GKR Karate

05/10/2026

We welcomed Tommy back for his second class and also Yafi who attended Meir Heath for the first time although he started his training in uttoxeter recently.

After bow in we congratulated Oliver who successfully graded to his 8th Kyu yellow belt yesterday and also Chris who was awarded his 2nd Kyu (1st black tip) yesterday. Well done guys!

The first hour was spent as one group using the focus mitts in pairs practicing our punches and movement. Lots of sweat, lots of effort and lots of fun!

For the second hour, sensei Jay went through the grading combinations and kata up to Saifa. The lower grades finished by workshopping mawashi uke.

The higher grades went through Empi finishing by performing it twice in quick succession. Again, lots of effort on display and a marked improvement in the kata from all!

We wished those attending the tournament on Saturday good luck, I’ll see you there!

Well done tonight
Sensei Libby and Sensei Jay 🥋🥋

28/09/2026

We welcomed Tommy to his first class and he appeared to do really well!

Class started as usual with some solid kihon and the higher grades then focused on chugi uke and kake uke. The former we focused on how the two parts of the double block are formed and executed. The latter was practised in pairs particularly for the lower grades to really start to understand the mechanics of the block.

After the break the higher grades split into two kata groups. A workshop in Saifa for green toned belts whilst the other group, under the excellent guidance of sensei Scott and sensei Jordan worked sanseyru and sepai.

Meanwhile the lower grades with sensei Jay worked on the foot shape of kicks before using the kick shields in pairs.

There was a mad rush for chocolates and sweets at the end! Hope you all enjoyed!

Reminders:
1). October is purple belt campaign month in support of Refuge
2). Central zone tournament is 10th October- deadline for entries is Sunday 4th at 6pm
3). Grading is this coming Sunday.
4). Kata packs are available or scan the QR code on your journey card to see your grade kata for practice

See you next week (unless I see you Sunday)
Sensei Libby and Sensei Jay 🥋🥋

21/09/2026

We started class with a summary of the Northern Zone tournament on Saturday at which Christopher picked up 3 silver medals in individual events and continuous kumite. I also announced how proud I was of Andrea who, after 15 years training and competing, won her very first gold medal for individual kumite. A true example of how dedication and perseverance will eventually pay off! NEVER GIVE UP!

As always the first hour, especially for lower grades focused on kihon following one of the class plans. The higher grades moved on to working the kihon in pairs in long stance before working through a flow drill, both using the 5 basic blocks.

A kata workshop of Seiunchin followed with the brown belts also demonstrating Empi.

Lower grades finished class with the 1st and 2nd kata pattern but using different strikes, blocks and kicks.

Higher grades worked up a sweat with kumite. Really pleasing to see the control and focus on display.

We closed class reminding everyone of the next central zone tournament on 10th October- closing date for entries is Sunday 4th at 6pm.

Finally, October is our support ‘Refuge’ month with our now annual Purple Belt campaign. Please go online to order your belts and wear them with pride.

Well done everyone, lots of hard work and effort in class tonight.

See you next week
Best regards
Sensei Libby and Sensei Jay 🥋🥋

14/09/2026

Both groups this evening focused on solid kihon sessions. Lower grades were getting an introduction to some of the advanced moves whilst the higher grades ran through some of the blue/red belt grading format.

After the drink break my group had a full breakdown of Bassai Dai. For those just starting with this kata you did a fantastic job and it fills me with pride to see the focus and effort you put in!

Lower grades also spent some time working through kata before moving onto pad work with punches and kicks.

The higher grades split into groups to finish class with brown belts focusing on Empi. Intermediates continued with Bassai Dai whilst the advanced black belts chose their own kata to work through.

At bow out we awarded Oliver with a grading slip to attempt his 8th Kyu yellow belt next month- good luck.

Don’t forget the Central Zone tournament on 10th October.

See you next week
Best regards
Sensei Libby & sensei Jay 🥋🥋

07/09/2026

It was so lovely to see some familiar faces return after the summer holidays, we have missed you!

