10th ANniversary Kangeiko Sunday 28th January 2024
On Sunday 28th January 2024 we celebrated our 10th annual Kangeiko (Mid Winter Training).
The training began at 8:30am with a traditional Japanese warm up led by Assistant Chief Instructor Andy Smith Sensei. Sensei Scoot then welcomed everyone to the event and training began with Kihon (Basics), Kumite (Fighting) Kata (Forms) and many fun and games. There was a fantastic atmosphere with over 70 Karateka training and everyone had lots of spirit.
At 10am we concluded the Keiko (training) and then held our now famous community breakfast with over 120 people attending. As always there was plenty of food for our students, friends and families. Thank you to everyone who attended.
The training began at 8:30am with a traditional Japanese warm up led by Assistant Chief Instructor Andy Smith Sensei. Sensei Scoot then welcomed everyone to the event and training began with Kihon (Basics), Kumite (Fighting) Kata (Forms) and many fun and games. There was a fantastic atmosphere with over 70 Karateka training and everyone had lots of spirit.
At 10am we concluded the Keiko (training) and then held our now famous community breakfast with over 120 people attending. As always there was plenty of food for our students, friends and families. Thank you to everyone who attended.
Training with akita sensei and skai international on zoom December 2020
On Saturday 5th December we joined nine other countries (Israel, Argentina, Greece, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Mexico, England) from SKAI International to train with Akita Sensei on Zoom. It was a really great training session working on Kihon & Kumite. After the course it was great to catch up with other members of SKAI from all over the world.
Holkham Beach keiko september 2020
Despite COVID-19 spoiling many of our plans this year, we were thankfully able to have our annual training day at Holkham Beach in Norfolk, England. This year there was no mini-bus journey together but we all met up in the car park ready for a fantastic morning of training on one of the UK"s most amazing beaches. After nearly two hours of training we had the traditional 100 punches, kicks, blocks into the North Sea, with the weather being warm it wasn't too cold. After training we all drove into Wells-next-Sea for their famous Fish & Chips and an ice cream before heading home. Everyone agreed this was the best beach training we had ever done. We look forward to going back in 2021
Karate in Monaco! august 2020
It's been a difficult few months with our dojos being closed and training online has become a regular thing.....so at the beginning of August I was very lucky to be able travel to Monaco with my son to support him with his videography work. Never to miss an opportunity to try and improve my karate I got up early in the morning to train at the famous Monaco Hercule port, normally famous for its yacht's and supercars. The weather was incredible and the views whilst training were simply stunning. I even did a small video lesson for our students, which I hope you enjoy.
OSS!
Sensei
OSS!
Sensei
COVId-19! Training continues with 'Karate in your own dojo'
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, our dojos have all been closed.....but this hasn't stopped us training! We have two 'live' classes every Tuesday & Thursday at 7pm run by Chief Instructor Sensei Scoot. These have been very well attended and our audience has grown world wide. Our YouTube channel has also been developed further and we have also had a 'Live' class with Akita Sensei.
Karate in BALI Indonesia August 2019
In August 2019 I was very fortunate travel to Bali in Indonesia. Whilst there we visited two regions of the island. The first was UBUD where we stayed in a lovely hotel set in a beautiful wooded area and surrounded by rice fields. I found my own dojo in the hotel for early morning training but the real fun was training in the rice fields. Dodging snakes, huge dragonflys and trying not to damage any crops improved my balance a great deal. The second region we visited was NUSA DUA where we were based on the beach. I would get up in the morning to watch the sunrise with my wife and then train on beach, rocks and in the hotel gym. Bali is truly beautiful and it was an incredible experience to train there.
The ultimate Karate Stag DO with Hisashi Matsuda Sensei at holkham beach
In June 2019 Eight of us went to Holkham beach to celebrate Wayne Sensei's Stag do. What Wayne didn't know was that I had invited Matsuda Sensei from Japan to join us for the Day training on the Beach. We all met for breakfast in Fakenenham and met Matsuda Sensei and Kozo, Wayne's face was a real picture. We then headed to the beach for an experience I don't think any of us will ever forget.
