GKR Karate

06/10/2026

We congratulated those at the grading at the weekend and wished everyone going to the tournament at the weekend good luck. Well done for all the hard work that has got you to this stage in your journey. Keep learning from everything you attempt, whatever the outcome and become better than you were yesterday. 👏🤩🍀🥋❤️

After a warm up, using Sensei Vanessa’s bag of tricks, we worked on flow and control and movement in kumite drills. We held some kata workshops working on feedback from the grading.

Sensei Vanessa was lucky enough to attend the instructor training with Sensei Ryan Marvin, our Zone Director, at the weekend. She really enjoyed it and came back with lots to work on.

Lower grade trophy obviously goes to Harry for awesome recruitment of Mum and Grandad (I believe he is working on others too!) and Sensei Vanessa has been impressed with how you are getting on Harry. What a super start to your karate journey! ❤️🥋

Higher grade goes to Joshua. Sensei Catherine was really impressed with your kime and effort, particularly in the side kick combo last week, which you were learning for the first time. You demonstrated improvements in your grading format and solid focus at the weekend too, where you went to train. Being in the grading environment is really helping improve your knowledge and giving you confidence for when you are put forward to attempt your next grade. You also came up with the idea of our recent tournament class (which from the show of hands tonight, has really encouraged many more attendees) and you attended the judging and refereeing course with Sensei Vanessa (I’m sure mum is very grateful to have you with her). Staying up for both classes last week without interruption is the progress you know you need to make. We need to see you keep it up. ❤️🥋

Nice to see the purple belts on display, thank you to those who have been able to support 🥋💜

Our very best wishes,

Sensei Iain, Vanessa and Catherine

29/09/2026

The effort and focus in class was fantastic for our monthly grading format class to help prepare those going and to top up knowledge for those working towards. Higher grades going slightly out of format to concentrate on the more challenging combos, passing on what was said at senior class this week. Thank you Sensei Libby for your support, encouragement and belief in getting us to the best we can be!

We wish those going the best of luck. 🍀 Well done for all the hard work and perseverance that has got you to this point! Take on any feedback and we will all work on it together and support one another to improve.

Sensei Vanessa and Joshua attended the judging and refereeing course at the weekend and she enjoyed learning about the continuous kumite and topping up her knowledge.

Lower grade certificate has to go to Harry, again, as he not only recruited Mum - he has recruited Grandad, who came to watch last week to see if he would like it- you are joining a fantastic group of students! It’s special to have three generations training with us, how lovely for you all, make the most of those precious times and memories you will make together!

Higher grade goes to our BB legend Tom. Your commitment, perseverance, dedication and effort is inspiring to so many. Thank you! Last week, whilst waiting for your bout, Sensei Catherine borrowed you to support her kumite demonstrations to her group which guided their learning and understanding. Freddy enjoyed the kumite so much, he is now hoping to do it at the tournament! He always comes up at the end of class and asks what can I work on this week. Well done Freddy!

Don’t forget to wear your purple belts for the month of October (starting next week) and the closing date for tournament entries is fast approaching with quite a few of you interested. 💜❤️🥋

Our very best wishes,

Sensei Iain, Vanessa and Catherine

22/09/2026

Following a request from Joshua (fab idea!), we set up rings and concentrated on preparation for tournaments. Of course nothing we can do in the dojo can prepare for the real experience! Please see attached flyer for details, if we have inspired you to enter the next central zone tournament. Closing date for entries is 4th October.

Lower grade certificate goes to Henry as we were pleased to see him having a go in the ring. He didn’t remember all the kata in the ring but what he did remember he did brilliantly and later when we did the kata as a group he showed that he did, in fact, know it. Get out of your comfort zone and learn what you don’t know. This is how we improve.

Higher grade goes to Chris, who has an excellent work ethic and takes responsibility for his own learning, corrections and progress, even though those corrections aren’t always easy to master, he always gives it his best effort, keeps perservering and he is a fantastic role model in the dojo. 🤩❤️🥋

Our very best wishes,

Sensei Iain, Catherine and Vanessa

15/09/2026

With a few of you interested in the coming central zone tournament and us trying to support a number of you to get ready to attempt your next grade, we split into three groups, for both classes, with class plans for each group. We also focused on specifics in grade kata.

