E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness - West Cumbria
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LATEST NEWS

Grading Results March 2020!

15/3/2020

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A huge well done to everyone who came along and took part in our karate grading today!

We had upwards of 70 members taking on their next grading challenge and whether successful or unsuccessful, we are always very proud of their efforts. It takes a lot of hard work and courage to stand up and be counted like this, and regardless of individual outcome, it is a positive learning process for all and respect is given where respect is due..

Despite having a new venue, a new curriculum, a new format and some additional precautionary modifications made due to current issues here in the U.K, the day still ran very smooth. As usual, this was all down to the help and support from grading panel members, admin officials and instructors/assistants who kindly dropped in to lend a hand. We are always very grateful to you all.

​So on behalf of us everyone at E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness - congratulations once again to the following successful candidates and we look forward to seeing you back in the dojo again soon!

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New Video Tutorials Service!

4/3/2020

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We're very pleased to announce the launch of our brand new video tutorial service, exclusively for E.S.K.K dojo members!

We always strive to offer the very best possible services to our members and this special addition puts us a the cutting edge of delivering high quality martial arts training to our local community here in Cumbria!

Accessible 24/7 and completely responsive, our members can watch high quality in-depth video tutorials on their PC, tablet or mobile device in between their regular classes. And these tutorials are mapped directly to our official dojo curriculum!

Now of course, although we know only too well that is not possible to learn karate without regular face-to-face tuition each week, practising at home in between sessions will help ensure that the time our members spend in class will be as productive as possible. In short, standards will be raised and quality will be improved!

Within the first few days since launch, we have already released upwards of 120 minutes of content, with new video tutorials being added every couple of days. Over time, this will turn into a fantastic resource for our growing membership.

Thanks to all those members who have already singed up...to subscribe, simply hit the link below. Please note that this service is for E.S.K.K dojo members ONLY and all subscription requests are monitored...    
FIND OUT MORE >>
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New Community Fund Total!

12/2/2020

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Back in October, we took part in the 100 Kata Challenge for World Karate Day and took this as an opportunity to raise some sponsorship in order to support our dedicated Community Fund, from which we make generous charity donations every year.

Those who kindly helped support this event helped us raise a significant amount. And by the time we included some additional funds generated by other community-based events throughout last year, we came to a staggering total of £1,313.56!!

On behalf of everyone at E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness, we'd like to thank everyone who contributed to helping us achieve such a magnificent lift for our Community Fund. Let's see if we can maintain the same momentum to support both local and national causes as we move forward into this new decade!

Best wishes,
​Chris & Jenny
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New Year Offer 2020!

2/1/2020

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New Year is the best time to try out new things...

​We know it's often difficult for new people to appreciate the diverse benefits that quality martial arts training has to offer or indeed, to make the decision to come along and give it a go.

​So to help start 2020 with a bang, we have a fantastic New Year Special Offer for those who'd like to try out our classes...
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We invite all children from 5 years, juniors, teens and adults to take part in our dedicated beginners programme. Our team of instructors are qualified, experienced and passionate about helping you achieve your goals...
  • Gain new skills!
  • Learn effective self-defence!
  • Increase confidence!
  • Combat stress!
  • Develop discipline and respect!
  • Meet awesome friends!

Book Your Place Now!
*New year offer is valid for all new starters who book a taster class in January 2020 - places are subject to availability.
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Chris is Presented Special Award

19/12/2019

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We are very proud to announce that on Tuesday evening, our Chief Instructor Chris Denwood was awarded both Rokudan (6th Degree) and conferred the title of ‘Renshi’ (polished teacher) during a surprise gathering that was organised by his close students.

This special award was presented by Paul and Michelle Enfield, who are two leading exponents of Traditional Okinawan Karate in the World today and head the internationally renowned organisation, GKC Global, of which E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness are associate members. Chris’ achievement was also independently endorsed by the senior committee of the Malta Karate Federation (in view of Chris’s long-term contributions to the development of karate on the island), plus a number of respected karate practitioners from around the world including UK, US, Canada and Okinawa.