Visiting our Friends in Essen Belgium December 2018
December 2018 five members of Asahi Shotokan & SKAI England attended Sensei Raoul's dojo in Essen Belgium for a two day course with Akita Sensei. We had a fantastic two days training and our Belgium hosts were simply incredible, so friendly and hospitable. The Saturday evening was a fantastic night of catching up with friends and Karaoke singing! After the two day course Andy Smith & Karl Myhill both took and passed their 3rd Dan gradings, an incredible achievement for them both.
BEACH & Desert Training in DUBAI August 2018
In August 2018 Sensei Scoot was able to train in Dubai in the UAE. I would get up at 6 am and train on the beach before the sand became too hot!, the temperature was already 38 degrees, the sea was 38 degrees but the training was great, you really can't beat training on the beach. I was also lucky enough to train in the desert at sunset, a truly wonderful experience.
SKAI International COurse/Championships Grenoble JUly 2018
A team of six Instructors from Asahi Shotokan & SKAI England attended the first SKAI International course and tournament in Grenoble France in July 2018. There was a fantastic two day course led by Akita, Matsuda, Russo Sensei's followed by the first SKAI international Shotokan Karate Championships with eight countries taking part. Sensei Jamie Wheeldon took 3rd place in the mens Black Belt Kumite after an awesome display. Sensei Scoot also took his 6th Dan grading with Akita, Matsuda, Russo Sensei's and passed after a very physical grading.
JAPAN TOUR 2016
Our Japan tour started in Tokyo for four nights including training sessions with Ryosuke Shimizu Sensei at the JKA Hoitsugan Dojo and another session with Toshihito Kokubun Sensei from the JKF.
After Four days we then travelled to HAKONE where we took a cable car up an active volcano and then a galleon across Hakone lake. We then took the Shinkasen bullet train to Gifu where I was fortunate to stay with a Buddhist Monk in his temple for four days. During the stay we had many cultural experiences and trained with Matsuda Sensei before taking part in the goodwill championships. Our next stop was Kyoto & Nara where we spent a few days and trained with Yoshihiko Tokuno Sensei.
After Four days we then travelled to HAKONE where we took a cable car up an active volcano and then a galleon across Hakone lake. We then took the Shinkasen bullet train to Gifu where I was fortunate to stay with a Buddhist Monk in his temple for four days. During the stay we had many cultural experiences and trained with Matsuda Sensei before taking part in the goodwill championships. Our next stop was Kyoto & Nara where we spent a few days and trained with Yoshihiko Tokuno Sensei.
AKITA SENSEI COURSE OCTOBER 24th/25th OCTOBER 2015
Our 3rd International course with Akita Sensei was another great success with over fifty students training each day.
It was great to see so many smiling faces both at the beginning of the course but also at the end.
Everyone enjoyed learning the Kihon Kumite taught by Akita Sensei......even if it took a little while to sink in for some.
As per tradition the evening was spent at our local pub and Akita Sensei tucked into what looked to be the worlds biggest fish & chips!
Day two saw another excellent days training with great spirit from all. The juniors did particularly well over the two days, some of whom trained for over six hours.
We look forward to welcoming Akita Sensei back in 2016 before a trip to Japan with him later in the year.
Oss!
Sensei Scoot
Chief Instructor
It was great to see so many smiling faces both at the beginning of the course but also at the end.
Everyone enjoyed learning the Kihon Kumite taught by Akita Sensei......even if it took a little while to sink in for some.
As per tradition the evening was spent at our local pub and Akita Sensei tucked into what looked to be the worlds biggest fish & chips!
Day two saw another excellent days training with great spirit from all. The juniors did particularly well over the two days, some of whom trained for over six hours.
We look forward to welcoming Akita Sensei back in 2016 before a trip to Japan with him later in the year.
Oss!
