GKR Karate

02/10/2026

Great class this Wednesday and very good turnout. We gave a big GKR and Birches Head welcome to George. Shy at first, George’s confidence soon grew and by the end of the first hour he had transformed into a little pocket rocket, receiving a certificate to mark the occasion.
Leo got us underway with a solid warm up before we divided up into our three groups.
Sensei Beth’s lower grades completed a full session of kihon practising stances, kicks, punches and blocks on the spot and on the move using pads. Then it was time for some fun with some games including Dead Fish and Stance Freeze.
The intermediate grades with Sensei Lidiya worked through a class plan and onto front, round and back kicks with shields. They moved on to footwork drills with partners and practised some open-hand techniques including inside and outside shuto.
Sensei David put the higher grades through their paces with an advanced kihon class plan supplemented with additional combinations taken from the brown belt grading syllabus. Then it was a solid 45 minutes of Kumite culminating in a preview of Tyler vs Harrison ahead of their grading attempt on Sunday. We finished off with a test of Japanese terminology by way of warm down.
After the bow out, Leo was awarded a certificate for a great warm up.
Good luck to everyone attempting their next belt on Sunday. Those coming to grading be aware there may be some road closures in the area as it is the Potters Half Marathon that day - see earlier post. Leave extra time to get to grading.
Thanks for coming and I hope to see you either on Sunday or at class next time.
Best wishes.
The Birches Head Dojo Wednesday Instructor Team 🥋🥋🥋

25/09/2026

Great turnout once again for Wednesday’s class.
We began by applauding all those students who took part in last weekend’s North Region tournament, many coming away with medals. Congratulations to you all: medals or not, we are very proud of you for challenging yourselves by competing against your peers and the results are a tribute to your desire to learn and improve - with the quality of the instruction (notably Sensei Jordan) maybe also a factor 😌.
Plenty of fitness training this week as we kicked off with shuttle runs in teams in place of a standard warm up. Great effort all round and some surprisingly speedy junior grade students. Long legs are definitely not necessarily the fastest!
Just two groups this week with Sensei Beth taking white to orange belts. Lots of combinations on the move with focus on basic techniques, blocks, punches and stances.
With numbers boosted by the inclusion of eleven green belt students in the higher grade group, it was a case of focusing on refining techniques both basic and advanced, and the key word was ‘STRONG!’ Every stance and move carried out with intent. Thanks to Senseis Isabelle and Olivia for acting as the mirror for the green belts and demonstrating what strong techniques done properly look like. Very pleasing response all round. After the break, during which we wished Cobie a Happy 6th Birthday, it was an opportunity to mix up the grades in the higher grade group and do some kata. The green belts did particularly well, staying up for every kata up to Empi!
For the last twenty minutes, the whole class came together for a couple of rounds of an elimination game (more running!) won, respectively, by Olivia V and Jan (narrowly beating his sister 😮‍💨).
At the finish, certificates for conspicuous good work went to Leo, Marta and Jan. well done all of you - keep it up! 👏👏👏.
See you next time.
The Birches Head Dojo Wednesday Instructor Team
PS See attachments for details of the Central Zone tournament on 10 October (closing date Sunday 4 October) and the Autumn 2026 edition of our Purple Belt charity campaign!

18/09/2026

Great class this Wednesday which consisted mainly of our regular practice grading session. Sensei Lidiya led the white and yellow belts and Senseis David, Isabelle and Olivia the rest. Overall, really good focus and effort for all combinations and katas from first up to Seiunchin. In the remaining time, Senseis Isabelle and Olivia gave some last minute tournament tips to those students going to the North Zone event on Saturday. Good luck guys - steal some bling!
The rest worked on general footwork and balance and practiced mawate turns. The whole group played a game of ‘how good is your Japanese’ with Harrison coming out on top. The higher grades worked on kumite drills and footwork whilst Sensei Steve officiated on a game of Dead Fish with the lower grades.
After the bow out, Harrison was belatedly awarded Student of the Month for August after a short injury absence. Also, the following students were given the go ahead to attempt their next belt at the grading on 4 October: Lachlan, Oma, Golibe and Gosife 8th Kyu Yellow; Julie, Charlotte and Josephine 6th Kyu Green; Tyler 2nd Kyu Black tip. They will all join Harrison and Eva at grading and we wish you all the very best of luck.
Look out for the flyers or go online for details of our forthcoming Purple Belt campaign aimed at raising awareness and funds for Refuge UK, the charity that provides support to victims of domestic and family violence. Plus there is still time to enter our Central Zone tournament on 10 October. Again, details online.
Thank you all for coming and we look forward to seeing you again next time.
The Birches Head Dojo Wednesday Instructor Team 🥋🥋🥋🥋