Lower grade certificate goes to Harry for recruiting Mum and for his confident counting last week. It’s great that, in her first lesson, Mum recognised what a break karate can feel for a busy Mum. A place where your mind has time to breathe! Although I’m not sure my group felt they had a brain break this week! Harry also graded to 9th kyu tonight 👏🤩

Higher grade goes to Vihain- again.! Sensei Iain and I have been impressed with the progress that you have secured which is indicative of your regular attendance and unwavering perseverance over the summer. Your attempts to apply feedback and improve are evident and fantastic to see. Your partner work with Joel last week highlighted your progress and your blue belt suits you! After finally conquering saifa, to blue belt standard, now just a small matter of learning bassai dai! 💙🥋

We have sent students details of upcoming seminars on our WhatsApp group and we strongly recommend attending the sessions at Bromsgrove for extra training with some of GKR’s top instructors.

October 2026, marks our fifth ‘Stop Domestic and Family Violence, Purple Belt’ awareness month. Everyone who has purchased a Purple Belt is invited to wear their special belt to class instead of their normal belt, for the month of October. You should have received an email of how to order a belt or to donate to the charity. 💜🥋

Our very best wishes,

Sensei Iain, Vanessa and Catherine

08/09/2026

We welcomed Harry’s Mum, Katie, who received a certificate for her first lesson (think you have been here before) and quite a few of you who are back after time off over the holiday season, which is great to see! We had a full Blythe Bridge dojo photo to mark the occasion. 🥋❤️

We congratulated those who attended the grading at the weekend. 👏 Well done for trying your best and attempting to make the corrections requested. We sent you the feedback and we will work on it together over the coming weeks. There will always be more to work on and techniques to hone whatever grade you are.

Matilda’s white mits arrived last weekend and Kim’s, Freddy’s and Jacob’s today with Sensei Carol (thank you Sensei), so we planned a class to use them. We began with a whole class kihon session, inspired partly by our sessions with Shihan Bob McCracken and partly by what we saw from the kata videos last week and we then put our learning into practice in our drills using the focus mits and paddle boards. Bring that effort, focus and power you have on the pads into your basic grading combos, kata and kumite.

Lower grade certificate this weekend goes to Jacob. Very well done for attending the grading at the weekend and coming away with your shiny new belt! You have worked hard for it.

Higher grade went to Freddy. We are just so impressed with your attitude to your training Freddy and your thirst for knowledge. Your responses and dojo etiquette are always superb. You are a super role model for your brother and Mum 😜❤️🥋

Mum is also an amazing karate ka whom I’m sure won’t mind her boys receiving all the glory!

Please remember dojo etiquette and discipline in the breaks as well as in class!

Our very best wishes,

Sensei Iain, Vanessa and Catherine

01/09/2026

Incredible weekend at black belt camp! 12 hours of intense karate training. Kicking, punching and throwing each other! What’s not to love!?! Thank you to everyone there and those who organise it and instruct on the day. An inordinate amount to work on, gratefully received- we hope we can do it justice!

We sure missed some friends who couldn’t make it but we were glad to be there for quite a few who were going for their first time! Hopefully some of our brown belts can join them next year.

Special thank you for trying to wear my husband out for me and to Sensei Libby for the partner work and the unwavering support and guidance you provide- you never fail to inspire us!

For tonight, we began and ended with messages from Shihan Bob McCracken (the man in charge of GKR karate UK!) and reminded everyone that dojo etiquette is a requirement of your karate. Your karate begins and ends with respect, whatever grade or rank, you or the person instructing is.

We held a grading format class to support those going to attempt their next grade this weekend. You have worked hard- have confidence in what you know, do your very best, keep responses loud and consistent and have conviction in your technique. Take on the feedback and we will all work on it together to be better than we were yesterday. Good luck everyone 🍀

Lower grade trophy for August goes to Oliver for fantastic training over the summer, listening and focusing.

Higher grade trophy for August goes to Vihain. For consistent and dedicated training during the holiday season and working really hard to take on feedback and prepare for his grading and make the improvements needed.

Last but by no means least- thank you to Henry for bringing your signed Pluto hat (from Disney land Florida) for me to see and allowing me to wear it for the first class! Oh shucks!

Our very best wishes,

Sensei Iain, Vanessa and Catherine

25/08/2026

We began reminding everyone that responses and Kiai’s are as much a part of your karate as kihon, kata and kumite and must be practiced consistently.

