The BKK British Open!

A huge well done to our team of Juniors who competed this weekend at the BKK British Open!

Results:

Bailey Wheeler - 1st Place British Champion

Charlie Banda - 1st Place British Champion

Cruz Llewellyn - 2nd Place

Paul Walker - 3rd Place

A huge congratulations to those who fought and didn’t place, also. You always learn more from your losses than you do your wins, and we can’t wait to see you take these on board and come back stronger than ever.

Osu!

The So-Kyokushin UK Invitational Tournament 2024

On Saturday 28th So-Kyokushin held a tournament for its members and some local friends to SoKyokushin.

We had guests from Pontypridd of Shihan Alwyn Heath, and we had Bridgend Kyokushinkai (BKK) Senpai Richard McAndrew. It was great to see them all again.

The tournament ran smoothly and some great results achieved by all our participants. A huge well done to all who competed, all who placed, and all who took valuable experiences from this event.

At this event, we saw new judges gaining experience, some judges being assessed for promotion and some gaining Referee status.

It was also where Sensei Phill was presented with a certificate that was designed by Shihan Cameron Quinn for his 35 years dedication to Kyokushin.

We look forward to the next events that are coming up for So-Kyokushin.

OSU!

Our Summer Seminar with Shihan Filho

On July 31st, we collected our Guest Instructor from Heathrow Airport. None other that the Legendary Shihan Francisco Filho and his wife Senpai Eveline. 
After a brief greeting we departed to show them a little bit of the UK before our Summer Seminar. First Stop was the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge.
We were joined by Shihan Mac and Shihan Radek Ambrosiak (So-Kyokushin Poland Branch Chief), a very close friend of So-Kyokushin UK.
We spent time in the Exhibition before making our way to Stonehenge itself and walked the grounds viewing this historic British landmark.
After here we headed for Cardiff, where our guests were put up in the St Davids hotel and Spa and given a rest before we went out for Japanese Food at Yakitori's Restaurant. 
The following day our guests were treated to a stroll around Cardiff where we visited the Museum and had a tour of Cardiff Castle and treated to Lunch in a Welsh Pub on St Mary's Street.
That evening Shihan Filho treated us all to a private training session at the Honbu Dojo in Barry, where students were put through their paces in Brazillian Kihon, a real mind trainer. 
After training we visited a local Italian Restaurant where we talked all evening on Shihan Filho's life achievements, a real eye opening experience of such an accomplished Kyokushin Karateka. 
The Friday morning, we packed up and headed for Summer camp, the venue, Lillyshaw Sports Facility in Shropshire. A fantastic venue with 4 star accommodation and beautiful grounds. 
Shihan Filho took everyone through some really interesting training, some of which he did in preparation for his World Tournament win, Some were part of his preparation for completing the 100 man kumite and we were even shown some combination work he did for his K1 title. Experiences like this are a chance of a lifetime and the students that were there were treated to some of the best training tips you can get. 
After the camp concluded on Sunday afternoon, we packed up and headed to Telford where we stayed at the Mercure hotel for an evening, relaxed in the Spa and enjoyed some great food. 
Monday morning we continued Shihan Filho's UK experience where we took him for a 2 night stay in London where we stayed at the Tower Hotel overlooking Tower Bridge. During our stay in London we toured The Tower of London, took a spin on the London Eye, visited Buckingham Palace and St James Park, Houses of Parliment and Big Ben and a tour inside Tower Bridge. A full on British Experience was had by all, including lots of British Fish and Chips, something that Shihan Filho would look out for on every menu. 
It was such an eye opening experience and such an honour to spend so much time with Shihan Filho and his wife, so much insight into this great man, a true gentle giant and very inspiring and humble. 
We are already in talks for our next camp with him and potentially an other famous name will be joining him next time. 

Our Enhanced Referee and Judges Course

On the 27th April, So-Kyokushin UK held an enhanced referee and judging course in preparation for the upcoming closed tournament/

It was a very successful day at Honbu Dojo. Some first timers getting some experience, some younger students interested in what it involves, some judges in to enhance their skills and some leveling up to become referees.

A huge thank you to you all for your support.

OSU!

BKK English Open 2024

Our Honbu dojo in Wales took a Team to the BKK English Open at the weekend.



