🥋 Kokoro Shotokan Karate – End of Year Review 2025

As we bring 2025 to a close, Kokoro Shotokan Karate reflects proudly on a year filled with progress, achievement, and a strengthened sense of community. This has been a year of growth—technically, physically, and organisationally—and one that sets the stage for an exciting year ahead.

🏆 Outstanding Results at the 2025 TSKA Kata Competition

A major highlight of 2025 was our exceptional performance at the TSKA Kata Championships, where our students achieved:

Dan Grade Gold
Kyu Grade Gold
Kyu Grade Silver
Kyu Grade Bronze

Even more inspiring—every trophy was won by our female karateka, a powerful reflection of their skill, dedication, and spirit.

We could not be prouder of each competitor who stepped onto the tatami and represented Kokoro with excellence.

🥋 Celebrating New Dan Grades

This year saw two significant achievements within our Dan ranks:

• Leah achieved her 2nd Dan, demonstrating maturity, precision, and unwavering commitment.
• Sensei Paul achieved his 5th Dan, marking decades of continuous training, teaching, and dedication to the values of Shotokan.

Both achievements serve as an inspiration to all who train at Kokoro.

🏛️ Joining IMASA – A Stronger Future

Another major milestone of 2025 was our move to our new governing body, IMASA.

This transition has brought:

• A more streamlined and efficient service
• Clearer organisational structure
• Stronger affiliations and opportunities
• A community aligned with our standards and vision

This step has strengthened our foundation and supports our long-term growth as a dojo.

🖥️ A new website.

We also saw the launch of our brand-new website — a long-awaited upgrade and a huge step forward for the dojo. A massive thank you goes to Jean-Luc, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make it happen. His dedication, patience, and eye for detail ensured everything was done properly (and done right), even when most of us had no idea how much work was actually involved.

The result is something we’re genuinely proud of, and it’s already proving to be a great addition as we head into the new year. Thanks again, Jean-Luc — your hard work definitely hasn’t gone unnoticed.

💪 A Stronger, Fitter Dojo

Throughout 2025, the commitment shown by our members has been exceptional.

We’ve seen:

• Noticeable improvements in fitness and stamina
• Sharper techniques and greater technical discipline
• Continued high standards across all grades
• A strong training spirit in every class

Kokoro is becoming fitter, stronger, and more unified every year.

🎄 A kicking Christmas party!

Our end-of-year karate Christmas party at the Hollywood Bowl was everything it needed to be: loud, festive, and just controlled enough to avoid anyone being accidentally roundhouse-kicked into next year.😂

Sensei Martin was crowned Kingpin for the night — a result that shocked absolutely no one. When you’ve spent the year teaching discipline, dominance, and how to command a room with a single look, the throne kind of picks you. 👑

And in typical fashion, the punching ball machine was a big hit. Bragging rights were on the line, egos were tested, and Dylan officially proved he has the hardest punch in the dojo — a fact that will no doubt be mentioned repeatedly at training for the foreseeable future. 🥊

It was a fantastic night full of laughs, great company, and proof that while we train hard, bow respectfully, and preach self-control… we still clean up pretty well when the gi comes off. A perfect way to wrap up an outstanding year.

🥇 Launching in 2026: The Tony Conroy Challenge Shield

Looking ahead, we are proud to announce the Tony Conroy Challenge Shield, a brand-new kumite competition launching in 2026.

Created in honour of the late Sensei Tony Conroy, this event will celebrate his passion for karate and his lasting influence on our dojo.

The Challenge Shield will give students the chance to test their spirit, courage, and control in friendly competition—continuing Sensei Conroy’s legacy for future generations.

🌅 Looking Ahead to 2026

Next year promises to be a milestone year, with two major events returning:

Our Fourth Kangeiko — once again testing discipline and mental strength in the winter cold.
Our Fifth Gasshuku in Weymouth — a highlight of our training calendar, bringing intensive practice, learning, and friendship.

Combined with the launch of the Tony Conroy Challenge Shield, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting and meaningful year.

❤️ A Massive Thank You

To every member, parent, instructor, and supporter:

You are the heart, mind, and spirit of Kokoro Shotokan Karate.

Your commitment, enthusiasm, and support make everything we do possible.

Thank you for your energy, your loyalty, and your belief in what Kokoro stands for.

Here’s to an incredible 2026.

Osu. 🥋