Shotokan Connect

Welcome to Shotokan Connect

We are a group of dedicated practitioners of Shotokan Karate, many with senior grades and decades of experience of training, competing and teaching karate. We are an inclusive organisation that will not only support our karate development, but by working with and never against other associations and karateka, facilitate the sharing of knowledge, skills and experience for the benefit of others. We are building a safe, exciting and progressive place to train and compete, develop life skills, and grow as a group and as individuals. We will train, learn and develop together with our members and with the wider karate community.


Shotokan Connect

We have two upcoming regional courses and Dan gradings this June:

Saturday 6th June — Guildford
Sunday 21st June — Ponteland

Whether you’re joining us to train with highly experienced practitioners or taking the next step and grading, we’d love to see you there.

Book your place now at shotokanconnect.com

#blackbelt #karate #karatecourse #karategrading

2 days ago | [YT] | 2

Shotokan Connect

Thank you to everyone who took part in our Performance and Referees & Judges course. A special thank you to Sensei Ian Willis and Sensei Ian Harman for sharing valuable competition tips and insights throughout the day. Thank you also to Sensei Frank Veselovsky for the hard work put into the continuous development plan for officials. Everyone had a fantastic time, and there was lots of knowledge and experience to take back and share with their clubs.

#shotokan #shotokanconnect #karatecourse #karatecompetition

6 days ago | [YT] | 2

Shotokan Connect

Have you booked you place on our Performance and Referees & Judges Course?

Performance and Competition coaching sessions with the Referees & Judges Continuous Development Course running alongside.

To book, or for more information information, please visit: s.scka.co.uk/EPECbf

#karateperformance #karatereferee #shotokankarate #shotokanconnect

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 2

Shotokan Connect

Learning to officiate competitions is a great way to enhance your karate journey, whether as a timekeeper, recorder, steward, judge or referee. All of these positions are wonderful way to support your own club and the association, and, of course, it’s great fun!

Some positions (recorder or steward) don’t require a specific level of training and could be a way for family and friends to get involved

Our Performance and Coaching Course is an ideal opportunity to start out as a competition official. If you would like to know more, please speak to your Sensei, and consider booking onto the upcoming course. s.scka.co.uk/EPECbf

#karatecompetition #refereedevelopment #karate

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 2

Shotokan Connect

Performance and Referees & Judges Course, bringing together both Competitors and Officials in a shared development environment.

Performance and Competition coaching sessions, led by Sensei Ian Willis (7th Dan) and Sensei Ian Harman (6th Dan), will focus on developing Kumite and Kata skills, providing valuable pre- competition preparation ahead of the Shōtōkan Connect Championship in October.

Running alongside, is the Referees & Judges Continuous Development Course, delivered by Sensei Frank Veselovsky (5th Dan), which will cover the structure and operation of a Karate tournament, including the roles of Referees, Judges, Trainee Officials, Stewards, Recorders, Announcers, Timekeepers, and Coaches.

Table of Events:
09:30 - 10:00: Registration
10:00 - 11:30: Kumite training and Referees & Judges, Coaches theory on Kumite
11:30 - 12:30: Kumite practice on 3 areas with Referees & Judges and Coaches
12:30 - 14:00: Kata training and Referees & Judges, Coaches theory on Kata
14:00 - 15:00: Kata practice on 3 areas with Referees & Judges and Coaches
15:00 - 15:30: Discussion / End of Course

To book, or for more information information, please visit: s.scka.co.uk/EPECbf

#shotokankarate #karatecompetition #karatejudging #shotokanconnect

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 3

Shotokan Connect

Did you know SC members can attend training and gradings at other clubs? It’s a great opportunity to train with a range of instructors and in a variety of settings. Shiseikan have an event coming up this weekend - why not attend if you’re in the area?

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 3

Shotokan Connect

Shotokan Connect is pleased to host the upcoming Performance and Referees & Judges Course, bringing together both Competitors and Officials in a shared development environment.

