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...

We're very pleased to announce the following rank promotions after our karate grading earlier today...

Upwards of sixty members challenged their next rank by taking to the dojo floor to present their quality of technique, level of effort and show of determination to our black belt grading panel, headed by chief instructor, Chris Denwood. 

Grading requirements included pre-requisite knowledge questions and etiquette, a variety of basic techniques and combinations, kata, partner drills, pad work, plus different types of live drilling and sparring.

Special congratulations to Jude Ponsonby, Daniel Brooks, Judith South and Jessica White, who all earned first-class passes for what were outstanding gradings for their rank 🥇👌

Regardless of individual result, we're always very proud of everyone who stands up to be counted. And as always, the recommendation for everyone in karate is 'more training', so we look forward to seeing everyone in class again soon to progress further on this valuable lifelong journey.

Sincere thanks to the grading panel, plus of course all our amazing club instructors/assistants for their time, expertise, advice and support 🙏🙇‍♂️

Over the weekend, we held our 2023 Weekend Training Camp and the 4* Crown Hotel in Wetheral...

Despite two unfortunate absences due to injury and illness, everyone else arrived in good health and so began three days of intensive martial arts and fitness training.

Topics covered included karate fundamentals and kata, padwork drills, ground fighting, kettlebell lifting, bo staff training, bodyweight conditioning, full body mobility, rope work, Pilates and Enduro-Strike, principles of joint attacks, limb control drills from Naihanchi plus much more!

Experience spanned wide across participants, from those with only a few months training under their belts, to veterans of over 30 years. Everyone worked enthusiastically together, supported each other and gave it their all.

As instructors and organisers, we were very proud to witness numerous challenges being faced, valuable lessons being absorbed and strong friendships being forged. It was an absolute pleasure to work with everyone, share the weekend together and we hope to see you again next year 🥋🙏🙇‍♂️  

​C&Jx

A big thank you to everyone who came along to participate in our seminar yesterday afternoon with Paul Enfield Sensei...

It has been around four years since Paul's last seminar with our dojo, so it was lovely to catch up with him again and to have the opportunity for our members to benefit from his world-class teachings.

The three hours flew by and topics covered included stance and structure, core activation, connector drills, kata applications and grappling escapes. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the seminar.

We are very grateful for Paul's time, experience and friendship. We wish him a safe flight home to California and hope to catch up again soon! 

It was a real pleasure today to present our 2023 Student of The Year Awards to John Hopkins (senior) and Dylan McDowell (junior).

Both members have shown dedication to karate for a number of years. They have consistently demonstrated admirable traits that make them strong ambassadors for our karate, our dojo and the principles we stand for.

I’m sure you’ll join us in congratulating John and Dylan on this well deserved recognition.

Their first job will be to help us choose a local charity based on member votes, to receive a donation from our Community Fund. We'll share more details on this soon!

You can find out more about our Student of the Year Award and past winners via the link below, which has been running since our dojo first opened back in 2004... ​

For those who may be interested in reading what our members and parents think about their experience at E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness, we've now collated all our Facebook, Google and Yell reviews together on a single page!

Our members are everything to us and we consider them literally part of the family. A massive thank you to everyone who's take a moment from their day to leave us a nice review - we're just so happy to know that our classes are having such a positive impact on people's lives.

You can check out our reviews and leave us one too via the link below...

Thanks again and best wishes,
​
Chris & Jenny x

A huge well done to everyone who graded today - we had 65 members challenging their next rank!

No matter the outcome, it is the learning and growing that matters and you have our utmost respect for giving it your all.

If you have achieved a new belt today then our sincere congratulations. But be sure to stay humble and use your promotion as a platform for further improvement. 

If you have not quite made the required standard this time, then we understand it's disappointing. But the actions you take now will determine whether today contributes positively or negatively to your ongoing development. So be sure to move forward positively.

Simply put...We are very proud if you all and you should be too!

And remember...the way forward from today is the same for everyone...

...more training!

Big thanks to members of the grading panel for giving up their time and helping to make the day run as smooth as possible 🙏🙇‍♂️

Official results and some group pictures below 👇

On Sunday, we held our first focus workshops of 2023 - and they were a great success!

Juniors covered flexibility, kicking and blaze pod reaction drills. Adults and teens covered Naihanchi kata analysis and applications for self-defence.
​
Big thanks to everyone who participated - you all did great and hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

Can't wait for the next one 😊

Would you like to get involved in our award winning martial arts and fitness classes here in West Cumbria?

Free tasters are available for everyone...

Karate, like many other martial arts, has traditionally always been a male dominated activity. However, in recent times there has been a clear shift, as more females are now taking up the art and enjoying the many benefits that being part of a karate dojo has to offer.
 
Our organization especially is fortunate to have a high percentage of female students plus instructors, and it is always our priority to listen to the opinions and inclusive needs of all our members. Plus, we want all our karate members to be entirely focused on performing to the best of their abilities whilst training in class.  
 