1st place - Charlie Banda

2nd place - Jack Belby

3rd place - Paul Walker

3rd place - Cruz Llewellyn

3rd place - Tudor Constantin

3rd place - Mabli gruffudd-Pritchard

3rd place - Olivia Palfrey

3rd place - Bailey Wheeler

A few unlucky calls but the results are outstanding, well done to all our competitors.

9 places out of 12 competitors is incredible.

All of our competitors made us proud.

Congratulations to you all.

OSUAHHHH !!!

BKKC's Fundraiser for LATCH Wales

On Saturday 30th March, Barry Kyokushin held a charity event to raise funds for LATCH - a cancer charity working alongside one of our own kids, Dan Whitcombe, in his cancer battle.

The goal of the day was to complete as many fights as possible without stopping - no water, no resting.

Dan showed up to support all of our juniors and seniors, and it was so lovely to see him. He, and as well as us, were totally blown away by every single one of you who showed up and pushed so far past your limit of endurance.. So many adults completing 50 fights, and so many juniors completing 30. Astonishing.

Dan - we are all in your corner. We are all fighting for you. Keep fighting, kid. OSU!!!

2023 for So-Kyokushin

We have had a great and very successful year again. We continue to grow and spread our wings here in the UK , Europe and the World stage .
We started the year with courses at Honbu and in Bury and then a course at Honbu with Iain Abernathy which was well received and knowledge gained and shared.
In April Sensei Phil and I went to Japan to meet and train with Hanshi and to build a bigger relationship with World So-Kyokushin . We were guests at a large Tournament in Shizouka where we cemented ties with students and instructors alike . We had meetings and a traditional meal witb Hanshi and he made a great impression on us with his attitude and personality of both humble and powerful.
We also ran referees and judges courses at both Honbu and Bury St Edmunds where students were instructed and then did their practical at a well attended and supported tournament in Wales.
In June we travelled to Poland for a Seminar organized by Shihan Radek with Shihan Monma. Unfortunately Shihan Monma was not able to make it so Senpai's Naota and Naoya Kuskakabe ,who are Japan champions in both kata and kumite and are Uchi Dechi students of Hanshi, ran the weekend based predominantly on Kata and general training .
So- Kyokushin made stronger contacts with both of them and also other major European instructors .
We arranged a meeting with the European countries and formulated a European Group that is working towards stronger ties with each other and Sensei Phill was asked to be the European Secretary, a post which he is developing virtually daily.
We had our 2nd So-kyokushin tournament in September which was again well supported and a great success showing that we are progressing well . We held gradings and courses all of which show that So-Kyokushin UK is moving in the right direction .
The obvious highpoint of the year was taking a team to the World Tournament in Shizouka .
This event has been well documented on Social Media and we came out of it with alot of respect for all our competitors and officials. Greater ties were bonded across Europe and the World because of it .It was a great event for all concerned and this reflects on all our students in So-Kyokushin UK who will live up to, and build on our reputation .
This has been a spectacular year for us and I am sure that we will move forward with strength and determination .
The Executive Committee will try to arrange events but we need the support of all the clubs and members to achieve the great heights that I know we are capable of.
Osu
Shihan Mac

Introducing Shihan Mac Robertson - 7th Dan!

Promoted by Hanshi Daigo Oishi at the 2nd So-Kyokushin World Championships.

Not only were our team successful, at this very prestigious event our very own Shihan Mac was given a promotion to 7th Dan from Hanshi Daigo Oishi.

Shihan Mac graded to 6th Dan in 2013 and has since always kept up his love of Kyokushin and inspired many others, it was an overdue promotion that Sokyokushin were quick to rectify. A truly special moment that we proud to have witnessed.

Since joining Sokyokushin in 2020 we've had nothing but success, we've met some great people who are now very close friends. We've travelled to great countries and had amazing experiences. We have an amazing future ahead of us.

OSU!

The 2023 BKK British Championships

We had an amazing day at the British Championships on Saturday 7th October.

The results

Tudor Constantin - 1st - British Champion !

Charlie Banda - 1st - British Champion !