Sensei Scoot
Chief Instructor
2nd International karate course with Shinji Akita Sensei. February 21/22 2015
Our second weekend course with Akita Sensei was well attended with over fifty students training each day. The course began with a traditional warm up then moving onto Kihon (basics).
After a short break the students then went onto Kumite and the session was finished with Kata.
After the main class had departed the Black belt instructors then went through senior grade kata.
In the evening we had a fantastic celebration meal at our local pub with twenty of the senior grades and Akita Sensei.
The second day followed a similar format with Kihon, Kumite & Kata as before. Another truly great weekend with our SKAI England family.
Kangeiko January 31st 2015
An early start, 7am in the snow!
Our first Kangeiko was a fantastic celebration with over 70 students turning up at 7am to Train for two hours. The Kangeiko was followed by a traditional breakfast in the dojo provided by our students and their fantastic parents/carers.
Kangeiko' means to train in the darkest part of winter and if you train when it's hardest to train with good spirit then this will help you to train well for the remainder of the year.
Our first Kangeiko was a fantastic celebration with over 70 students turning up at 7am to Train for two hours. The Kangeiko was followed by a traditional breakfast in the dojo provided by our students and their fantastic parents/carers.
Kangeiko' means to train in the darkest part of winter and if you train when it's hardest to train with good spirit then this will help you to train well for the remainder of the year.
Summer Training Course with Shinji Akita Sensei September 2014 - Sandy Dojo Bedfordshire
This was our first full weekend course with Akita Sensei. Over 60 of our members took part over the two days with guests from Ireland, Germany and Japan joining us over the weekend.
Both days were split between Kihon, Kumite & Kata and as always we trained hard and learnt a great deal.
After day one we held a celebration meal with Akita Sensei as guest of honour and Derek Sensei from Ireland took time to teach Josh Kohai how to use chop sticks which was very funny.
Day two was again a really hard days training but everyone especially our junior students did really well to keep on going.
Both days were split between Kihon, Kumite & Kata and as always we trained hard and learnt a great deal.
After day one we held a celebration meal with Akita Sensei as guest of honour and Derek Sensei from Ireland took time to teach Josh Kohai how to use chop sticks which was very funny.
Day two was again a really hard days training but everyone especially our junior students did really well to keep on going.
Sandy Carnival Demonstration June 2014
SKAI International Instructors Course- Sardinia (Italy) May 2014
Four of our instructor team (Scoot Sensei, Mark Fielding, Ian Cheale & Andy Smith) flew to Sardinia for a three day International Instructors course with Shinji Akita Sensei and Matsuda Sensei and other instructors from around the world.
It was a fantastic experience for us, meeting and training with new people from Italy, Germany, Japan, Belgium, Ireland.
The first day started with some hard Kihon training and the evening was finished with a really nice meal.
Our hosts SKAI Italy looked after us incredibly well and after breakfast the next morning we made the long walk back to the dojo for more training with Akita & Matsuda Sensei's. After an incredibly hard days training we attended an official presentation of SKAI International which was even attended by a local priest who blessed us all (Well we think he did....our Italian was poor to say the least).
Sensei Scoot represented SKAI ENGLAND at a heads of Countries meeting (an interesting affair using a translator as five separate languages were being spoken), it was a proud moment to be part of and we all agreed to meet again in Japan in 2016!
We then concluded the evening with another fantastic meal at the hotel before returning weary to our beds.
Sunday morning and up at 5am to train on the beach, an experience I have always dreamed of doing and it didn't disappoint. After a very long walk we made it to the beach......Akita Sensei was in fierce spirits pushing us to our physical limits with repetitive punching and kicking combinations, exhausting but incredible!
To finish off we faced the sea and with full Kiai's we punched forward getting ever closure to the beautiful (but very cold) blue sea. We continued punching into the sea until we were up to our chests, a most incredible exhilarating experience which we will never forget.
The whole weekend was a truly fantastic experience for us all, we made many new friends and learnt a great deal throughout the weekend. We look forward to returning next year! Thank you SKAI Italy.