As such, we feel it's important that in addition to our traditional or 'standard' all white karate uniform, we also offer the option of wearing split colours (i.e. white jacket with black trousers), for those members who'd prefer them at times during regular dojo training. 
 
These may of course be purchased privately, but we have also added these as items to our member-only store for your convenience...

Please note that black leggings or tracksuit bottoms etc, are not suitable as their construction is insufficient for the requirements of karate training.

The option of wearing black karate trousers is in addition to the standard all white karate suit (that all members should have) and is approved across our clubs with immediate effect.

Happy New Year 🎉🍾

At E.S.K.K Martial Arts, we don't sit on our laurels and are constantly seeking to evolve and grow. That's why this month we've introduced a brand new curriculum, stronger instructor team designation and improved class schedule to help best support our valued members!

We are also offering new beginners in our karate dojo the choice to enter either a junior focussed class, or a more mature adults and teens focussed class. This will help better support younger children and at the same time, provide older beginners a more appropriate environment for inspiration. Furthermore, any parent and child duos can still train together in the same class if that's what they prefer...

​...perfect 👍

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The Benefits of Practicing Karate?

If you're considering taking up this martial art, then you're in for a real treat. Karate is a discipline that offers numerous physical and mental benefits for practitioners of all ages and skill levels. Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect to experience as you embark on your Karate journey:

• Improved physical fitness: Karate is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise that helps improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. As you progress through the ranks, you'll learn increasingly complex techniques that will challenge your body in new ways, helping you to become stronger and more agile.
• Enhanced self-defence skills: Karate teaches you how to protect yourself in a variety of situations, from awareness, avoidance, escape and de-escalation skills, to simple hand-to-hand techniques and more advanced weapon defence. You'll learn how to use your body optimally, and you'll develop the confidence and control necessary to stand up for yourself and others.
• Greater mental focus and discipline: Karate requires a high level of mental focus and discipline. Practicing Karate helps you develop these skills, which can translate to many other areas of your life. You'll learn how to set goals, stay motivated, and persevere through challenges.
• Enhanced stress management: The physical and mental demands of Karate can be an excellent outlet for stress and anxiety. The focus and discipline required to perform techniques in a repetitive way can help you clear your mind and find a sense of inner peace.
• Improved social skills: A Karate dojo is a community, and you'll have the opportunity to work with and learn from other practitioners of all ages and skill levels. You'll develop teamwork and communication skills, and you'll make many new friends along the way.

Overall, Karate is an enriching and rewarding discipline that can benefit you in countless ways. Whether you're looking to get in shape, learn self-defence, or simply find a new hobby, Karate is an excellent choice.

So why wait? Book a free taster class today and we look forward to welcoming you!

Well done to everyone who challenged themselves today at our winter grading day!

Around 50 members took to the dojo floor and performed to their best in front of a panel of black belt teachers, headed by our Chief Instructor, Chris Denwood.

​We are very pleased to congratulate the following list of members, who all successfully earned their next rank. Omedetougozaimasu!

To those who were unsuccessful - we understand that it may be disappointing, but please try to use this outcome as a positive learning opportunity and as motivation to improve in preparation to resit your grading in March. We always acknowledge and respect your efforts, so remember that it matters not how slow you go, so long as you do not stop climbing toward your goals. Every step matters!

Best wishes and see you all back in the dojo again soon :-)   

It is my honour to announce the results of yesterday's black belt examination...

Huge congratulations to dojo members Millie, Euan, Alison, Warren, Stuart, Simon and Shaun on earning Shodan!

Each candidate wrote and submitted an essay on a chosen subject relating to karate before even being invited to challenge the grading and arrived in the morning to sit a panel interview.

The physical grading itself lasted over four hours and included a plethora of fundamentals, combinations and kata, pre-arranged exercises, flow drills, combative application, self-defence, pad-work, fitness, clinch work and ground fighting, surprise stress tests, various types of sparring, board breaking and more. They finished by being asked to push their exhausted body and mind a little more, to present their views on what attributes are important for black belt and to consider whether they themselves met them.

Each candidate pushed themselves extremely hard, maintained a strong mind throughout and adapted well to whatever was thrown at them. Most of these individuals have been training at our dojo for the best part of a decade, they have remained steadfast throughout and witnessed so many equally capable members beside them join and give up during the process.

As chief instructor, I couldn’t be happier. It is an honour to be associated with these individuals. To be given the opportunity to share my karate with them. To have them place their trust in me to guide them. To watch them grow over many years into the fine martial artists they’ve become. You have all earned my deepest respect and it is a real privilege to be your teacher.

Big thanks go to fellow panel members Kelvin, Tom, John and Terry Sensei on taking the day out to support this event and to offer their valuable counsel.