Paul Walker - 2nd

Jack Belby - 2nd

Olivia Palfrey - 3rd

Mabli Gruff Pritchard - 3rd

Cruz Llewellyn - 3rd



Team results - 7th Place out of 41+ Dojos! We are very pleased at our performance in our 1st BKK British Championships. OSU!

SUMMER SEMINAR 2024

A once in a lifetime opportunity to train with a huge name in Kyokushin!!

Shihan Francisco Filho will be making his debut in the UK at our 2024 Summer Seminar.

This is not an event to miss!

Book now at www.sokyokushin.uk/summercamp

A New Nidan for So-Kyokushin UK

Sunday 24th September was the weekend of the So-Kyokushin National Grading.

Nidan Candidate was Jason Hubbard Laser, who, on this occasion, was the only candidate this time round. Over the past 12 months Senpai Jason has been training very hard, not just his fitness and technique but also his requirements. Senpai Jason achieved his Judges qualification earlier on in the year and the Barry Dojo's anniversary tournament and continued to keep the standard up at the So-Kyokushin National tournament on Saturday. Senpai Jason has fully supported So-Kyokushin UK and its members faultlessly, He attends almost all events despite him living the furthest away.

So Sunday 24th September, he took the test to Nidan in front of the National Grading Panel of Sensei Phill Sedgmond, Shihan Paul Greenway and Shihan Mac Robertson.

After sitting a written examination he was put through hours of Kihon and Ido Geiko. He wasn't alone, he was accompanied by members of Honbu Dojo who were there to support him.

After the first part was done, he was given a short break while the panel discussed his performance and then brought back in to complete ALL Kata's from 10th to Nidan.

Immediately after this Senpai Jason was told to prepare for his Kumite test. 20 x 2 mins rounds against Honbu Yudnasha and higher grade students. A tough test, but one he stood his ground for and completed.

After the end of the test and Honbu students helped him tidy up and be presented before the panel., He was given a brief feedback on his performance and was announced he was successful to Nidan.

From all at So-Kyokushin UK, Congratulations Senpai Jason. OSU

Team So-Kyokushin at the BKK Welsh Open

On the 20th May, several members of So-Kyokushin UK travelled to Merthyr Tydfil to compete in the BKK Welsh Championships.

It was a very long day but our fighters did exceptionally well in their categories.

Huge well done to all of you and a Big OSU from the Executive committee on a job well done.

The results are as follows :

Olivia Palfrey - 1st

Maddison Hughes - 1st

Paige Phillips - 2nd

Paul Walker - 2nd

Jack Belby - 2nd

Cruz Llewellyn - 3rd

Dan Mickelsen - 3rd

Mabli Gruffudd-Pritchard - 3rd 

OSU!

Barry Kyokushin's 45th Anniversary Tournament

On Saturday 5th May, So-Kyokushin UK clubs travelled to Barry to compete in their 45th Anniversary Tournament. After a Taiko drum start to the tournament students were performing Kata Infront of an audience of 300 people, and in front of Chief Referee Shihan Paul Greenway and So-Kyokushin Branch Chief Shihan Mac Robertson.

After Kata, our lower grade juniors competed in light-non contact style of fighting which is used to ease nervous students into competing with very little risk of injury. The category saw some great skills and many first timers placing.

The Tournament moved on with more Semi contact fighting in the form of Clicker fighting, more a category for higher graded students who have learned the scoring techniques, this also saw some great fighting from those who competed.

After a change of Referee and judges teams the tournament moved on to Cadet Semi Contact, a category with much more contact and referee’s with more experience. These are naturally our bigger categories, over 60 competitors competed in these showing a great level of skill and strength.

Drawing close to the end of the categories we then moved onto the Adult Knockdown. We saw the Females fight first. All fighers were complete novices with no experience at all, but what skill and strength shown, incredible demonstration of Kumite. Finally we saw the Men’s Kumite with one Novice and 2 that had experience, The fighters fought very well and many extensions in both Male and Female, so close fights.

After all the bouts and presentations, it wasn’t the end of the day for some. During the fights officials were being monitored by Chief Referee Shihan Paul Greenway. Congratulations to the following

Senpai Rhian Evans - FULL Referee

Senpai Lee McCann - Associate Referee

Sensei Dave Tame - Clicker Referee & Judge

Senpai Sebastian Barczewski - Judge

Senpai Jason Hubbard-Laser - Judge

Senpai Sion Carr - Judge

Senpai Cian Willmot - Associate Judge

Senpai Alec Vine - Associate Judge

Thank you all for your support during the day.

