🥋 Congratulations to Keith on Achieving His 2nd Dan Black Belt in Karate!

We are proud to announce that Keith, one of our dedicated senior students, has successfully passed his 2nd Dan (Nidan) Black Belt with Shukokai England, part of the Shito Ryu Shukokai World Union.

This is a major milestone that represents years of commitment, technical precision and strong spirit.

From Hong Kong to Shropshire – A True Karate Journey 🌍

Keith began his karate training many years ago in Hong Kong, studying Mabuni Shito Ryu. After moving to the UK, he joined Shukokai Shropshire Karate, continuing his martial arts journey with dedication and humility.

His successful grading demonstrates not only excellent technical skill, but the true spirit of karate-do – perseverance, discipline and lifelong learning.

Inspiring the Next Generation 👊

Keith’s success is a fantastic example to all of our students – proving that with patience, hard work and a strong dojo community, black belt excellence is achievable.

If you are interested in beginning your own karate journey – whether you are a complete beginner or returning to training – we welcome new students of all ages.

🥋 Head Instructor Grant Pritchard Achieves 5th Dan in the Shito Ryu Shukokai World Union

We are proud to announce that Sensei Grant Pritchard, head instructor of Shukokai Shropshire Karate, has successfully achieved his 5th Dan (Godan) black belt in Shito Ryu Shukokai Karate, recognised by the Shito Ryu Shukokai World Union.

This prestigious grade represents decades of dedicated training, teaching and contribution to traditional karate in the UK.

🎯 A Major Milestone in a Lifetime of Karate

Sensei Grant Pritchard has trained in karate for over many years, beginning his journey as a young student and progressing through every stage of development – from eager beginner to high-level instructor and dojo leader.

Earning a 5th Dan is not simply a technical examination – it recognises:

Mastery of advanced kata, bunkai and kumite

Commitment to teaching and preserving traditional karate

Long-term contribution to the growth of the art

Leadership and mentorship of students and instructors

This grade places him among the highest-ranking Shukokai practitioners in the region, fully recognised under the Shito Ryu Shukokai World Union, founded under the lineage of Chojiro Tani and rooted in Kenwa Mabuni founded Shito Ryu.

🏛 Recognised by Shukokai England

The grading was awarded under Shukokai England, the official UK branch of our international governing body, led by Sensei Chris Mileham (9th Dan).

All grades awarded within this organisation are internationally certified, ensuring every student at Shukokai Shropshire Karate trains under a fully recognised and qualified instructor.

🥋 What This Means for Our Students

Sensei Grant’s achievement strengthens the dojo’s connection to world-level karate and ensures that:

✔ Students train under a highly qualified senior instructor
✔ Every grade earned at the dojo is officially recognised
✔ Training remains authentic to traditional Japanese principles
✔ Our club continues to grow under proven expert leadership

📣 A Message from Sensei Grant

“I'm thrilled to achieve the grade of 5th Dan and honoured to have been graded by Sensei Chris Mileham 9th Dan. I've trained at his dojo since I was a teenager, and his teachings are a constant inspiration to delve deeper into the art. Studying for this grade was an enriching experience and not something that I took lightly. A special honourable mention to Justin for being my grading partner, who assisted with the bunkai applications. Thank you for your trust in me demonstrating advanced techniques. I've gained a lot from this experience and look forward to sharing the knowledge gained along this journey with my students.

👊 Train With Us

If you are inspired to begin (or return to) martial arts training:

🔹 We welcome complete beginners and experienced students
🔹 Classes available for children, teens and adults
🔹 First lesson is FREE

📩 Get in touch to book your trial lesson today.

Karate classes  at Idsall School  

Tuesdays at Idsall School Main Hall - Childrens & Mixed (All Ages Teenagers-Adults) at 5:30pm-6:30pm
Thursdays at Idsall School Gym - Childrens class 5:30-6:30, Adults and Teenagers Class 6:30-7:30pm.

Kata videos are now available to view on the new Student Page. These are useful for reference when training towards your next grading!