See you all in the dojo soon to continue with your karate journey!

Chris
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🥋 👊 🙏 🙇‍♂️ 

As is our tradition, yesterday evening we celebrated World Karate Day 2022 with a 100-Kata Challenge, plus an optional 100-Burpees for those with some extra energy!

We had two groups running. Group One performed 100 repetitions of our most important kata, Naihanchi. Group Two consisted of advanced members and those currently preparing for their black belt grading in a couple of weeks. This group performed multiple repetitions of the following 10 kata... 

Tachigata / Kihongata Ichi / Kihongata Ni / Naihanchi Shodan / Pinan Shodan / Pinan Nidan / Pinan Sandan / Pinan Yondan / Pinan Godan / Passai Sho. 

Both groups ran up to 90 repetitions and then we pulled back together as a single group for the final 10 repetitions of Naihanchi Kata.

Big thanks and congratulations to everyone involved, especially those who had travelled a long way to be with us and to the juniors who all worked exceptionally hard! Thanks also to everyone who made a donation to go towards our Community Fund, and the Market Hall in Egremont for kindly hosting us.

Until next year...Happy Karate Day!

Our popular Karate-Kidz Summer Course was back this year, with over 20 local children coming to learn and have fun with us!

Day One covered a cool ice breaker to warm up, basic karate techniques, some Japanese words, fitness and stretching, a little education on nutrition and healthy eating, plus some ninja-style pad drills to finish off.

In Day Two, we warmed up with basic karate techniques, then we got the mats out for some rolls and break falls. After lunch, we taught the children about personal safety, some awareness and anti-abduction skills. We finished off with some board breaking practice!

Big thanks to Egremont Market Hall for the venue, Sharon at Truly Scrumptious for the delicious food, Euan and Jayden for their excellent assistance and Cumbria County Council for their HAF funding in support of the event.

Last weekend seen the return of our very popular weekend training camp, after what has been a three year postponement due to COVID.

16 lucky participants came together and the wonderful 4* Crown Hotel in Wetheral for three days of intensive martial arts and fitness training, led by our founder and chief instructor, Chris Denwood.

As well as the all-inclusive hotel accommodation, award winning food and full use of the leisure facilities, the group trained in numerous sessions from 6am in the morning to 7pm in the evening on topics including:  

Our thanks to all participants for their hard work and enthusiasm, to the Crown Hotel for looking after us, and to instructors Jenny, Terry, David and Tom for leading their individual sessions.

​It's great to have this event back in our calendar and we'll have news about our 2023 event soon!

We are very proud to announce that E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness have been presented with the very first UK School of Excellence Award by the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association!

BMABA Press Release on Facebook >

We'd like to thank our amazing instructor team for their hard work, plus our wonderful members, parents and friends for their continued enthusiasm and support in our mission - you're all awesome!

We'd also like to extend our gratitude to BMABA for leading us so professionally through the auditing process of what is the martial arts industry's highest level of vetting and regulation here in the UK. The BMABA have now almost 43,000 members, so this is a wonderful achievement and not to mention, an excellent endorsement for our classes here in West Cumbria.

Feel free to browse our website to find out more about joining our martial arts or fitness classes. You can also book a free taster class at any of our venues HERE!

We're very proud to announce that we have presented our prestigious 2022 Student of the Year awards to David Cass (blue belt) and Abbie Long (brown stripe).

This is a very important award for our organisation and something we're been running since we first opened our doors back in 2004. First, members vote via a student poll and then we short list candidates for discussion by members of our senior back belt instructor team. Winners are chosen very carefully, based on inspiring attributes shown throughout the year...

As part of the awards presentation, Abbie's first job was to select a local charity to which we will present a donation from our Community Fund. She picked out Hospice at Home, West Cumbria.

Find out more information on our Student of the Year awards HERE and our community fund raising efforts HERE.

Following our karate grading earlier today, we are very pleased to announce the following rank promotions.

Requirements tested against included basic techniques and combinations, kata, practical applications, self-defence, pad-drills and sparring.

Big congratulations to everyone who took part in the grading, stood up to be tested and gave their very best effort!

Successful candidates will be awarded their new belt and certificate in class once we have completed all the admin.

Although it may be disappointing, those who were unsuccessful today should try use this experience as inspiration to bounce back stronger and perform to a higher standard next time. Please remember also that It is our responsibility as well as yours to help you succeed, so rest assured we will try our best to support you in class over summer, in preparation for the next grading day...

...it's all part of the journey as karate-ka and if it were easy then it simply wouldn't be worth it!

Big thanks to members of the grading panel for their assistance and council during the day. Your time and commitment is always much appreciated. 

Rank promotions are effective immediately - members who have earned Yellow or Purple Belt, please remember that you have now progressed into the next level so don't forget to book classes appropriately from tomorrow onward.  

Congratulations once again and keep up the great work!