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!