OSU!

Our trip to Visit Hanshi Daigo Oishi in Japan

On 11^th Aprl, Shihan Mac and Sensei Phill flew off to Japan to have their first meeting with Hanshi Diago Oishi, Head of So-Kyokushin World Organisation.
The long 16.5hr flight to get to Japan was a tiring one for our Executive committee members. Keen to have a positive first meeting they stopped over in Tokyo the day before travelling down to Shizuoka, to ensure they were rested for their meeting.
After taking the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Shizuoka they were greeted at the train station by one of Hanshi’s Uchi Deshi, Senpai Naoya who carried our bags to a waiting car drove us to a restaurant for lunch. After lunch we were treated to a visit to Shizuoka Shrine, a beautiful location where Shihan Mac and Sensei Phill paid their respects to the temple. They were then joined by Senpai Naota, the other of Hanshi’s Uchi Deshi students where they were taken for green tea and ice cream while sat in a small café in the grounds of the shrine. As they sat chatting to the Uchi Deshi asking of their experiences, they learned that they had both recently competed in the All Japan open where Naota took a 1^st place and Naoya took 2^nd. Truly excellent Karateka
They were then taken to their Hotel to rest up, before their meeting that evening with Hanshi.

That evening they were collected by Senpai Masanori “Marty” Yamagata, (The translator for Shihan and Sensei with Hanshi) and taken to Honbu Dojo where Hanshi greeted them inside. Led into Hanshi’s office they were seated and given Green Tea and Mochi where they were introduced and talked on how the organisation is running in UK and how their trip over was. We were then taken into the Dojo where Senpai’s Naoya and Naota were putting Honbu students through their paces to which Shihan and Sensei joined in for Kihon and Ido Geiko. Hanshi then took over and began concentrating on the finer points of the students techniques and abilities.
They were then shown Kata by the Uchi Deshi’s, where they covered Every Kata, and were performed with great precision and skill.
Sensei Phill said “Their skills and etiquette are of exceptionally high standard, Shihan Mac and I learned a lot of from them, things we intend on implementing straight away back in the UK”
After being greeted by the many students at Honbu and having many photo’s taken with them and signing posters, they were driven back to their hotel for some well earned rest.
The following day, Shihan Mac and Sensei Phill got together to discuss their notes taken from the previous evening at Hanshi’s, that evening they were taken back to Hanshi’s dojo for more training and met with the Branch Chief of Iran who was also visiting with fighters from Iran who were to compete in the tournament at the weekend.

On Saturday morning Shihan and Sensei were collected and taken to the tournament venue, the tournament was a So-Kyokushin Oishi dojo tournament, so all the dojo’s that Hanshi has under him in Japan came together for competiton. It was Kata on the Saturday and based on what they saw at Honbu dojo they saw a very high level of kata being performed. The tournament ran like clockwork and saw over 350 competitors.

The following day was the Kumite and another 350 competitors, The kumite was of the highest standard and again the tournament ran like clockwork. Shihan Mac and Sensei Phill walked around all the mats watching the kumite from all ages. They were luck enough to watch 2 blue belt twins compete who showed outstanding skill.

On Monday they were treated to a Private dinner with Hanshi and his wife, it was a beautiful restaurant with a private dining room overlooking an exquisite Japanese garden and Koi pond, the water of which was from the snow that melts from the top of Mt Fuji, filters through the ground and gathers in this location. Truly was as stunning as the food was. Through their meal they talked about the future of So-Kyokushin and shared plans and thoughts on the direction of the organisation. Hanshi was a very friendly and approachable man who listened to all our thoughts and idea’s and shared his with us too.

Tuesday was the last day in Shizuoka for Shihan Mac and Sensei Phill, they reflected on their trip and Shihan Mac said “The meeting with Hanshi was an Iconic moment for So-Kyokushin UK, establishing a strong bond and solid connection with Japan means we can bring the high standards they have back to the UK for our students, but above all else, being taught by Hanshi means we are truly following the same Kyokushin as Sosai taught. Hanshi hasn’t changed or modified anything from Sosai’s teachings, its taught EXACTLY as Sosai taught it and for that we are very grateful, the future of So-Kyokushin UK is a strong one, teaching Sosai’s Kyokushin under Hanshi’s guidance”.

