Kaizen No-Michi School of Shotokan Karate in Grimsby and Cleethorpes was delighted to welcome Sensei Steve Ashby from Kyoto Shotokan Karate Club in Bristol for two fantastic karate training sessions. It was a great day of Shotokan Karate training, with both our Tigers and Senior Class having the opportunity to train under an experienced visiting instructor and experience something a little different from their usual sessions. Karate Training for Our Tigers Our Tigers Karate C

Is your child nervous about starting karate? You’re not alone. For many parents, getting their child to try something new can be challenging. They may worry about meeting new people, not knowing what to expect, getting things wrong, or simply walking into a room full of unfamiliar faces. The good news is that being nervous is completely normal — and starting karate can actually be a great way to gradually build confidence, self-belief and resilience. At Kaizen No-Michi School

If you've trained in Karate for long enough, there comes a point when you realise something rather worrying... Karate has followed you out of the dojo. You're no longer wearing your gi. You're not standing in line. There's no Sensei shouting “Yoi!” And yet... You bow. Or worse... “Osu!” The accidental bow You've probably done it. You're somewhere completely unrelated to Karate and someone gives you a polite nod. Your Karate-trained brain immediately kicks in: Nod received. Re

Traditional Karate vs Sport Karate — which is better? The answer depends on what you want from karate. For some people, karate is primarily about competition: developing speed, athletic ability and tactical skills to perform at the highest possible level in Kumite (sparring) and Kata competitions. For others, karate is a lifelong martial art — something that develops the body, mind and character and can continue to be practised well into later life. At Kaizen No-Michi School

🎥 A Karate Film Every Traditional Karateka Should Watch If you practise Karate, you may have seen your fair share of martial arts films. But every now and then, a film comes along that feels different. Kuro-Obi (Black Belt), released in Japan in 2007, is one of those films. Rather than relying on spectacular special effects, exaggerated fight scenes and Hollywood-style choreography, Kuro-Obi takes a much more traditional approach to Karate. And there is a very good reason wh

At Kaizen No-Michi School of Shotokan Karate, we believe good Karate training starts before you step onto the mat. We often think about preparation in terms of getting your Karate suit ready, remembering your belt and arriving on time — but there is another important part of preparation that is sometimes overlooked: hydration. Why Is Hydration Important? Karate training can be physically demanding. Whether you're practising Kihon, Kata or Kumite, your body works hard and you

Karate is a lifelong journey — but the way we train must change as we grow older. One of the great things about Karate-Do is that there is no age at which the journey has to end. Your body may change as the years pass, but your understanding, technique, timing, breathing, balance and mental strength can continue to develop. Few examples demonstrate this better than Hirokazu Kanazawa Sōke, founder of the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (SKIF) and one of the most in

For anyone new to karate, one of the most exciting parts of training is kumite — the practice of fighting or sparring with a partner. At Kaizen No-Michi School of Shotokan Karate, kumite is an important part of developing practical karate skills. But kumite is about much more than simply trying to hit your opponent. It teaches timing, distance, control, movement, awareness and discipline. What Does Kumite Mean? The Japanese word kumite (組手) can be translated as “meeting of ha

When people first see a karate class, one of the things that often catches their attention is kata — a sequence of carefully choreographed karate techniques performed against imaginary opponents. But kata is much more than simply memorising a set of movements. At Kaizen No-Michi School of Shotokan Karate, kata is an important part of our training and plays a fundamental role in developing strong, technically skilled and disciplined karate-ka. What Does Kata Mean? The Japanese

What Does Each Karate Belt Really Mean? To someone who doesn't practise karate, a belt may look like nothing more than a piece of coloured fabric. But to a karate-ka, every belt represents something much greater. At Kaizen No-Michi School of Shotokan Karate, each belt represents a stage in a student's journey — a journey of hard work, discipline, patience, perseverance, respect and constant improvement. Our belt system gives students goals to work towards while teaching them

One of the most common challenges faced by karate students is having one leg that feels stronger, faster and more coordinated than the other. Whether you're a beginner learning your first Mae Geri or an experienced black belt refining your Mawashi Geri, everyone has a dominant side. The question is: Should we accept it? The answer is no. Balance Creates Better Karate Traditional Shotokan Karate teaches us that the body should work as one. If one side is significantly stronger

If you're searching for the best karate school in Grimsby and Cleethorpes, you're probably looking for more than just somewhere to learn punches and kicks. You want experienced instructors, a welcoming atmosphere, high-quality tuition, and a club where both children and adults can develop confidence, discipline, fitness and lifelong skills. At Kaizen No-Michi School of Shotokan Karate, we've been helping students achieve their goals since 2007. Whether you're a complete begin

Despite the forecast warning of heavy rain, the weather had other ideas as the sun shone brightly for our annual Karate Bears on the Beach event at Cleethorpes Beach. Every year, this special event brings together students, parents and families from Kaizen No-Michi School of Shotokan Karate for a relaxed day of fun, friendship and karate by the sea. It perfectly reflects what our club is all about – developing martial arts skills while building a supportive community. Fun Gam

When people hear the name Chuck Norris, they often think of the legendary internet jokes that portray him as the toughest man alive. While these jokes have become a worldwide phenomenon, they are inspired by a man whose real-life achievements are extraordinary. Chuck Norris is far more than an action hero. He is a highly accomplished martial artist, multiple-time karate champion, bestselling author, philanthropist and one of the most recognisable faces in martial arts history

Few experiences in karate are as memorable as training outdoors with the sound of the sea, fresh coastal air, and fellow karate-ka sharing the same challenge. At Kaizen No-Michi School of Shotokan Karate, our annual beach events have become highlights of the calendar, bringing together students, families and friends from across the UK to celebrate traditional karate and community spirit. Kangeiko – Traditional Winter Karate Training Every year during the first week of January

In today's digital world, managing children's screen time has become one of the biggest challenges for parents. Smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and streaming services are now part of everyday life, but spending too much time in front of a screen can affect a child's physical health, emotional wellbeing, and social development. While technology has many benefits, children also need opportunities to move, learn, and interact with others. That's where Shotokan Karate can

What Is Makawara? Makawara is a traditional martial arts training tool used primarily in Karate. It consists of a sturdy wooden post or flexible board with a padded striking surface. Martial artists use it to practice punches, knife-hand strikes, elbows, and other techniques while developing proper form, power, accuracy, and conditioning. The word Makiwara comes from Japanese, meaning "wrapped straw," referring to the original straw-covered striking post used by Okinawan kar

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and finding positive ways to manage stress, anxiety, and everyday challenges is essential. At Kaizen No-Michi, we believe karate is much more than learning self-defence—it is a journey of personal growth that strengthens both the body and the mind. Whether you're a child building confidence, a teenager navigating life's pressures, or an adult looking for a healthy outlet, karate offers lasting mental health benefits that

An amazing karate training session with Sensei Steve Carless 6th Dan Congratulations to all Kaizen No-Michi students on a successful karate grading. Well Done to our Monday evening Karate Tigers Well Done to our Wednesday evening Karate Tigers There was a fantastic atmosphere at Kaizen No-Michi's Grimsby Dojo at Ormiston Maritime Academy on Saturday 11th July as students came together for a special Karate Training and Kyu Grading Day, held by Sensei Steve Carless. The celebra

If you're searching for Karate classes near me or comparing Karate vs Taekwondo, you're not alone. These are two of the world's most popular martial arts, but they have different training methods, techniques and goals. At Kaizen No Michi School of Shotokan Karate, we believe Karate offers a more complete martial arts experience. Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, learn practical self-defence or build confidence, Karate provides skills that last a lifetime. What I