Sensei Richard Chief Instructor
It was a fantastic experience for us, meeting and training with new people from Italy, Germany, Japan, Belgium, Ireland.
The first day started with some hard Kihon training and the evening was finished with a really nice meal.
Our hosts SKAI Italy looked after us incredibly well and after breakfast the next morning we made the long walk back to the dojo for more training with Akita & Matsuda Sensei's. After an incredibly hard days training we attended an official presentation of SKAI International which was even attended by a local priest who blessed us all (Well we think he did....our Italian was poor to say the least).
Sensei Scoot represented SKAI ENGLAND at a heads of Countries meeting (an interesting affair using a translator as five separate languages were being spoken), it was a proud moment to be part of and we all agreed to meet again in Japan in 2016!
We then concluded the evening with another fantastic meal at the hotel before returning weary to our beds.
Sunday morning and up at 5am to train on the beach, an experience I have always dreamed of doing and it didn't disappoint. After a very long walk we made it to the beach......Akita Sensei was in fierce spirits pushing us to our physical limits with repetitive punching and kicking combinations, exhausting but incredible!
To finish off we faced the sea and with full Kiai's we punched forward getting ever closure to the beautiful (but very cold) blue sea. We continued punching into the sea until we were up to our chests, a most incredible exhilarating experience which we will never forget.
The whole weekend was a truly fantastic experience for us all, we made many new friends and learnt a great deal throughout the weekend. We look forward to returning next year! Thank you SKAI Italy.
Sensei Richard Chief Instructor
Black Belt Grading Success
After the Winter course with Akita Sensei one of our instructors took his Nidan (2nd Dan) grading in front of Sensei Scoot and Shinji Akita Sensei. Andy Smith has worked very hard for a long time and this showed with an excellent display at the grading (despite having just completed a four hour karate course). It is with great honour and pleasure I announce Andy Smith Nidan (2nd Dan). Well Done Andy on a truly fantastic achievement.
Winter Course with Akita Sensei
On Saturday 15th February we welcomed back Chief Instructor Shotokan Karate-Do Alliance International (SKAI) Shinji Akita Sensei.
As usual it was a fantastic course with around 50 Karate-Ka taking part over two sessions. Covering Kihon, kumite & Kata the course was incredibly enjoyable for all.
As usual it was a fantastic course with around 50 Karate-Ka taking part over two sessions. Covering Kihon, kumite & Kata the course was incredibly enjoyable for all.
Kangeiko (Winter Training) Limburg Germany
Sensei's Scoot & Smith attended the 'Kangeiko' in Limburg Germany at the invitation of Shinji Akita Sensei from Thursday 16th January to Sunday 19th January. We flew by Lufthansa from Heathrow direct to Frankfurt and then onto Limburg with Akita Sensei.
Our first training session was on Friday at 6am (5am our time), then after an ice cold shower we had a wonderful breakfast in the dojo. After some sightseeing around Limburg we were back in the dojo for another training session at night and supporting at a 3rd Dan grading (taking part in the Kumite).
Saturday was the big event with over three hundred Karate-Ka travelling from all over the world to attend the Kangeiko. Andy and I being were honored to be the only two form England. A full days training including Kihon, Kumite & Kata left us tired but feeling great after learning so much and training with such friendly and welcoming people.
Our first training session was on Friday at 6am (5am our time), then after an ice cold shower we had a wonderful breakfast in the dojo. After some sightseeing around Limburg we were back in the dojo for another training session at night and supporting at a 3rd Dan grading (taking part in the Kumite).
Saturday was the big event with over three hundred Karate-Ka travelling from all over the world to attend the Kangeiko. Andy and I being were honored to be the only two form England. A full days training including Kihon, Kumite & Kata left us tired but feeling great after learning so much and training with such friendly and welcoming people.
Black Belt Grading Success
On Saturday 9th November 2013 Sensei Mark Fielding took his Nidan (2nd Dan Grading).