As a fantastic end to his 30th year of martial arts training, Chris would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in making this promotion so very special and in particular, to all his teachers, students and friends for their amazing support and inspiration along the way. He considers this an achievement for us all, to be used as a platform for future growth, and to help continue our work in preserving, sharing and promoting to all who will listen, the incredibly valuable and diverse benefits of Traditional Okinawan Karate.

I'm sure you will join us in congratulating Chris on this well-deserved recognition!

​Jenny x
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We've Achieved the Safeguarding Code!

17/12/2019

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​West Cumbria group E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness is leading the charge in safeguarding, having successfully attained the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts “mark”.

The Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts has been created so that parents and carers can make informed decisions about selecting safe and quality tuition for their child. Achieving the Safeguarding Code demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to upholding its duty-of-care to the community and young people and now recognises E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness as a provider that has reached and maintains good safeguarding standards.
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Sue Harrison, Stakeholder Marketing at the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts said:
“We are delighted to see E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness successfully attain the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts."

“When making choices about martial arts schools, parents and carers can easily determine, and be reassured that clubs in their local area are committed to safeguarding and upholding safe practices for their children if they display the Safeguarding Code ‘mark’.”
Chris Denwood, Chief Instructor at E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness, said:
“Safeguarding is an important topic that needs to be seriously addressed, especially by groups who provide services for young people. We’re very happy that our commitment to safeguarding in martial arts has been recognised and we’re proud to display the Safeguarding Code Mark.”
Developed in consultation with Sport England, representatives from martial arts governing bodies, and leading safeguarding experts, the Safeguarding Code is funded by the National Lottery and was launched by the Sports Minister in 2018.
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Find Out More >>
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Grading Results Dec 2019

8/12/2019

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A great end to another fantastic year at E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness with some great results at our grade examination today in Whitehaven!

One trait that really stood out was that no matter what rank was being challenged, no matter what age the challenger and no matter the outcome...everyone gave it their absolute all, left everything on the dojo floor and exhibited the spirit we all aspire to in karate. For that, everyone deserves to be congratulated on a job well done and have earned our utmost respect.

We are always very proud of our dojo members because we ask a lot in terms of effort and standard. None of our gradings are easy, but it is through this challenge and discomfort that makes the grading experience so worthwhile. Facing fear, exposing chinks, coping with failure, being humble with success and coming face-to-face with one's true self is all part of the grading process. And the self-confidence one gains from this is immeasurable.

So, our sincere congratulations to all who took on their personal challenge today and thanks to all the panel members and table officials who helped make the day run as smooth as possible. We look forward to seeing you all back in class again soon to start your next part of the journey!     
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Sam Wins Community Hero Award!

5/12/2019

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One of our teen members, Sam Chilton (third from left), has just picked up a special award at the West Cumbria Community Heroes presentation at the Whitehaven Golf Club.

Sam won the 'Good Friend Award' and it is no surprise to us - he's a very kind, pleasant and loyal dojo member and we feel very proud to have him in our ranks!

So I'm sure you'll join us in congratulating Sam on what we're sure was a very well deserved award indeed!

Hit the link below to read the full article about the awards evening, wich was organised by the local press to recognise some of the superstars of our county applauded for their hard work and selfless acts...

Read Article >>
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Okinawa 2019

28/11/2019

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For ten days in November, six dojo members were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel to Okinawa (The Birthplace of Karate) with our Chief Instructor Chris Denwood, in order to immerse themselves into training and enjoy the unique culture of the island.

The focus of the trip was to study under Higa Minoru Sensei (10th Dan Hanshi) and other teachers/students at the historic Kyudokan Dojo in Tsuboya. The team had prepared for months leading up the trip so that they could learn as much as possible to bring back here to the Cumbria. It was wonderful to spend time with the Higa family, understand more about their karate and further enhance our appreciation of this wonderful martial art. We are very grateful for their kind friendship. 

The group also had the opportunity to learn some Bo-Jutsu at Asato Dojo with Jame Pankiewicz, owner of the Dojo Bar. Over the course of two days, they learned a series of fundamental techniques and drills, a short and dynamic Bo kata called Shiromatsu No Kon (White Pine Staff), plus a set of associated two-person application drills. Chris also had the opportunity to meet up with Shinzato Sensei to respectfully review the content from last year's thought-provoking seminar and engage in some good quality discussion on karate principles. 

