left to right – James Campbell Squad Coach, Charlie Dykes, Holly Williams, Bailey Westmacott, Ruby Wallace, Kyle Bruce, Charlotte Ettles, Ryan Hoggan and Gordon Williamson Squad Manager.

The squad flew out to Bergen, Norway on Wednesday 6th May and after a training session on Thursday afternoon the under 20’s went into the competition with good spirits and high hopes.

Both Ruby and Charlie were first up and both performed to the highest standard progressing to the quarter finals before losing out narrowly to good opponents. A mistake by the judges meant Ruby having to perform twice in the same round before being eliminated.

Charlotte in her first European championships lost out at the Sentei Kata round but again a fine performance from a young competitor.

Bailey, another first time competitor at European level, got through eliminations but lost out in the Semi Finals on points. Bailey continued his good fortune into the Kumite rounds by progressing to the quarterfinals. All in all some excellent performances by the juniors who are only a hairs breath away from meddling at these events.

Saturday was the turn of the seniors with Holly, Ryan and Kyle flying the flag for JKA Scotland. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be their day with all 3 loosing narrowly in the first round of Kata. The margins of their defeats however were so small it still showed impressive improvement from previous tournaments.

Kyle was our only competitor in the Kumite events and performed to his normal high standards winning his first fight with no issues. His second fight started well but he eventually lost narrowly after some some interesting calls by the officials. All in all despite not winning any medals all of our squad performed to the best of their abilities and no one let themselves or the country down.

Well done to you all and with small improvements we can and will win medals at this level.

JKA Scotland held its annual Special Course and Dan Grading on Saturday 2nd May, welcoming brown and black belt members to Dunfermline High School. Students gathered with great anticipation for the three‑hour training session led by Ohta Sensei, 8th Dan JKA.

From the outset, it was clear that the course would be both challenging and inspiring. Following a warm‑up, all grades trained together for the first two hours. Sensei gradually built the session from fundamental basics to applying these into partner work, with a strong emphasis on distance, speed, and movement. The atmosphere was focused, energetic, and highly engaging.

After a short break, students divided into kata groups of their choice. Ohta Sensei was supported by members of the JKA Scotland Technical Committee:

• Ohta Sensei – Jitte and kata application
• Sensei Alan Simpson – Bassai Dai
• Sensei Bert Stewart – Jion
• Sensei Gordon Williamson & Sensei John Deans – Heian Kata training for all Squad members in preparation for the upcoming European Championships

Before concluding the course, all students attempting Dan Grading were invited to perform their chosen kata in front of all students & Ohta Sensei.

At the end of the session, students expressed their appreciation to Ohta Sensei for an excellent course, with everyone leaving motivated and equipped with new areas to develop in their training.

A special announcement was made to congratulate Sensei Bert Stewart on achieving 6th Dan JKA at the JKA England Spring Course.

Dan Grading Results

Following the course, the Dan Grading took place. JKA Scotland is pleased to congratulate the following successful students:

1st Dan – Shodan

• Maria Hynd (JKA Dunfermline)
• Paul McGrane – (JKA Dalgety Bay)
• James Richardson- (Shibumi)
• Andrew Smith – (JKA Bass Rock)
• Shannon Howie- Law – (Shibumi)

2nd Dan – Nidan

• Tyrone Farlam (Carnegie)
• Fiona McLeod (JKA Dalgety Bay)
• Gavin Nicol – (JKA Dalgety Bay)

We would also like to congratulate the following JKA Scotland members who successfully passed Dan Gradings and International Qualification Exams at the JKA England Spring Gasshuku 26/4/26

• Bert Stewart (Instructor/Technical Committee) Passed 6^th Dan JKA – (JKA Dalgety Bay/ Musselburgh & North Berwick)
• Sophie Brumm 3^rd Dan JKA – (JKA Dalgety Bay)
• Marty Sommerville – Passed B licence referee test

We extend our thanks to all JKA Scotland members who attended and supported the event, and to Ohta Sensei for delivering an outstanding course.

Upcoming Events

The next events on the JKA Scotland calendar include:

• Kyu Gradings
• Squad Training – Saturday 20th June
• East Region Championships
• JKA Scotland International Gasshuku

For further details, please contact your instructor or Regional Officer.

Saturday 25th April saw the final squad training session before our athletes head off to the JKA European Championships in Bergen Norway.

The session, held this time in Gullane, the home of JKA Bass Rock Karate, was led by squad coaches Sensei Gordon Williamson and Sensei James Campbell. Whilst it was warm outside the atmosphere inside the hall was even better as students from all over Scotland prepared not only for the competition but the upcoming Dan test on May 2nd.

The first session consisted of brown belt kata training with emphasis of correct timing and sharpness. Lots of effort and some excellent Katas was the ideal warm up for the Kumite Session. With the heat building up nicely it was great to see not only our European hopefuls put in the effort with the drills but also the brown belts who may be relatively new to the squad experience.