Mark showed immense courage, skill, discipline and spirit throughout his grading and passed the grading with flying colours.
It is with great honour and pleasure I announce Sensei Mark Nidan (2nd Dan).
Many congratulations to Sensei Mark on a truly amazing achievement.
Mark showed immense courage, skill, discipline and spirit throughout his grading and passed the grading with flying colours.
It is with great honour and pleasure I announce Sensei Mark Nidan (2nd Dan).
Many congratulations to Sensei Mark on a truly amazing achievement.
Training with Shinji Akita Sensei (SKAI Chief Instructor) in Bradford
Sensei Scoot made the long journey to Bradford to train with Akita Sensei on Sunday 27th October 2013. The course was held at our good friends, the ATSK's dojo run by Sensei's Peter & John Duggan. After a good warm up we were straight into practising our 'Kihon' (Basics) with 'Ishiki' (Focus/Attention) being paid to every move. This was then followed up with Gohon Kumite (5 step sparring) and the course was finished with Kata (forms). It was a great course with lots of attention to detail, it was also great catching up and training with good friends. Sensei Scoot and Sensei Andy Smith will be travelling to Limburg in Germany to take part in the 'Kangeiko' (Mid Winter training) at the invitation of Akita Sensei in January 2014.
Shinji Akita Sensei Course 2013
On Sunday 24th April 2013 Sixty five Karateka from all over the UK took part in our annual Karate course with Shinji Akita Sensei Chief Instructor SKAI.
The course started with an excellent warm up from Akita Sensei followed by lots of Kihon (Basics).
Students then partnered up to complete Sanbon & Gohon Kumite (Sparring) drills.
After a well deserved lunch break we continue with Jiyu Kumite and then finished with Kata (Forms).
Many thanks to everyone who supported the course. Sensei Richard Scoot
The course started with an excellent warm up from Akita Sensei followed by lots of Kihon (Basics).
Students then partnered up to complete Sanbon & Gohon Kumite (Sparring) drills.
After a well deserved lunch break we continue with Jiyu Kumite and then finished with Kata (Forms).
Many thanks to everyone who supported the course. Sensei Richard Scoot
Sensei Wayne Otto Open Karate Course Sunday 7th October 2012
9 Times World Kumite Champion Sensei Wayne Otto 5th Dan made his third visit to the Potton, Sandy, Clifton Shotokan Karate Clubs on Sunday 7th October 2012 at the Sandy Dojo.The course was well attended with over 60 Karateka taking part over the four hours.
Wayne was on great form as usual and really made it a hard but fun training session sharing his vast experience as a kumite fighter and karate coach.
I would personally like to thank all the members of the ESKA, ATSK, CESKA, CFTS who attended the course. Sensei Scoot.
Wayne was on great form as usual and really made it a hard but fun training session sharing his vast experience as a kumite fighter and karate coach.
I would personally like to thank all the members of the ESKA, ATSK, CESKA, CFTS who attended the course. Sensei Scoot.
Shinji Akita Sensei Shotokan Karate Course May 27th 2012, Sandy Dojo, Bedfordshire
Sunday 27th May 2012 Shinji Akita Sensei came back to England to our Sandy dojo for the 3rd time.
As ever the course was well attended with over 80 karateka from all over the country attending.
Akita Sensei was on fine form with a really good morning lesson on Kihon (Basics) and a warm up that got everyone's blood flowing.
In the afternoon we practiced various different Kumite (fighting) and then finished off with Heian Kata.
Once again Akita Sensei provided us with an excellent training session and we look forward to welcoming him back in 2013.
As ever the course was well attended with over 80 karateka from all over the country attending.
Akita Sensei was on fine form with a really good morning lesson on Kihon (Basics) and a warm up that got everyone's blood flowing.
In the afternoon we practiced various different Kumite (fighting) and then finished off with Heian Kata.
Once again Akita Sensei provided us with an excellent training session and we look forward to welcoming him back in 2013.