Our association's summer gasshuku (training camp) was held in Antwerp, Belgium, from 15th-18th July 2026.
A great set of training events ranging from all-group work to grade-specific sessions to individual and partner work, all with the key focus of practical self-defence... alongside catching up with friends new and old, this made for a truly memorable gasshuku!
Always & All Ways in training, Sensei Paula
Our local grading for Juniors, Cadets & Adults was held on Saturday 25th October 2025, from 10:15am onwards.
Such great focus, effort and commitment to training was evident throughout the grading and showed up in the results for our students :-)
New belts have been given out and are being worn with pride... well done all!
Sensei Paula
** Special Goju-Ryu Kumite (Fighting) Training Event held 4th October 2025 **
Cheshire Karate Academy hosted a special Goju-Ryu Kumite training event for all its students with Sensei Pete Thompson (7th Dan) from the GKI's Wessex Karate Academy.
Sensei Pete made a special visit to Sandbach, bringing with him years of Goju-Ryu experience including participating in and organising kumite events. Sensei Pete holds the position of Chair for the UK GKI association and is a tournament referee.
Juniors, Cadets and Adults came together for this great event which was also celebrating 3 years of Cheshire Karate Academy!
The GKI UK national competition 2025 was a resounding success with over 100 competitors taking part from all over the UK... several Cheshire Karate Academy students attended and did so well in their respective categories and events throughout the day!
Events and Categories were Juniors (6-13), Cadets (14-17) and Adult contestants (18+) participating in Kumite, Individual Kata and Team Kata.
Another great competition for our students and instructors alike, with medals and trophies as well as great experiences and memories to bring home!
Superb efforts, well done all who took part... proud of you all, Sensei Paula
Sensei Paula was recently awarded her Yondan Black Belt in Goju-Ryu following her successful grading at the GKI International Summer 2025 Gasshuku in Spain.
Many hours of dedicated training and intense gasshuku sessions paid off and being able to share grading successes with long-standing GKI friends, as well as make some new ones, all added to the celebrations!
Practice makes progress...!
We practise traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu, which focuses on effective close-quarters fighting. We enjoy tournaments, but believe that the true heart of karate is self defence.