Shihan Mac and Sensei Phill bid farewell to Senpai’s Naoya and Naota who kindly drove them to the train station to catch the Shinkansen back to Tokyo.
Once in Tokyo we couldn’t leave to go back to the UK without paying a Visit to Sosai’s Honbu Dojo in Ikebukuro and visiting Sosai’s grave to pay our respects and in quiet prayer thanking him for Kyokushin.
36 hours in Tokyo went far too quick, but our Shihan and Sensei couldn’t wait to get back to the UK to teach what has been taught to them by the finest So-Kyokushin has.

A Huge Weekend For So-Kyokushin UK

On Sunday 19th March rather than spending time with their mothers 3 Members of So-Kyokushin UK attended the So-Kyokushin UK National Grading held at Honbu Dojo. For the past 18 months they have been heavily preparing for this day. Putting in all the hours they can with training at any opportunity given.

Beginning the grading at 10am they were put through a heavy kihon session where So-Kyokushin UK Branch Chief and Principle Examine Shihan Mac Robertson 6th Dan and Executive committee member and National Grading Examine Shihan Paul Greenway 6th Dan scrutinized the candidates. This then swiftly moved onto Ido Geiko where candidates were put through quick fire techniques and combinations onto Ippon Kumite demonstrations of block and counter, from there they went onto fitness and conditioning with Push Ups, Sit up’s and Squats but done in the Unique Shihan Mac way... HARDER than usual.

After a short refreshment break the candidates were back in to perform Kata where EVERY Kata was performed up to the Shodan candidates and then Onwards for Sensei Phill demonstrating his kata’s for Yondan consideration.
A solid demonstration set by everyone showing an exceptionally high standard. Immediately after the Kata section was finished we moved onto the Kumite Test where every candidate completed 20 x 2min rounds of Kumite.

Not only were our Shodan Candidates successful which made:

Senpai Cian Willmot  to Achieve Shodan.

Senpai Sebastian Barczewski to achieve Shodan.

But Sensei Phill achieved 4th Dan (Yondan). Making him the very first person in the History of Barry Kyokushin to achieve this grade, and the first Yondan appointed by So-Kyokushin UK.

Shihan Mac Says: "This grading was an event that pushed the entrants hard, as it should, of course. The result of new Yudansha and a new Yondan to So-Kyokushin UK will be a benchmark  for future students who wish to be Kuro Obi in So-Kyokushin UK. OSU".

A New Addition to So-Kyokushin UK

So-Kyokushin UK would like to extend a warm welcome to Senpai Jason Manley and Bridgend & Ogwr Kyokushin Karate Club to the Family.

Senpai Jason comes over with many years of training and knowledge behind him, along with a lot of tournament success for both himself and his club. We look forward to what he can bring to the organisation and working together soon!

Another fantastic addition to So-Kyokushin UK.

OSU!

Shihan Paul Greenway joins So-Kyokushin UK!

It is with great pleasure we announce the latest addition to So-Kyokushin UK.

Shihan Paul Greenway 6th Dan.

Shihan Greenway comes to us as one of the most experienced Referee's in Kyokushin, with many decades of Knowledge training and teaching Kyokushin.

Shihan Paul joins us as So-Kyokushin UK's Chief Referee, National Grading Examiner and will sit on the Executive committee.

We are very fortunate to have Shihan Paul join us in So-Kyokushin UK and look forward to all he can bring to our organisation.

We are all very much looking forward to training with Shihan Paul very soon.

A very warm welcome to you Shihan Paul. OSU!

Two New So-Kyokushin Dojos

So-Kyokushin UK are very pleased to announce new additions to the family.

Sensei Richard McCann and Senpai Lee McCann.

Between them they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. With running 2 dojo's between them, they bring a bunch of highly dedicated students and a great standard of Kyokushin.

We very much look forward to working with them and watching their dojo and students grow.

 OSU!