Tonight, having seen last week what we need to work on, the first part of class focused on stances, which we incorporated in our kata workshops and performances and we finished with some kumite work to support our tournament goers.

Lower grade certificate goes to brown belt Charlie for trying really hard to improve. Excellent work Charlie in dedication, focus and striving to be better than you were yesterday.

Higher grade certificate goes to Tommy who came straight back from holiday, straight into class and chose to stay for two classes pushing himself to have a go at new kata, showing dedication and determination. Fabulous Tommy!

Congratulations to Pasquale for grading to 7th kyu ho tonight . Awesome perseverance! You are thinking about entering the next tournament too! 🤩👏

Great work everyone all round! Well done and thank you all. Take on the feedback and work on your homework.

We have sent all the upcoming events in the group chat for your information and gave out some flyers tonight. It includes details for Sunday training at Bromsgrove, the next judging and refereeing course and the Central and Northern zone tournaments. Don’t forget Sensei Jordon’s Saturday class if you are interested in tournaments too.

Our very best wishes,

Sensei Iain, Vanessa and Catherine

24/08/2026

Yvonne started karate with her son to give him the confidence she missed as a child. 21 years later and in the midst of cancer treatment, the thought of returning to karate keeps her on track.
Read Yvonne’s GKR Story here: https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/gkr-stories-yvonne-cooke/

18/08/2026

Well a lot happens in a couple of weeks!

Firstly, thank you so much to Sensei Mike and Jordon who covered our part of the class for us and Sensei Vanessa who did a great job with the admin. and continued doing a great job with her group. They covered class plans, kata and had specific focus on mawashi geri and ura mawashi geri in kumite.

Congratulations to those who graded at the last grading and thank you to Tommy for the photos you sent us so we could celebrate with you!

Sensei Vanessa has given grading slips to quite a few of you to attempt at the next grading, so we worked on some fundamentals tonight to help you to get ready and we spent time on kumite. (Simple instructions in a slightly different format but they make you think and hopefully helped with balance and muscle memory) Take on the feedback and apply it, work on your homework this week and we’ll do more next week.

It was lovely to welcome Oliver and we celebrated the return of Raymond after a recovery break with a certificate. 🎉

Our very best wishes,

Sensei Iain, Vanessa and Catherine

04/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who made the 2026 World Cup an unforgettable tournament. We can't wait to see you at the next one!

Just a reminder:
📸 Photos from the event are now available to purchase from our official event photographers Quick Pics: https://www.quickpics.co.uk/site/gkrwc2026

🏆 Head to our website to view the full tournament results: https://www.gkrkarate.com/tournaments/2026-world-cup/

30/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19JBQSFAg5/?mibextid=wwXIfr

What an incredible weekend!
The very best of GKR Karate competitors came together in Telford UK to showcase their skill, determination and spirit at the 2026 GKR Karate World Cup.

Every student who stepped onto the mat represented themselves, their dojo and GKR Karate with pride. Their sportsmanship and outstanding performances made their families, friends and Sensei incredibly proud. A huge congratulations to every competitor, official, volunteer and supporter who helped make this event such a memorable success.
Thank you to everyone who made the 2026 World Cup an unforgettable tournament. We can't wait to see you at the next one!

📸 Photos from the event are now available to purchase from our official event photographers Quick Pics: https://www.quickpics.co.uk/site/gkrwc2026

🏆 Head to our website to view the full tournament results: https://www.gkrkarate.com/tournaments/2026-world-cup/

30/07/2026

What an incredible weekend!
The very best of GKR Karate competitors came together in Telford UK to showcase their skill, determination and spirit at the 2026 GKR Karate World Cup.

Every student who stepped onto the mat represented themselves, their dojo and GKR Karate with pride. Their sportsmanship and outstanding performances made their families, friends and Sensei incredibly proud. A huge congratulations to every competitor, official, volunteer and supporter who helped make this event such a memorable success.
Thank you to everyone who made the 2026 World Cup an unforgettable tournament. We can't wait to see you at the next one!

📸 Photos from the event are now available to purchase from our official event photographers Quick Pics: https://www.quickpics.co.uk/site/gkrwc2026

🏆 Head to our website to view the full tournament results: https://www.gkrkarate.com/tournaments/2026-world-cup/

26/07/2026

🏆 Championship Sunday is here!