We started class by congratulating Jacob and Ayat on their 7th Kyu orange belt grading yesterday and also Natasha and Charlotte who graded to their 6th Kyu green belts! Great job from you all!

Class split into the usual two groups with lower grades working on some stances, including the advance stances!

Higher grades focused on a flow drill incorporating blocking straight punches, round punches and round elbow strikes using sticky hands.

After the break sensei Jay took his group through some solid kihon whilst I introduced the higher grades to sandamay drills and progressing it to include sugi ashi and ayumi ashi footwork.

We closed class by reminding everyone of the upcoming tournaments in northern zone on 19th September and the central zone on 10th October (links below) Nationals will be on 28th November if you want to save the date.

https://gkrkarateshop.co.uk/product/northern-zone-regional-2026-competitor-entry/

https://gkrkarateshop.co.uk/product/central-zone-regional-2026-competitor-entry/

See you next week
Best regards
Sensei Libby 🥋👍👏👊

31/08/2026

We started class as one group with just a little snippet of one of the sessions that Sensei Jay and I had attended at the Black Belt Camp at the weekend. After the drink break we split into our two groups to continue the theme and got the higher grades expanding the combination.

In the second hour, both groups focused on kata with focus on the precision required rather than ambling through the transition moves and stances.

Lower grades finished with Maya helping one group on Saifa and Bassai Dai whilst Sensei Jay took the beginners through first and second kata. The black belts finished with Hangetsu and Kururunfa.

After bow out we reminded everyone that the entries are open for the central zone tournament on 10th October.

Good luck to those going for their next grade on Sunday!

See you next week
Best regards
Sensei Libby and Sensei Jay 🥋🥋

25/08/2026

24/08/2026

Thank you to sensei Jordan for covering class last week whilst I was away.

This week was reduced numbers but as always we focus on those dedicated students who did turn up this evening. However, when there are fewer students it becomes even more obvious if responses are not maintained. Your dojo etiquette is as much part of your karate journey as your kihon, kata and kumite!

Both classes followed similar formats with a class plan in the first hour followed by kata in the second hour! Sensei Jays group finished with tennis ball fun!

After bowing out we awarded Oliver with his 9th Kyu yellow tip before reminding everyone about the next regional tournament on 10th October!

See you next week.
Yes, it’s bank holiday,
Yes, class is still on!

Sensei Libby and Sensei Jay🥋🥋

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/

10/08/2026

It was great to see Oliver back again this week and despite a few nerves still he is doing really well.

Sensei Jay was off this week so thank you to Sensei Vanessa for helping out with the lower grades. A solid session with that group with focus on side kicks using the kick shields.

Higher grades ran through class plan 10 providing a good balance for all students between 6th Kyu to NiDan! This group ended similarly using the kick shields for side kicks.

The first half of the second hour was for kata. Sensei Vanessa’s group working through first, second and Saifa whilst my group workshopped Kururunfa.

The last half hour was kumite drills in partners working range with reverse punch, step through with another reverse punch.

This evening we congratulated Ava on grading to 7th Kyu ho, orange tip, and also Willow who achieved her 6th Kyu tip grade. Well done girls! 👏

See you again next week.

Best regards
Sensei Libby 🥋

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/

03/08/2026

Is it holiday season?

Well done to those who came to class tonight! Smaller in numbers but still mighty in effort.

We welcomed Oliver to his first class and congratulated those who had graded yesterday: Phelan, Joshua and Kim.

Lower grades did a solid kihon session and it looked like Oliver was picking it up really quickly.

Higher grades worked on back fist. Using hips but not disrupting posture before refining uchi uke (inside block).

In the second hour the lower grades started with the drills required for grading and then moving to kata.

Higher grades spent time on kumite drills, keeping the footwork light and then finishing in partner work to keep blocks smooth not panicked.

Well done everyone

See you next week
Sensei Libby & Sensei Jay 🥋🥋

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.

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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!

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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