Chris felt privileged to be part of such a positive and successful event.

Big thanks to everyone involved 🙏🙇‍♂️

On Saturday 9th September, we were very proud to host James Pankiewicz Sensei, all the way from Asato Dojo in Okinawa, for a special seminar on Tomari Te Karate Concepts...

​James Sensei has been a friend of our dojo for many years and has been a huge support during our group trips to Okinawa. Chris Sensei has also taught at Jame's dojo in Naha, so it was a pleasure to return the favour and offer him a warm welcome to Cumbria.

James Sensei is currently ranked 5th dan in Matsubayashiryu karatedo (under Arakaki Toshimitsu Hanshi).

He has been practicing martial arts for 30+ years including Wadoryu karate, Shorinryu karate, Jujitsu and Okinawan kobudo. He first came to Japan in 1996 to study Japanese language, culture and martial arts.

James opened The DOJO Bar in 2011 in Naha, Okinawa as a place for like-minded local and visiting karateka to meet and share knowledge.

He also conceived the 100 Kata for Karate Day Challenge event in 2014 to promote the spread of traditional karate practice and connect karateka around the world to Okinawa, the birthplace of karate. 

The dedicated junior session explored a selection of basic techniques and age appropriate training drills that we trust inspired lots if new learning. James also talked to the children about the history of karate, the Okinawan language and his experiences training on Okinawa, inviting them to ask lots of questions. 

The general theme for the adults/teens seminar was on Tomari-te, seizing, trapping and striking skills. It also included elements on kakie (connected hands), meotodi (working two hands together), koshi (hip work), makidi (wrapping hands), Naihanchi and Passai bunkai (kata analysis) and close-range tactics.

A smaller group of us also enjoyed a special Bojutsu (6ft staff) workshop early on Sunday morning, which focussed on the unique form and analysis of Shiromatsu Nu Kun. James recapped the form a number of times and broke each section down to share some more detailed pointers.

As well as the seminars, James Sensei managed to also squeeze in a little sightseeing around Whitehaven, plus we had some time to eat together, catch up and share stories. One of the great things about pursuing a 'karate life' is the amazing people you meet and befriend along the way. What a wonderful weekend!  

We'd like to thank everyone who so kindly supported the event, to the Cumbria Academy for Autism, for use of their excellent venue and of course, to James Sensei for his excellent teachings and taking the time to come and visit us. We look forward to hopefully catching up again soon in Okinawa 🥋🙏🙇‍♂️ 

We're very happy to announce that E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness have now completed their annual health check with The Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to safer sport.

We are always enthusiastic and proud to help support procedures like this, which help provide some extra confidence to anyone looking to start martial arts training, especially parents seeking classes for their children.

​As those who know us will confirm, our commitment to provide safe, high-quality professional and community driven classes for our members is our utmost priority and has been since we opened our doors almost 20 years ago. 

Interested in joining us? We have classes suitable for members of the whole family in locations across West Cumbria...