To top off the event, Chris was asked to teach a seminar in Naha on his approach to the holistic application of Naihanchi Kata and to share some content from his new book on the subject. He covered some ideas around efficient movement pathways, using circles and figure eight shapes to connect techniques, then looked at how these principles may be applied in a combative sense. He ended with some limb control drills from Naihanchi Kata to show how its application may be used in a fluid way. 
As part of the sightseeing and cultural aspects of the trip, the group visited the infamous Hacksaw Ridge, which was the sight of some of the most bloodiest fighting during The Battle of Okinawa in World War Two. Everyone agreed that it was a very sobering moment to stand and look around what is now such a beautiful place, yet to think of the destruction and devastation of what happened there 74 years ago.   

On the final day, Chris and three members from the group visited Hokama Sensei's dojo to take a look around his amazing karate museum. He answered some of our historical questions, told us interesting stories about some famous karate photos of the past and was also kind enough to brush Chris a wonderful scroll with the kanji for 'Toku Sei Kan'. This now takes pride of place in his garden dojo and will be treasured.

When people ask why we travel all the way to Okinawa, the answer in simple...It is the combination of training, environment, history, culture, and people that serve to provide a very special experience and understanding of traditional karate. It leaves a strong and lasting impression that's simply unattainable from anywhere else and it uniquely changes one's view of this incredible art as a valuable way of life. 

The team would like to thank everyone involved in making our 2019 trip to Okinawa so enjoyable and productive. It was wonderful to catch up with everyone again, meet new people and continue forging lasting friendships.

Chris would like to personally thank the six members who accompanied him this year - especially for their extra hard work leading up to the trip, plus their etiquette and performance throughout the training in Okinawa. They acted as fine ambassadors for our dojo here in Cumbria...   

​...Until next time!  ​
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100 Kata Challenge 2019!

25/10/2019

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On 25th October 1936, an historic meeting was held at a meeting hall in Naha, Okinawa with a number of prominent karate masters of the time. This assembly included the likes of Choki Motobu, Chojun Miyagi, Chosin Chibana, Chomo Hanashiro, Chotoku Kyan, Juhatsu Kiyoda and Shinpan Gusukuma. As well as other important discussions and decisions made regarding the potential future of the martial arts of the Island, it was during this meeting that the term "karate" (Empty Hand) was standardised.

Thus, World Karate Day (Karate No Hi) is held every year on October 25th to commemorate the history of karate and its exponential rise in popularisation across the globe. Part of these celebrations is the 100-Kata Challenge, which is inspired by the phrase 百 練 剛 (train hard 100 times). The challenge, led by a performance on Okinawa, serves to bring karate practitioners from around the world together and strengthen our universal family bond.
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1936 Meeting of the Masters
This year, our 100-Kata Challenge was held at the Market Hall in Egremont and we had over 30 members (various ages and ranks) take on the challenge to help raise money for our Community Fund. This was our largest group yet and the first year we invited our junior members to join us!

We had three groups running...The first was for junior members and for those who were new to the challenge. Their aim was to complete 100 x Naihanchi Kata. The second group was for veterans and those who wanted an extra challenge. Their objective was to add 10 x burpees after every set of 10 x Naihanchi Kata (100 in total). The third group consisted of those members who are travelling to Okinawa in a couple of weeks. Their task was to complete 4 x 23 kata within the curriculum, plus 8 x weapon kata (roshaku bo), totalling 100. Then the group finished off with 100 x burpees using Tabata intervals.

Every member completed their challenge and although it was far from easy, the atmosphere in the room was electric, with a strong feeling of mutual support from one another! It was wonderful to see so many members take on the challenge this year, especially the juniors and hopefully this number will continue to grow!

We'd like to say a big thank you to all our members who took time out to participate, to everyone who has sponsored our efforts, to individual group leaders and parent volunteers, who helped keep our count up to date, plus a special thank you to members of Egremont Town Council for kindly allowing us use of their Market Hall to host the event - it was greatly appreciated and a perfect location!

Finally, our congratulations to all those karate practitioners from around the world who completed their 100-Kata Challenge and to you all...Happy Karate Day!   
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