The 1st So-Kyokushin UK Championships

On Saturday September 10th So-Kyokushin UK Hosted their first National tournament in Barry, Wales. This being a closed event still had over 100 competitors attend and showcase their skills to a vast crowed of people and infront of the UK Chief Instructor Shihan Mac Robertson.

The event began with Kata which saw 74 entries, beginning with lower grade Kata and gradually moving onto the Higher grade, more advanced Kata. We saw an exceptionally high level of Kata performed across the board.

We then progressed onto WUKO which was an opportunity for much lower grades to compete with minimal risk of injury due to WUKO being point scoring and touch contact. These Wuko categories saw 36 competitors, students who had never competed before and showed tremendous skills which will no doubt enhance their skills going forward. Following that we held a Clicker category which saw our more advanced students enter and some of our senior students.

We then progressed onto Cadet Semi Contact, with 60 competitors this was a very busy batch of categories. Some very strong fighting throughout all the categories it gave a great showcase to the spectators and some great experience for our judging and refereeing team.

Finally we had some Knockdown categories, A Novice knockdown category, Vetrans Category and an Open Weight category. The tournament venue was electric with cheering and shouting for these great fighters.

So-Kyokushin UK would like to extend a huge thank you to all the organizers, officials, competitors and supporters.

OSU!

The 1st So-Kyokushin United Kingdom Summer Camp 2022

On the weekend of July 29^th to 31^st So-Kyokushin UK held their 1^st Organisation summer camp since Joining the So-Kyokushin Organisation. 
The Camp was attended by 80+ students from 6 different countries and a mix of junior and senior students.

Shihan Cameron Quinn : Australia
Shihan Bjorn Willumsen: Norway
Sensei Radalaw Ambroziak : Poland
Shihan Mac Robertson: England 
Sensei Maximillian Gusset : Switzerland
Sensei Phill Sedgmond : Wales
 
Shihan Mac and Shihan Cameron led the camp that was organised and hosted by Sensei Phill Sedgmond and Senpai Rhian Evans (Wales). Training sessions from Shihan Cameron were fantastic sessions, covering Bunkai, Foot work and Ground work giving great insight to defence strategies from the ground. The camp ran 15.5 hrs of classes over 7 sessions. 
Sessions from Shihan Mac were of Ritsuzen and Kumite which led on perfectly from Shihan Camerons sessions throughout the weekend. 
Sensei Phill broke 3 boards which were signed by all the So-Kyokushin Instructors that attended the camp as a lasting memory of the 1^st So-Kyokushin UK Summer camp. 
The camp developed a friendly atmosphere from the first session and continued throughout the weekend ending with a great family feeling at the end of the camp marking a very emotional moment for all.
 
We look forward to hosting more great events in the future and forging more friendships as we go. 

A TOUR OF EUROPE

Shihan Mac and Sensei Phill have been off on their travels, building European friendships and training with other students from So-Kyokushin.



First stop was Tromso in Norway with Shihan Bjorn who hosted a summer camp with Shihan Cameron Quinn. The camp was spectacular and had a great family feel to their organisation. The training provided by Shihan Cameron was exceptional and Shihan Bjorn and his team made them feel very welcome indeed. Sensei Phill said: "It was strange to experience 24hr day light while we were there, but Shihan Bjorn treated us to a trip up the mountain to view Tromso from a great height and it was absolutely beautiful. I really did have a fantastic time with them all."

Shihan Mac said: "It was so good to finally get some travelling started, Shihan Bjorn and Shihan Quinn put on a great camp, training was outstanding and I was felt very honoured to be asked to sit on their examination panel for a dan grading. The standard was excellent."

From there our Shihan and Sensei headed off to Poland to meet with Sensei Radoslaw and the Husaria Dojo team who also hosted a camp with Shihan Quinn.

Upon arrival Shihan and Sensei were greeted by Sensei Radoslaw who drove us to the hotel, we were then treated to a Tour Guide of his city, some really great history in his City. After this wonderful tour they were treated to lunch. However, the following day they were taken to the Vulcan training and consultancy centre where we were given training on life saving skills at sea. REALLY interesting and such a professional outfit. The camp saw approx 150 people from all over Poland, Switzerland and Germany. The training from Shihan Cameron was once again top class training. At the end of the camp there was a Syonara party where everyone got together for great food and drinks and music and dancing.