12/09/2026

Great class this Wednesday with numbers moving back up to pre-holiday levels: 80 hours of training in total completed across the two-hour session.
Our first priority after Sensei Lidiya’s warm up was to congratulate everyone who graded to their next belt at Sunday’s grading event. A massive well done to Leo (8th Kyu Yellow), Beatrix, Jenson and Jack (6th Kyu Green) and Alex (1st Kyu second black tip). Fantastic achievement one and all now aim for that next step with the same commitment and effort you showed at the weekend 👏👏👏.
All three groups followed a similar schedule this week beginning with drills based on a class plan from the instructors’ manual (the intermediate grades with Sensei Lidiya in fact following a more advanced plan this week than the higher grades with Sensei David!). Sensei Beth’s lower grades and the intermediate group went on to work on stances then kata. The higher grades worked on kicks then kata all the way up to empi followed by some fun kata games.
I just want to say a few words about discipline across the board as I am witnessing and getting reports of a drop in standards recently. Whilst we as instructors want to make learning karate an enjoyable experience with plenty of fun, we must never lose sight of ‘dojo kun’ (the rules of the training hall), which is central to everything we do in class. I will be returning to this in class so be prepared that every student, from beginners right through to black belts, will be expected to observe proper karate etiquette and show proper respect to each other and to the art and traditions of karate.
I hope to see you next time.
The Birches Head Wednesday Instructor Team 🥋🥋🥋

05/09/2026

Almost forgot - we also wished Denna and Deona Happy Birthday. Many Happy Returns to you both 🎂

05/09/2026

Great attendance for Wednesday’s class.
After the bow in, we gave a warm GKR and Birches Head welcome to Jan and Marta before Nazari volunteered to lead the warm up.
Then we split into our usual three groups.
Sensei Beth led the lower grades through a basic kihon class plan, moving on to focus on stances and kicks and finishing off with a game of Dead Fish.
The intermediates with Sensei Lidiya worked through a more advanced class plan, gradually building the complexity. Then the focus was on drills, starting with footwork and moving on to extracts drawn from Bkack Belt Camp last weekend. Next was partner work both attacking and defending. Finally, the group ran through katas from 1st to Bassai Dai.
Sensei David’s higher grades also started with extracts from BBC including breathing drills then moving on to advanced combinations. The second hour was taken up with katas from 1st to Seiunchin. Great effort from the blue and red belts on unfamiliar katas.
After bowing out, certificates were awarded to Jan and Marta for excellent first classes and to Nazari for a great warm up despite being relatively new to the club. Well done all 👏👏👏.
Finally, we wished everyone going to the grading event on Sunday good luck 🤞🍀.
Thanks for coming and we look forward to seeing you again very soon.
The Birches Head Wednesday Instructor Team 🥋🥋🥋

27/08/2026

We kicked off last night’s class with a spot of circuit training interspersed with some karate techniques, a warm up we haven’t done for a while. My thanks to the team captains Sensei Olivia, Sensei Isabelle and Thomas for your help in getting everyone involved.
Just two groups this week in Sensei Beth’s absence.
Orange belts and below worked with Sensei Lidiya and began with a basic class plan before moving onto kumite footwork drills. The group also worked on leg strength and conditioning, plus balance, finishing with 150 punches from static stance. 🥵
Sensei David took green belts and above through an advanced class plan in the first session. In the second hour, we worked on kata up to Seiunchin. Great effort by the green belts in particular. 👏 The last half hour was taken up with partner work practising kumite footwork drills, individually and in combination.
After bowing out, there were reminders about the forthcoming Central Zone tournament and the Judging and refereeing seminar. We wished Evelyn a Happy 12th Birthday today. 🎂
Thanks to everyone for coming and we look forward to seeing you again next time.
The Birches Head Dojo Wednesday Instructor Team 🥋🥋🥋🥋
PS - This evening’s Senior Class is a closed session for instructors only. We will be back to normal next week.

