Dorfman Karate

11/10/2026

Dorfman Karate Legacy
A profound moment as a father, watching the next generation step onto the karate floor. 🥋
This week my children officially commenced their martial arts journey at Dorfman Karate, marking the third generation of our family to grace the mat.
While they enter an environment steeped in a formidable lineage, shaped by the decades of dedication from their grandfather, Malcolm Dorfman, and my own lifelong commitment, the door is now open for them to write their own chapter. For us, the true value of this heritage does not lie in past accolades or world titles, but rather in the enduring principles of humility, resilience, and character that the art instills.
They certainly have immense footprints to follow, but even in these initial stages, they have demonstrated an innate aptitude and a commendable spirit. There is no greater privilege than guiding your children as they begin to forge their own path within a tradition we hold so dear.
Oss. 🙏
ProudFather

26/09/2026

🥋 Congratulations to our recent Melrose grading candidates! 🎉
We’re incredibly proud of everyone who stepped up, put in the work and successfully progressed to their next grade.
One of the great things about karate is that it truly has no age limit. At Dorfman Karate, we offer specialised training for all ages, from our 4-6 year old kiddies through to adults.
We’re particularly proud to see more older adults taking the courageous step of starting their karate journey. It’s never too late to begin, and the benefits of karate - physically, mentally and socially can be far-reaching.
Whether you’re 4 or 84 there is a place for you on the dojo floor. 🥋
Start where you are. Progress at your own pace. Discover what karate can bring to your life.
MartialArts KarateJourney NeverTooLate KarateKids AdultKarate Stronger

19/09/2026

Good kata from Ari at her recent green belt grading. Of course there are still areas to improve and karate maturity will develop with time and practice. Nevertheless it is a good example of Heian Yondan, with excellent form considering her age and level. For those from other Shotokan associations you will note some changes made by Yahara Shihan, including removing the half step between the 2 yoko geri keage and doing the mae-geri off the front leg from the kakiwake uke.

19/08/2026

From Shane Shihan:

A Journey of 45 Years
Last week, I had the privilege of finally receiving my 8th Dan certificate, following my grading to 8th Dan last year.
Although the rank itself was conferred some time ago, holding the certificate was unexpectedly poignant. It provided a moment to reflect on a journey that has now spanned 45 years, almost my entire life.
What began as a young boy’s foray into karate has evolved into a lifelong pursuit of discipline, excellence, and continual self-improvement. Along the way, I have had the extraordinary privilege of competing at the highest level, captaining my country, achieving success on the world stage, and ultimately being entrusted with the responsibilities that accompany such a senior rank.
Yet, with the passage of time, I have come to understand that the true measure of a karate journey is not found in titles, medals, or dan grades. These are merely milestones. What endures are the lessons learned, the relationships forged, the challenges overcome, and, above all, the privilege of having been taught by those who came before us.
I remain profoundly grateful to my teachers and seniors, to my training partners and students, and to my family and friends who have supported and shared in this journey. I am particularly indebted to Malcolm Dorfman Shihan, my father, teacher, and mentor for more than four decades, whose influence extends far beyond karate and has profoundly shaped the person I have become. This is something I hope to pass onto my children who will soon be starting their karate journey.
An 8th Dan is therefore not something I regard as an endpoint, but rather as a greater responsibility to continue learning, to preserve what has been entrusted to me, and to pass it on to those who follow.
After 45 years, I remain a student of karate and perhaps more importantly, a student of life.
Grateful. Humbled. Privileged. And still walking the path.
Oss. 🥋
DorfmanKarate

13/08/2026

RESPECT & FRIENDSHIP
Last night the members of my Black and Brown Belt Class were privileged to have Marco Fanicchi Shihan 8th Dan and KWF Western England Chief Instructor instruct them.
For me to watch him take the class was a great pleasure. He is my longest standing student, having joined me as a child in 1969 and now a Master in his own right, a member of KWF Grandmaster Mikio Yahara's Supreme Master Board.
So humble and despite his high level status and our close friendship (I was Best Man at his wedding), his deference to me as his sensei shows him to be the epitome of a true Budo karateka and an amazing example to all karateka.

08/08/2026

Traditionally mawashi-geri (roundhouse kick) and uraken (backfist strike) are trained as ‘snap’ type movements. However, much like a side kick, they can be executed with both snap and thrust motion.

20/06/2026

From one group of world champions to another - good luck Bokke!

At Pinnacle Radiology, we have a passion for musculoskeletal imaging, with a special interest in sports injuries. We are proud to provide diagnostic imaging services to the Springboks.
While patient confidentiality prevents me from sharing details of any players we may have seen recently - especially with important Test matches around the corner,
I was, however, given permission to post this photograph of Springbok superstar wing Cheslin Kolbe from awhile ago when our team assisted in the imaging and diagnosis of his injury at the time.
It is always rewarding to play a small role in helping elite athletes return to doing what they do best.
Best of luck to our world champions today.
Go Bokke! 🏉🇿🇦💚💛