A truly great camp and some great friendships started and memories made.

A New Dojo

So-Kyokushin UK are very proud to announce a new member to the family. Senpai Jason Hubbard-Laser, dojo operator of Mirai Dojo in Folkestone, has become a member of the So-Kyokushin Team. Everyone would like to express their warmest welcomes.

Senpai Jason visited Honbu in May 2022, and has decided to open up his own full time Kyokushin Dojo in his home town (Opening August 2022). We can't wait to visit and help in any way we can. We know that Senpai Jason's dedication to Kyokushin will greatly enhance our organisation.

OSU!

SO-KYOKUSHIN UK 1ST NATIONAL GRADING

Sunday March 27th So-Kyokushin UK held a national grading at UK Honbu dojo

The Graders:

 Senpai Hector Fuller attempted Sandan

 Senpai Rhian Evans attempted Nidan

 Alec Vine attempted Shodan

 Sebastian Barczewski attempted 1st Kyu

The Grading began with Kihon where Shihan Mac asked for Rokuju count (60 of each). So Kihon took a full hour to complete, a tough start to the test, it moved swiftly on to Ido Geiko where candidates were given a multitude of techniques and combinations to perform in various stances. Once that was completed we moved onto Kata, where every kata was performed with great attitude and skill and finally onto the Kumite test of 20 x 2 min rounds where everyone fought with great skill and determination despite very little rest and fatigue. ALL completed the Kumite test and at the end were presented with their results.

A HUGE congratulations to our NEW SENSEI Hector Fuller, Now 50, Sensei Hector has been training since he was 11yrs old and showed outstanding fitness and flexibility throughout.

Congratulations to Senpai Rhian Evans, Now NIDAN, Senpai Rhian is the backbone of Barry Kyokushin and Honbu Dojo and in the 44 years Barry Kyokushin has been operating, Senpai Rhian is the very first female to achieve Nidan, setting a truly remarkable standard throughout.

Congratulations to Bury's NEW SENPAI Alec Vine, Senpai Alec performed exceptionally well during the grading, in the Bury dojo Senpai Alec is highly respected and has been a highly dedicated student.



Finally Congratulations to Sebastian Barczewski on his successful promotion to 1st Kyu. He is a highly dedicated Barry students and has now cleared the way for them to aim for his Shodan gradings in March 2023.

A hugely positive and emotional day for So-Kyokushin UK. Shihan Mac Said : It was a very hard first General  Grading 27.3.22,  They will be held twice a year , March and September.

A standard has been set and will not be lowered . So-Kyokushin United Kingdom  has set a level that students must attain to be considered for advancement . Not a financial one, but a physical and mental one, a Kyokushin one .

So-Kyokushin UK has started as it means to go on, solid, hard and productive training and teaching.

It expects its students to train to their best abilities whatever their age.

Congratulations to you all from everyone in So-Kyokushin UK.

OSU

Kenilworth Dojo Join So-Kyokushin

Senpai Troy McConachy began his karate training at the age of 7 in 1987 in Melbourne, Australia in Heishinkai Karate, before transferring to Kyokushin Karate in 1989 to Colac Dojo, Australia. He graded to 1st Kyu in 1993, before stopping training to focus on school. Then, in 1999 Troy studied Japanese in the Griffith University in Australia, and a moved to Tokyo in 2001.

In 2004, Troy rejoined a Kyokushin Dojo in Chiba, Japan.

In 2006-2011 Troy trained in the original Honbu, ran by the Oyama Family. During that time, he was a member of the International Department of Honbu. He assisted in tournament and seminar organisation, and he was the official interpreter of the Mas Oyama memorial cup. Troy carried out interviews with Kuristina Oyama and supported Honbu translation work.

From 2007 to 2014, Troy was the assistant instructor at Koiqa Dojo, established by Sensei Adachi Shinji, and during that time, graded to Shodan.

In 2015, Senpai Troy moved to Coventry and established Kenilworth Dojo.

We very much welcome Senpai Troy into the So-Kyokushin UK Family and look forward to his contribution to our organisation. With such vast knowledge Senpai Troy will be an great asset to our organisation.

