GY28 and Kaizen No-Michi School of Shotokan Karate. Celebrating the Heart, Spirit and Community of Grimsby
Building confidence, discipline and community through traditional Shotokan karate.
Culture is more than theatres, music, art and historic buildings. It is also about people: belonging, shared values, personal stories and the communities we build together.
For almost two decades, Kaizen No-Michi School of Shotokan Karate has been part of that story in Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
Founded in Grimsby in 2007 by Chief Instructor Andrew “Andy” Jones, Kaizen No-Michi began with three students at West Marsh Community Centre. Through dedication and hard work, the club grew from a small local group into a community built on the belief that traditional karate can benefit people of all ages and abilities.
In 2022, the club opened a second dojo in Cleethorpes, bringing its shared purpose to two communities: connecting people through the traditional Japanese martial art of Shotokan karate.
More Than Martial Arts
Karate is about far more than punches, kicks and kata. It develops confidence, resilience, respect, self-discipline and the determination to keep improving.
For children, training offers a supportive environment to build life skills, make friends and learn perseverance. For adults, it provides a chance to improve fitness, challenge themselves and join a welcoming community.
You do not have to be the strongest, fastest or most confident person in the room to begin. Everyone starts somewhere, and everyone deserves the opportunity to improve.
That is the meaning behind our name, Kaizen No-Michi — The Path to ConstantandNever-EndingImprovement.
A Club Rooted in Its Community
Since 2007, Kaizen No-Michi has contributed to the communities it serves through local relationships, volunteer effort, instructor dedication and the commitment of generations of students and families.
The club’s milestones include a bronze award through NEL Active Clubs in 2007 and Andy Jones receiving the NELSA Sports Coach of the Year award in 2010.
These honours reflect the value of local sports clubs in creating opportunities, encouraging participation and helping people discover what they can achieve.
Behind every belt and grading are hours of practice, personal challenges and the support of families, training partners and instructors.
A Place for Everyone
Traditional karate should be accessible to people from different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and ambitions.
Some students join to improve fitness; others want to build confidence, learn practical skills, challenge themselves or enjoy an activity with family. Whatever brings someone through the dojo door, we aim to provide an environment based on respect, encouragement and continual improvement.
We also understand that new environments can be challenging. Inclusion means more than inviting people to participate; it means helping them feel that they belong.
Connecting Grimsby to a Wider World
Although our roots are local, our karate has international connections.
Through our affiliation with Japan Karate Shotorenmei (JKS) England, students can train with experienced instructors and engage with the wider Shotokan community. Members have taken part in competitions, seminars and national and international training opportunities, representing their club and community with pride.
Traditional karate also connects us to Japanese martial arts heritage and its values of respect, discipline, humility and lifelong learning.
Looking Ahead to 2027 and Beyond
As Kaizen No-Michi approaches its 20th anniversary in 2027, we are proud of the journey from three students at West Marsh Community Centre to two dojos serving Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
Our story is not just about numbers, grades or trophies. It is about the people who have walked through our doors, the friendships formed, the challenges overcome and the confidence gained.
As Grimsby looks towards the opportunity presented by GY28 and the UK's Town of Culture programme, community clubs such as ours have a story worth sharing.
Culture lives in the traditions we preserve, the skills we pass on, the people we bring together and the opportunities we create for the next generation.
Two dojos. One community. A shared journey of constant improvement.
Kaizen No-Michi School of Shotokan Karate — bringing karate to the heart of Grimsby and Cleethorpes since 2007.
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