Good luck to everyone for their Dan grading this weekend and to our Scotland Squad members off to do their best in Bergen. The harder you train the luckier you get

A Memorable Weekend of Karate Training and Achievements

From Friday 24th to Sunday 26th October, JKA Scotland proudly hosted a remarkable 3-day International Gasshuku Seminar, welcoming karateka from across the country – stretching from the Orkney Islands down to the Borders. The event was led by esteemed instructors: Ohta Sensei (8th Dan JKA, Chief Instructor JKA England), Nemoto Sensei (6th Dan JKA, JKA HQ), and Ueda Sensei (5th Dan JKA, JKA HQ).

The seminar drew not only a fantastic turnout from JKA Scotland members but also a warm contingent of visiting students from outside JKA Scotland Association. The spirit of camaraderie and learning was evident throughout the weekend, making for an unforgettable experience.

Training Highlights

Over the course of three days, training consistently emphasised the importance of Kihon (basic techniques), focusing on harnessing the entire body to create sharper, more powerful movements. Participants were encouraged to avoid unnecessary additional/exaggerated moves, ensuring every technique remained direct and efficient. Special attention was given to practising kicking techniques slowly and with control to develop strength and precision before introducing speed.

One of the key takeaways was the concept of hakite – maintaining correct alignment of the pinky finger, wrist, and elbow, while keeping the shoulder relaxed and down. This fundamental principle resonated throughout all levels of training.

Black Belt attendees had the unique opportunity to study three advanced kata in depth: Meikyo, Gojushiho-Sho, and Unsu. The Sensei’s teachings reminded everyone of the importance of integrating fundamentals into kata practice, ensuring that strong basics underpin advanced movements.

The seminar concluded on Sunday afternoon with JKA Dan gradings and practical examinations for Instructor and Examiner qualifications, marking a fitting end to a weekend of dedication and accomplishment.

Thank you & Reflections

JKA Scotland extends heartfelt thanks to Ohta Sensei, Nemoto Sensei, and Ueda Sensei for their invaluable instruction, as well as to every student who joined us from near and far. The annual Gasshuku always seems to pass in the blink of an eye and is truly an event not to be missed.

Congratulations to all students who passed Dan Gradings and International Qualification Examinations.

Make sure to add the dates in your calendar for next year’s Gasshuku, you do not want to miss this fantastic training. 23rd – 25th October 2026

EAST REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025

On Saturday 30^th August 2025, JKA Scotland – East Region held their Regional Championships event at Dunfermline High School.

This is always a great day and was good to see a turn out with 74 competitors in attendance.  This competition is to benefit all students in the East Region.

Setup started on the Friday night, to get the hall ready for a 9am referee meeting on the Saturday morning.

The day kicked off at 9.30am for eliminations, with competitors excited for the day ahead and who they would be competing against in each event.

The days focus for the Region was on fun, encouragement and to gain experience and we absolutely had loads of that on the day.

It was a long day with the event running until 5.00pm, but it was a very good and successful day, the atmosphere in the hall from competitors and spectators was contagious with a lot of fantastic performances from both juniors and seniors.  You could see the progress of students from last year.

Every competitor on the day did fantastically well and did themselves, their families, and their clubs proud.

The East Region would like to give thanks to ABC First Aid for attending on the day, all referees and helpers.

Lastly to all competitors, you made the championships a success on the day, and we thank you for your support and help in the growth of the East Region Championships. 

The results from the event are below, congratulations to everyone.

JKA Scotland are proud to announce their squad for the senior European Championships to be held in the Czech Republic on 10th May 2025.

The following athletes along with coach Sensei John Deans will be in attendance 

Kyle Bruce – Kata and Kumite

Holly Williams – Kata and Kumite

Caitlin Gray – Kata only

Charlie Dykes – Kumite only

Good luck to you all and do your best

On Friday 11^th October JKA Scotland members from as far North as Orkney to the South of Scotland made their way to Dunfermline High School to participate in our 3 day International course with Sensei Hirayama 7^th Dan JKA  from the Honbu Dojo and Sensei Ohta 7^th Dan JKA, Chief instructor of JKA England.

Our training over the weekend was a fantastic challenge for the control and smoothness of movement, with both speed and strength.  Things we all know about but when all the elements are put together successfully, the challenge multiplies and vastly changes our capabilities, this is true JKA Karate.

We were also privileged to get an insight of 3 advanced kata, Gojushiho Dai, Nijushiho and Kanku Sho.  All we had been learning in the basics had to be transferred into the kata, control, smoothness, speed and strength.  We all learnt loads to take away and keep practising.                          

The brown belts were also given detailed teaching of Bassai Dai and Jion along with basic kumite movement appropriate to that level.