The final day of the 2026 GKR Karate World Cup is about to get underway, with our World Champions set to be crowned.

🕘 Need the timetable or event information?
Head to GKRWorldCup.com for the latest schedule, venue information and other event FAQs.

🎥 Livestreams

* Roaming livestream will be available commencing at 10:30am, bringing you action from around the venue.

* Fixed ring livestreams available this afternoon, featuring the Female and Male Opens finals.

Watch all livestreams when operating will be available here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com//streams

Good luck to all competitors - we can't wait to see an incredible final day of competition! 🥋🏅

25/07/2026

🏆 The 2026 GKR Karate World Cup is officially underway in Telford, UK!

Over 1,000 competitors from around the world are coming together across three action packed days to compete, connect and celebrate the spirit of karate.

📅 For live schedules, event information and answers to frequently asked questions, head to GKRWorldCup.com.

📸 Don’t forget to share your favourite moments using for the chance to have your photos featured in our official event album!

24/07/2026

We are excited to announce that we will be streaming the 2026 GKR Karate World Cup LIVE and FREE on our YouTube channel!

This allows our global community to join in and witness the premiere event on the GKR Karate International calendar.

-------------------------------------------------------

OFFICIAL STREAMING DETAILS

There will be 3 streams to choose from over the weekend – 2 streams covering the open female and male divisions, and a 3rd stream capturing action from around the arena.

WHERE?
Via our official YouTube channel. Subscribe to our channel via the link below to be notified when streams go live.

COST?
Absolutely FREE!

-------------------------------------------------------

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Protect Yourself from Fake Accounts and Streams

While we celebrate this exciting event, we want to ensure your safety and security online. Recently, we have identified numerous fake accounts, groups, and profiles on Facebook that are attempting to impersonate GKR Karate and promote fraudulent streams, or sell fake spectator tickets.

Key Points to Remember:

No Friend Requests from GKR:
GKR Karate will never send friend requests on Facebook. If you receive a request from an account claiming to be us, please block/report it immediately & inform any fellow GKR members you see interacting with these profiles for their safety.

Official Streams:
The only legitimate streams of the World Cup will via our YouTube channel. Any promotion asking for payment to view the streams is fraudulent.

Stay Informed:
Head to our official World Cup website https://gkrworldcup.com/ - for all event information including a live timetable, competitor information and other FAQ’s

We look forward to making this event accessible to everyone. If you can’t be at the event, we look forward to seeing you online!

https://www.youtube.com/live/DQZ-Bqz4Rqs?si=EDPfU8pI8piIAAQr

Roaming action from the 2026 World Cup. This stream will cover act...

22/07/2026

We often see many ‘different’ ways of bowing during Karate.
Are you guilty of any of these?...

14/07/2026

Sensei David Mogford was recently featured on WIN News Canberra. Watch below as he shares the importance of self-defence education for young girls and how it helps build confidence, awareness and practical skills.

09/07/2026

In mid-June, several of our Queensland, New South Wales and Victorian senior group volunteered to complete a Homes set-up with our charity partner, RizeUp Australia.

RizeUp provides all the practical items needed for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence to make a fresh start, including furniture and other household items that help transform empty houses into homes.

When each of our GKR teams arrived at their location, they were greeted by a RizeUp driver, an empty house and a truck filled with flatpacks and homewares. The teams set about unloading the truck, assembling the flatpacks, making beds, filling pantries and carefully decorating the space. This included fitting out children’s bedrooms and providing them with the materials needed to start at a new school.

After 4+ hours of work at each location, the transformation from house to home left a lasting memory for all involved. With the knowledge that a family would be entering their newly furnished home in the coming days, each team member took comfort in knowing that they had helped create a new beginning for someone in need.

We are incredibly grateful to RizeUp for the work they do and for the opportunity to be involved in their Homes program. We also appreciate the amazing support shown by all of our students and instructors who participate in the Stop Domestic & Family Violence Purple Belt Campaign. Your involvement means a lot, not only to RizeUp and the families they help, but also to GKR Karate as a whole.

If you would like to volunteer with RizeUp to help setting up Homes, information can be found here https://www.rizeup.com.au/volunteer

05/07/2026

WORLD CUP ENTRIES CLOSE TODAY!
This is your opportunity to become a World Champion – Don’t miss out!

To enter visit: www.gkrworldcup.com