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/

20/08/2026

Decent turnout for last night’s classes despite a number of regular students being absent on holiday.
We began by welcoming for only their second class Kimauni, Nazari, Jamar, Jaiden and Kaiden.
Jenson led the warm up before we split into two groups for our regular monthly practice grading session, the white belts working with Senseis Lidiya and Beth, the rest with Senseis David, Isabelle and Olivia.
Our newbies will definitely not be daunted by their first official grading having successfully completed a practice run in each of their first two classes! Great job boys! For setting an excellent example, Lachlan was awarded a certificate of achievement. Well done Lachlan.
After the kata round, the final 30 minutes were taken up with ju kumite, some kumite drills and finally a game of Dead Fish won (in the absence of champion Sensei Steve Morris) by Bethelia and Jenson.
After the bow out, the following students were invited to attempt their next grade belt at the grading to be held on 6 September: from Orange to 6th Kyu Green - Jenson and Jack; from Green to 5th Kyu Blue - Eva; and from 3rd to 2nd Kyu - Harrison. Congratulations to each of you 👏👏
Thanks to everyone for coming and we look forward to seeing you again next time.
The Birches Head Wednesday Instructor Team 🥋🥋🥋🥋🥋

08/08/2026

Class numbers back up to normal (44) for this Wednesday’s session.
First, we welcomed Rosie and Izzy for a trial class and applauded everyone who earned their next belt at last Sunday’s grading.
The warm up was led by Evelyn with help from Denna (or was it Deona - I’ve never been able to tell them apart since their very first class - so sorry girls!).
In the absence of Senseis Beth, Isabelle and Olivia, it was just two groups this week.
Sensei Lidiya worked through a basics class plan with the white to orange belts followed by work on stances. Then it was on to partner work and footwork drills, finishing with 1st and 2nd kata.
Green belts and above worked with Sensei David starting with an advanced class plan with lots of open-hand techniques, but with each senior grade student mirroring a lower grade partner. We filled the last ten minutes of the first hour with a test of Japanese terminology. The second hour was filled with kata from 1st (with non standard techniques) to empi. Well done to all the students below brown belt for great efforts giving it a go.
Student of the Month was awarded to John Hart for the intermediate grades for all round performance and to Carolyn for the higher grades in recognition of the work she has been putting in week after week to prepare for her well earned promotion to 2nd Kyu. The lower grade award will be made next week.
Thanks to everyone for coming and we look forward to seeing you next time.
The Birches Head Wednesday Instructor Team 🥋🥋

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

Good turnout for last night’s class.
We began by congratulating everyone who entered the GKR World Cup championship last weekend. Special mention for Sensei Steve who won silver for Kumite and for Senseis Isabelle and Olivia who came away World Champions in team kata! Sensei Olivia also picked up bronze for individual kata along with a very impressive trophy 🏆. Medal or not, we are extremely proud of you for having the courage to take part.
On to class with a trademark warm up routine led by Sensei Lidiya. Then we split into three groups. Sensei Beth took the white to orange belts through a kihon class plan followed by some work on 1st and 2nd kata then kicks.
Sensei Lidiya worked with the green belts starting with a basics class plan and moving onto kicks into shields and finishing on katas from 1st to Bassai Dai.
In the first hour, the higher grade group with Sensei David worked through an advanced class plan followed by back kicks into shields.
In the second hour, Senseis Isabelle and Olivia were out front taking the group through katas from Saifa to Empi then in groups working back to back. Then it was a team kata challenge with S Steve, Carolyn and Nandun being judged winners. Finally, the whole group performed 1st kata in a circle which was clearly great fun.
After bowing out, Philip was awarded 9th Kyu yellow tip and both Adlin and Oliver 5th Kyu-Ho. Congratulations to you all. Leo’s amazing work also earned him an achievement certificate 👏.
Don’t forget it’s grading this Sunday. Good luck to all going for their next belt 🍀. See you there or in class next time.
The Birches Head Wednesday Instructor Team 🥋🥋🥋🥋🥋

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