On the Saturday, coloured belts were welcomed to attend the course and were taught by Hirayama Sensei and the JKA Scotland Technical Committee prior to the national kyu grading.  It was fantastic to see so many of the lower grades in attendance who were not grading but wanted to come to the training, this is how your karate improves!                                      

Following the  Saturday course there was a kyu grading with JKA Scotland examiners.  Congratulations to all the successful students.

A JKA Dan grading followed the course on the Sunday afternoon.  A very tense examination in front of a panel of examiners led by Sensei Hirayama and Sensei Ohta.

Big congratulations to the following successful students

Daniel Porto Pose                        Shodan                          Carnegie

Colin Lin                                    Shodan                          Carnegie

Bailey Westmacott                      Shodan                          Shibumi

James Jacome                            Shodan                          Carnegie

Sonita Masih                               Shodan                         Oh Kami

Steven Ballingall                         Shodan                          JKA Aberdeen

Mairi Roper                                 Nidan                             JKA Bass Rock  

A few words heard after the weekend by those in attendance,

Fantastic! So much information! Brilliant! When’s the next one? Awesome! Why is something that seems easy, not! Loved it! Such a quick weekend! More please! Fabulous instructors! I learnt so much! Amazing! My body hurts!

Needless to say our Gasshuku 2024 was a major success.  Thanks has to go to all our students for their attendance, those out with JKA Scotland for coming along, Tony and his team at the High School for the excellent facilities but most of all to Sensei Hirayama and Sensei Ohta for a level of tuition that we could all take loads from and use it every time we are training. 

ありがとうございます

arigatou gozai masu

Good luck to the JKA Scotland athletes who attended the last squad session on the 5th October before heading off to Japan for the JKA World Championships. The session held under the watchful eye of the squad coach Sensei John Deans covered not only kata and Kumite but fitness levels as well, all of which were thoroughly enjoyed by all who took part.

With our National Gasshuku to look forward to next week, the finishing touches will be added by Sensei Ohta and Sensei Hirayama before the squad head off to Japan. Good luck to you all and on behalf of JKA Scotland squad coaches and manager I’m sure you will do yourself and your country proud.

Saturday 11^th May, JKA Scotland held the yearly Special Course & Dan Grading. The midyear course where brown and black belt members all gathered at Dunfermline High School eagerly waiting to see what Ohta Sensei 7^th Dan JKA had planned for the next 3-hours of training.

After the warm-up everyone knew that this course was going to be a great one as always, and the temperature inside the training hall match that outside as it was a beautiful hot day.

Training started slowly building up with basic drills to get the body and mind focused before progressing to combination techniques and working with a partner to put these into practice, with the main area of focus being on distance.

After a small break, the session continued with the focus switching to kata and in particular Heian Nidan and Sandan. Sensei explained these katas in more depth and focused on specific movements within the kata before splitting into groups of 3 and practicing application for certain parts of both kata’s.

After our 2^nd break it was time to focus on the kata’s that will be performed for Dan Grading’s. The 1^st being Jion followed by Bassai Dai. Sensei made sure that everyone was aware of the main points of the kata and how to use the body to perform these moves correctly.

At the end of each Kata Sensei asked if any students had any questions and provided an explanation of each to make sure that all questions were answered and understood.

After 3 hours training, everyone thanked Ohta Sensei and for a fabulous course. All students had something to work on and practice from the course.

Dan Grading

Following the course, a Dan Grading was held, and the following students were successful in passing Dan Grading:

1^st Dan – Shodan                                                                    2^nd Dan – Nidan

Duncan Collin (Bass Rock)                                                     Helen Alexander (Bass Rock)

Athanasios Nikolaou (Carnegie)                                             Kevin Stickings (Dunfermline)

Lucy Dykes (Carnegie)                                                          Arthur Bruce (Shibumi)

Ryan Black (Dalgety Bay)                                                      Claire Watkins (Dalgety Bay)

Gavin Nicol (Dalgety Bay)

We would also like to thank all the JKA Scotland members who supported and Ohta Sensei for a fantastic course, we hope you enjoyed it.

The JKA Scotland senior squad, consisting of James Campbell, Kyle Bruce, Holly Williams, Srishti Panthri and Calum Bruce, attended the JKA European Championships from Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th April 2024 in the beautiful city of Ghent in Belgium.  The squad arrived in plenty of time to get in some last minute training on Friday 5th led by Sensei Gordon Williamson JKA Squad Manager.

The event on Saturday 6th April meant an early start with the squad being picked up at 7.30am for an 8.50am roll call.

With 27 countries participating and a partisan home crowd of 1600 spectators the atmosphere was electric straight from the start. Being such a huge event in the JKA calendar, the Championship was held over 6 tatami and lasted until 7.30pm that night with almost no breaks.

The Kata events were up first with all of the senior squad taking part in this event.

All of our competitors performed to the highest standard possible and put in some strong performances. Whilst there were no medals, Holly Williams progressed to the final 16 before losing narrowly to one of the finalists.