OSU

Kata Seminar

So-Kyokushin UK 2nd Seminar!

Shihan Mac once again travelled down to Honbu to take a session based on Kata. Taking us through the Pinan Katas and Higher grade katas in a 4 hour Seminar.

It was great to be taught Kata one universal way. Everyone had a great session and as usual it was so good having Shihan Mac down sharing his knowledge with us.

Also a HUGE thank you to members of Bury St Edmunds Kyokushin coming along to support it.

OSU!

First Seminar of 2021!

We have been fortunate enough to get together for a seminar now the restrictions are slowly being eased in the UK - Shihan Mac travelled all the way across the country to hold it in So-Kyokushin UK's Honbu Dojo.

The seminar covered the new syllabus which was written and designed by Shihan Mac. It is a well constructed and VERY informative syllabus that really benefits the student. The seminar covered all the basics, the Kata and Bunkai PLUS all the in-depth knowledge from Shihan Mac.

So-Kyokushin Honbu Dojo, which is run by Sensei Phill said; “It was great to have Shihan Mac down, it is always a great training and the knowledge passed on is invaluable. We had great 5 great classes which gave everyone an opportunity to learn and gain the knowledge of Shihan Mac. We are really looking forward to the next opportunity to have Shihan visit."

Shihan Mac commented saying; “This is a great dojo to train and teach from, the dojo is filled with a good strong spirit and the many students that I was privileged to teach over the weekend had a great Kyokushin Spirit. So-Kyokushin is such a great organization to be part of and our UK organization is growing nicely. Future seminars and events are already being planned and I see a very positive and bright future for us”.

So-kyokushin UK – “We stepped into the light”. OSU!

Durham Kyokushin Join So-Kyokushin

So-Kyokushin UK are proud to announce a new Dojo joining us. Durham Kyokushin which is run by Senpai Lindsay Young.

Senpai Lindsay brings with her a solid martial arts Background where not only does she hold Shodan in Kyokushin but also Renbukai AND Kobudo Shodai Ryu Zanshi. On top of this she has trained extensively in Shotokan and Goju Ryu.  Senpai Lindsay has competed heavily in Kata and Knockdown in the UK and Europe. 

She spent a year abroad at Sensei University in Chiyoda, Tokyo so can speak Japanese.

As Durham Kyokushin operate out of a university campus, the dojo is currently closed, Senpai Lindsay is keen to get back once the restrictions allow it and Shihan Mac and Sensei Phill are on standby to assist Senpai Lindsay when she is ready to re-open her dojo.

We very much welcome Senpai Lindsay into the So-kyokushin UK Family.

OSU!

With the latest members to join us, they bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Senpai Rhian Evans appointed as our Kata coach and Child protection officer. Senpai Rhian dominated the UK Kata tournaments for almost a decade before competing in Europe and World tournaments. Along with this she has qualifications in Child protection and safeguarding and Mental health awareness in sport.
Sensei Phill, running a full time dojo and having one of the UK's largest Kyokushin karate clubs brings with him unique organizational skills, leadership and professionalism has been appointed as General Secretary and on the So-kyokushin Executive committee and National Grading Panel.  
With these guys working with us we take a bigger step into the light with So-kyokushin UK. OSU !

Barry Kyokushin Join So-Kyokushin

Barry Kyokushin Join So-Kyokushin

So-kyokushin UK wishes to welcome Sensei Phill Sedgmond and Barry Kyokushin into the family.

Sensei Phill brings his full time dojo and 150 students into the Organisation.

Sensei Phill said: "I'm really looking forward to getting back to Kyokushin as Sosai taught, I've missed it. The future is very bright".

So-kyokushin UK Begins to grow  OSU!



www.bkkc.co.uk

A message from Hanshi Daigo Oishi

A message from Hanshi Daigo Oishi to So-Kyokushin UK

Osu,

I'm very happy to have Shihan Mac as our Branch Chief. I feel we have the same respect for Sosai. Sokyokushin is for those karateka who love keiko and want to follow Sosai's path and its our mission to hand it over the way we were taught by Sosai to our students, just the way we learned.

I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone in the UK and having keiko with them.

OSU

Hanshi Daigo Oishi