JKA Kyu Grading Examination – 30 May 2026

Congratulations to everyone who successfully passed their JKA Kyu Grading Examination following our latest course with Sensei Kenny Taylor 7th Dan at the Brothock Shotokan Karate Club Dojo in Arbroath.

The day began with a dedicated Brown & Black Belt training session (10:30am–12:00pm), giving our senior students the opportunity to train under one of the most respected and experienced instructors in British Shotokan Karate. With almost 60 years of karate experience, Sensei Kenny continues to inspire students through his engaging teaching style, attention to detail and ability to communicate complex techniques in a clear, enjoyable and motivating way.

Now both 81 years of age, Sensei Masao Kawasoe and Sensei Kenny Taylor continue to demonstrate that karate is truly a lifelong pursuit. Their dedication, enthusiasm and commitment show that, with discipline, regular practice and a positive attitude, it is possible to continue learning, teaching and inspiring others well into later life. Kenny’s willingness to travel from Glasgow to spend an entire day teaching, encouraging students and conducting grading examinations is remarkable. His example reminds us all that age need not be a barrier to remaining active, continuing to develop and making a positive difference to others. Both Sensei Kawasoe and Sensei Kenny are an inspiration to our members and a powerful reminder that the journey of karate never truly ends.

Following a short break, the focus shifted to our No Grade to 4th Kyu students. One of Kenny’s greatest strengths is his ability to engage younger members. He quickly builds an excellent rapport with the children, creating a positive learning environment where they feel encouraged to do their very best. His enthusiasm is infectious, and he has a remarkable ability to motivate students of every age while maintaining the high technical standards expected within the Japan Karate Association.

The course naturally prepared students, both technically and mentally, for the JKA Kyu Grading Examination that followed. Every grading represents another important milestone in a student’s karate journey, recognising not only technical progress but also the commitment, discipline, perseverance and character that are developed through regular training.

At Brothock Shotokan Karate Club, JKA Kyu Grading Examinations are held four times each year, normally in March, June, September and December. These gradings provide students with regular opportunities to measure their progress while maintaining the exceptionally high technical standards of traditional JKA Shotokan Karate.

Congratulations to every student who was successful in their grading examination. Whether receiving your very first belt or progressing towards Black Belt, every grading is an achievement earned through months of consistent training, dedication and a willingness to learn. Every new grade represents another step forward on what we hope will be a lifelong karate journey.

A sincere thank you to Sensei Kenny Taylor for once again delivering an outstanding course and conducting the grading examination with his customary professionalism, encouragement and good humour. We are extremely grateful for the continued support he gives to our club, and we always look forward to welcoming him back to our dojo.

Finally, thank you to all of our instructors, volunteers, parents and supporters whose assistance helped make the day run so smoothly. Events such as these are only possible through the continued support of our club community, and we are grateful to everyone who played their part in another successful day of training, achievement and friendship.

We now look forward to welcoming everyone back to the dojo as preparations begin for our next JKA Kyu Grading Examination, where another group of students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their progress and continue their journey in traditional Shotokan Karate.

Photographs from our JKA Course and Kyu Grading Examination with Sensei Kenny Taylor 7th Dan, held at Brothock Shotokan Karate Club, Arbroath.

Karate is not about being better than someone else; it is about striving to become better than you were yesterday.”

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