Yamaji Shotokan Karate Tibshelf

I've updated the banner picture to reflect the current membership of 2026. Reece (1st Dan unfortunately wasn't there on the night but we'll get you on the next update in July). Also absent are Ethan, Vihaan, Rachel and Lisa. Great to see those new belts everyone.😁🥋

A huge well done to everyone who successfully graded on Sunday the 8th of March with KUGB Sensei Billy Higgins (8th Dan). You did yourselves and the club proud. Keep training hard! The next grading is in July. Thank you to the parents/carers for your continued support. We couldn't do it without you. Our two clubs in Tibshelf and Ashover will continue to build on this success. Photo courtesy of Dudley Wheatcroft at Satori Shotokan, Chesterfield.

I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year. On behalf of the instructors, we are looking forward to seeing you at training this week. Either on Mondays at Ashover Parish Hall or on Thursdays at Tibshelf Community School. Both clubs still train from 6pm - 7:30. This applies to current members, new members and past members who feel ready to put on their suits and belts again. We understand life can 'get in the way' with family, work and finances being tight but we hope to see you again🤞All the best for 2026 everyone!

Here are the grading dates for 2026. Thank you to sensei Wheatcroft for hosting the gradings and all the work you do in the background organising these things. It's really appreciated.

Another year of kata squad courses draws to a close. I Really enjoyed it and came away with a greater insight. I'm always learning on this journey and I'm thankful to everyone who helped me along the way. (Photo courtesy of the KUGB).

CENTRAL REGIONS ALL GRADES COURSE AND KATA SQUAD TRAINING 🥋

The KUGB Central Region hosted an All Grades Course and Central Kata Squad Session in Shropshire today with Sensei Frank Brennan, 8th Dan.

Well done to everyone who attended.

Cover photo updated to reflect the current membership. Well done to the recent students who passed their grading last week.

SATORI SHOTOKAN, Chesterfield supported by YAMAJI, Tibshelf and Ashover.
Training & Grading Course with
Sensei Jim Brennan, 8th Dan KUGB.
held at Queens Park Sports Centre, Chesterfield,
on Sunday 16th November 2025.
A refreshing and interesting training course for all members and visitors from other clubs. Followed by a Grading course, where all members from Satori and Yamaji clubs passed their respective grades. Well done every one.
1st Photo: Club members on the Training Course with instructor Sensei Jim Brennan, 8th Dan, KUGB.
2nd Photo: Satori and Yamaji members who successfully passed their respective gradings. Showing their KUGB Kyu Grade Certificates and new belts with Grading Examiner, Sensei Jim Brennan, 8th Dan, KUGB. (Photos courtesy of Dudley Wheatcroft).

We just held our OPENING NIGHT at Ashover Yamaji. This is our second venue (the first venue is Tibshelf Yamaji). Ashover sessions are every Monday 6:00-7:30pm. We had a fantastic turn-out. Over 20 new starters plus members from Tibshelf came along too. Lots of parents came to see us at the end and said they'll be back next week. The future is looking good. A huge thank you to those who made the trip to train and thank you to all those who supported putting this extra venue together. Right, see you all on Thursday at Tibshelf or next Monday at Ashover. If you're interested in coming to either venue (or both) please message me on here or send me a PM. I always reply same or next day. 🥋

Another fantastic Kata squad session! Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Bassai Sho and Sochin. Everytime I learn something I can use to help me improve. You can't beat this level of training. Thank you to all involved it is really appreciated. Photo courtesy of the KUGB.

CENTRAL REGION ALL GRADES COURSE AND KATA SQUAD TRAINING 🥋

Yesterday, our Central Region hosted an All Grades Course with Sensei Frank Brennan (8th Dan), followed by the KUGB Central Kata Squad Session.

Well done to everyone who attended!

Here's a picture of most of the Yamaji Shotokan Karate Tibshelf students who passed their recent grading. Well done to you all and keep striving for your next goal!🥋

A huge thank you to Sensei Wheatcroft for hosting the grading at Queen's Park Chesterfield. Already looking forward to the next grading in November. Well done to everyone who graded.

SATORI SHOTOKAN.
Training & Grading Course with
Sensei Frank Brennan, 8th Dan KUGB.
held at Queens Park Sports Centre, Chesterfield,
on Sunday 6th July 2025.
A refreshing and interesting training course for all members and visitors from other clubs. Followed by a Grading course where all members from Satori, Yamaji and Leeds passed their respective grades.
Well done every one.