Family. Discipline. Tradition.Kazoku Shotokan Karate
To embrace the values of traditional Shotokan karate in a fun, welcoming environment, allowing all to learn to the best of their abilities.
Everything in one place
道 — The Way
To embrace the values of traditional Shotokan karate in a fun, welcoming environment, allowing all to learn to the best of their abilities.
The Beginning
Renshi Liam O'Reilly commences training under Renshi Andy Kidby at Newport Pagnell, in June 1985.
Shodan
1st Dan awarded.
Nidan
2nd Dan awarded.
Sandan
3rd Dan awarded.
Yondan
4th Dan awarded.
Godan
5th Dan awarded.
Kazoku Shotokan Karate Founded
Renshi O'Reilly establishes KSK in August 2022, transitioning the club from CFTS to operate under the governing body of the BMABA.
Rokudan
Renshi O'Reilly is awarded 6th Dan.
Clapham/Oakley Joins KSK
Sensei Saunders and his Clapham club move from CFTS to join KSK in January 2024, with Saunders becoming Senior Instructor.
師 — Instructors & Dan Grades
Renshi Liam O'Reilly
6th Dan
Chief Instructor
Renshi Eddie McClagish
6th Dan
Honorary Member
Shihan James Saunders
4th Dan
Senior Instructor
Sensei Clive Betts
3rd Dan
Instructor
Sensei Suzy Gray
2nd Dan
Sensei Liam Carter
2nd Dan
Sensei Frances Livesey
2nd Dan
Honorary Member
Sensei Christine O'Reilly
1st Dan
Safeguarding Lead
Sensei Andrew Rowley
1st Dan
Sensei Molly Lugsden
1st Dan
Sensei Riya Khandelwal
1st Dan
Sensei Oliver Carton
1st Dan
道場 — Our Dojos
Wellingborough
Grendon Village Hall
Main Road, Grendon, NN7 1JW
Renshi Liam O'Reilly
Clapham / Oakley
Clapham Village Hall
High Street, Clapham, Bedford, MK41 6BS
Shihan James Saunders
Sessions £5–£7 per person. Family discounts available. Ask your instructor for full pricing.
型 — Kyu to Dan
Kihon
Fundamentals
Punches, blocks and kicks performed in specific stances with prescribed repetitions.
Kumite
Sparring
Ranging from Gohon Kumite at lower grades to Jiyu Kumite (free sparring) at advanced levels.
Kata
Forms
Choreographed sequences of techniques, with complexity increasing through the grades.
Taikyoku-ku-Shodan — first eight moves to first kiai
Kihon and basic Kumite drills
Kihon and basic Kumite drills
Kihon and basic Kumite drills
Kihon, Kumite and introductory kata
Kihon, Kumite and kata progression
Kihon, Kumite and kata progression
Tekki Shodan, plus a choice of Sochin or Tekki Sandan
Advanced kihon, Kumite and kata
Advanced kihon, Kumite and kata
Tokui Kata selected from Ji'on, Ji'in or Ji'tte, plus Sochin & Tekki Sandan
Advanced kata and free sparring (Jiyu Kumite)
Demonstration of all basic Shotokan techniques against a stationary target, plus an oral examination covering karate history, philosophy and teaching ability
Advanced kata, teaching assessment and oral examination
心 — Five Precepts
The Dojo Kun is recited at the end of every Shotokan training session — five precepts, set down by Master Gichin Funakoshi, that carry karate training beyond technique alone.
Seek perfection of character
Hitotsu! Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto
Be faithful
Hitotsu! Makoto no michi wo mamoru koto
Endeavour
Hitotsu! Doryoku no seishin wo yashinau koto
Respect others
Hitotsu! Reigi wo omonzuru koto
Refrain from violent behaviour
Hitotsu! Kekki no yu wo imashimuru koto
This is the traditional Shotokan Dojo Kun used across the wider Shotokan community. If your club recites a different translation, let us know and we'll update it.
誉 — Milestones
Shihan James Saunders — 4th Dan
Sensei (now Shihan) James Saunders undertook numerous tasks, mostly unbeknownst to him, in the lead-up to his 4th Dan grading.
KSK Dan Gradings
Five candidates attempted Dan gradings.
Kazoku Mar 25 Kyu Gradings
Upcoming grading announcement for March 2025.
Kazoku Dec 24 Kyu Gradings
Successful candidates recognised at the December Kyu gradings.
Sensei Clive Grades to 3rd Dan
Sensei Clive Betts undertook the taking of a class on the senior grade kata Seipai as part of his 3rd Dan grading.
September 2024 Kyu Gradings
Kyu grading event and results announced.
Kazoku's First Shodan Grading
Congratulations to Molly and Riya for passing your Shodan grading — the standard was very high. Kazoku's first two new Dan grades.
June 24 KSK Gradings
Congratulations to all who graded on Saturday 8th June. The standard was fabulous.
KSK Grading Day — First Combined Gradings
Kazoku Shotokan Karate held its inaugural combined gradings, with the Wellingborough area coming together with Clapham/Oakley.
Welcome Clapham/Oakley
The newest club joins Kazoku Shotokan Karate — Clapham/Oakley, run by Sensei James Saunders.
景 — Moments from the Dojo
志 — Begin Your Journey
家族 — Welcome Back
家族 — Your Dojo
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