Performance and Competition coaching sessions, led by Sensei Ian Willis (7th Dan) and Sensei Ian Harman (6th Dan), will focus on developing Kumite and Kata skills, providing valuable pre-competition preparation ahead of the Shōtōkan Connect Championship in October.

Running alongside, is the Referees & Judges Continuous Development Course, delivered by Sensei Frank Veselovsky (5th Dan), which will cover the structure and operation of a Karate tournament, including the roles of Referees, Judges, Trainee Officials, Stewards, Recorders, Announcers, Timekeepers, and Coaches.

Participation is encouraged for all members, supporting better understanding, between competitors and officials, and promoting consistent standards across the organisation. This course also offers a clear pathway into officiating and tournament management, strengthening the overall quality and professionalism of Shōtōkan Connect events.

(Please note, for those wishing to attend the Referees & Judges Continuous Development Course, this is run at the same time as the Kumite and Kata sessions, therefore attendees can't attend both.

To book, or for more information information, please visit: s.scka.co.uk/EPECbf

#shotokan #karate #karateperformance #shotokanconnect

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 3

Shotokan Connect

Senshi Karate 10th Anniversary Course

When: 18 Apr 2026 9:30 AM
Where: SHOOTERS HILL SIXTH FORM COLLEGE | Red Lion Lane, London SE18 4LD

EVENT DETAILS:

All Shotokan Connect members are invited to Senshi Karate's 10th anniversary course on Saturday 18 April in South East London.

It's an exciting milestone for one of the biggest Shotokan Connect clubs and everyone is welcome!

Come along for 5 hours of karate with our very own Senseis John Parnell (7th Dan), Robin Dale (6th Dan), and joined by Sensei Bob Rhodes (9th Dan), & Sensei Neil Jerome (6th Dan) who is flying in especially from Norway. This is a rare opportunity to train with karate greats in south east London. Senshi Karate's regular instructors Sensei Frank Jennings and Arianna Jennings will also be teaching and can't wait to welcome you all.

The sessions will include: kata, bunkai, throws and take downs, body mechanics, performance, technique and more!

It's £25 for 5 hours of karate when booked in advance (£30 if paying on the day).

More information can be found here: senshikarate.com/2026/03/26/10th-anniversary-cours…

To book your spot please email sensei@senshikarate.com

Plenty of (free) parking available.

Followed by lemonade with the instructors at Red Lion pub @15:00.

See you there!

#karate #shotokan

1 month ago | [YT] | 3

Shotokan Connect

The kanji in the Shotokan Connect logo says ‘rei’ - a word you will associate with bowing.

But let’s dive in further. The symbol on the left depicts an alter overflowing with offerings. The symbol on the right is somebody kneeling - this is more obvious in the original and more complex kanji 禮.

Essentially, it is showing respect, gratitude and etiquette, fundamental principles to our association and, of course, the broader Shotokan community. You can find out more about our values here: shotokanconnect.com/about-us/mission-values/

#shotokan #karate #rei #respect

1 month ago | [YT] | 2

Shotokan Connect

A great turnout and brilliant results from Shotokan Connect members for "The Legend" Shotokan Shobu Ippon annual competition in Guildford run by SKDUN!

Children's Individual Kata U11 - 1st Bella Baker (Kata : Enpi)
Boys Kumite 12-13yrs - Black and Brown belts Und. 5ft - 2nd Taylor Hurst
Boys Kumite 12-13yrs - Black and Brown belts 5ft - 5'5'ft - 1st Leo Baker
Individual 16 to 20 yrs - Over 2nd Dan Kata - 1st Hannah Parnell (Kata : Gojushiho Dai)

Honourable mentions to Hugo Baker and Sensei Blyth Baker for getting on the mat and delivering outstanding performances. The team was ably supported by Senseis David Hurst and John Parnell.
#karate #karatecompetition

1 month ago | [YT] | 2