2025 Milestones and Achievements at Sonchō Karate Club CIC

Sonchō Karate Club CIC – Year in Review

As the year draws to a close, it feels only right to pause and reflect on what has been an incredibly full, inspiring, and rewarding year at Sonchō Karate Club CIC. This year has been shaped by commitment, resilience, curiosity, and community spirit — shown not just in achievements, but in the way Sonchō Karate Club members support one another on and off the dojo floor.

From regular training, workshops, squad sessions, courses and seminars to gradings, competitions, outdoor training, and community events, our students have embraced every opportunity to learn, challenge themselves, and grow. I am immensely proud of every individual who has stepped onto the mat this year, and deeply grateful to the families, supporters, visiting instructors, and wider karate community who continue to walk this journey with us.

Training with experienced Senseis, attending national squad sessions, and competing at high levels have all contributed to raising the club’s standards. These experiences also deepen the bonds between members, making the club a place where learning and friendship go hand in hand.

Sonchō Karate Club is more than just a place to learn martial arts. It is a community where individuals grow physically and mentally, supported by instructors and peers. The variety of activities ensures that every member finds opportunities to develop.

Below is a month-by-month celebration of the highlights that made this year so special.

⸻

January – Setting the Tone

The year began with strong foundations and renewed focus.

We kicked things off with successfully passing the HDKI D Class Kyu grade examiner test, later followed by attending the Squad training in Basingstoke, where students worked hard on basics, and technical consistency — setting a positive tone for the months ahead.

Student of the Month – January:

Kayley stood out for her excellent attention to detail and outstanding kata performance. Her focus and determination marked her as a new star in the making and a wonderful example of how consistent effort pays off.

⸻

February – Learning, Reflection, and Determination

February brought valuable learning opportunities into our own dojo.

We had the privilege of training with Julie Sensei and John Sensei at Sonchō Karate Club, gaining fresh perspectives and deep technical insight. This was followed by a mock grading for our Shodan candidates, where constructive feedback helped highlight strengths while clearly identifying areas for development — an invaluable step in their journey.

Student of the Month – February:

Lizzie earned this recognition for her determination and hard work, showing up consistently with focus and a positive attitude in every session.

⸻

March – Progress and Perspective

March was a month of visible development and exploration.

Our Kyu grading showcased the technical progress and growing confidence of our students, reflecting the effort invested since the start of the year.

Several members attended National Squad training in Dudley, experiencing high-level expectations and pushing themselves outside their comfort zones.

We also visited Blackwater Valley Shotokan Karate, training with Sensei Neil Jerome, where we explored how traditional kata evolves into functional, dynamic karate — deepening our understanding of application and intent.

New Student of the Month – March:

Gisele, recognised for her focus and clear improvement in kumite, showing courage and willingness to learn.

⸻

April – Expanding Experience and Opportunity

April was packed with opportunities to grow.

We attended the HDKI GB Black & Brown Belt Course hosted by Kanshin Karate Club in Guildford, taking away a huge amount from the detailed, Shodan-focused sessions.

Back home, we ran free competition training sessions, covering rules, strategy, and mindset, helping students feel more confident stepping into competitive environments.

In partnership with Tamerton Karate Club, we proudly hosted the first HDKI GB South Region Competition in Cheltenham, welcoming clubs from across towns and cities and giving many students their first taste of competition karate.

We were also honoured to train with Matt Pain Sensei, who delivered two outstanding sessions in Cheltenham. These challenged our foundations while showing how small technical adjustments can dramatically improve reach, timing, and defensive effectiveness.

Student of the Month – April:

Ellie, recognised for her curiosity, eagerness to learn, and constant drive to improve.

⸻

May – Broadening Horizons

May offered fresh experiences and inspiration.

Students returned to the Squad training in Basingstoke, continuing to refine competitive skills and technical sharpness.

We enjoyed an excellent Bo staff training session with Sensei Mark Lutman at Ridgeway Shotokan Karate Club, adding variety and coordination challenges to our training.

Later in the month, members travelled to Faversham to train with Bob Rhodes Sensei and Kevin Thurlow Sensei at Canterbury Shotokan Karate Club, gaining new insights that enriched our practice back at the club.

⸻

June – Consistency and Commitment

June reinforced the value of consistency.

Another National Squad session in Dudley kept standards high and momentum strong.

We competed at the British Open in London taking 1st and 2nd place in kumite and 3rd place in kata. We also saw Maryse travel to Liverpool to train with Scott Langley Sensei, to continue her development, bringing fresh ideas and renewed motivation back to the dojo.

Student of the Month – June:

Andrea, recognised for her outstanding dedication, perseverance, and determination — a true role model in how she approaches training and challenges.

⸻

July – Stepping Beyond Comfort Zones

July was a standout month for personal growth.

Our Kyu grading exceeded expectations, with students stepping well beyond their comfort zones and delivering strong, confident performances.

Best Grading Trophy:

Awarded to Zoë, whose focus and composure truly stood out.

To keep summer training fresh and challenging, we introduced Jo staff practice, adding new skills and coordination demands.

Student of the Month – July:

Toby, recognised for his dedication, determination, and impressive growth in confidence.

⸻

August – Community, Creativity, and Fun

August brought a change of pace — and scenery.

We made the most of the weather with outdoor training in the local park, embracing adaptability and teamwork.

We were honoured to support No Child Left Behind, sharing karate with the local community. Our members didn’t just demonstrate — they joined in fully! From climbing walls to hurling plungers, and racing in mini Olympics, we had so much fun that the crowd couldn’t help but join in.

We also attended two squad training sessions, trained intensively at the Shogai Summer Camp, and travelled to train with Scott Langley Sensei at Blackwater Valley Shotokan Karate, continuing to broaden our experience.

Sonchō On the Roads Trophy:

Awarded to Kayley for her awesome kick spotted at Legoland — proof that karate skills go everywhere!

⸻

September – Building Momentum Together

September marked a return to intensive focus.

We opened the month with Keith Sensei from Vicars Cross Karate Club, who shared his knowledge and experience in an inspiring session.

New and returning members trained hard during intensive sessions, focusing on grading preparation and upcoming competitions.

We were fortunate to train with Ohta Sensei, and later welcomed John Parnell Sensei, who lined up and trained alongside everyone — our students, including myself, found this to be hugely motivating.

I had an honour of joining the instructors lineup at Shotorama in Guildford and both myself and Maryse trained with Rick Hotton Sensei at seminar in Basingstoke, while Charlie took the lead and taught at Sonchō Karate Club

We also hosted a free HDKI GB Black & Brown Belt Course in Cheltenham, where Elif and Yingtai successfully passed their black belt grading with flying colours — a proud moment for the whole club.

Student of the Month – September:

Jakub, recognised for his focus, spirit, determination, and enthusiasm in supporting others.

⸻

October – Competition and Courage

October brought major competitive challenges.

Students attended squad training in Cheltenham, sharpening skills ahead of nationals.

At the HDKI GB Nationals, our team delivered outstanding performances:

Ellie – Kata Gold

Hazel – Kata Gold

Yingtai – Kata Gold

Laurel – Kumite Silver

Ellie – Kumite Bronze

Alex – Kumite Bronze

Alongside strong performances from Viraaj, Elif, Isaac, Zoë, and Marius, each giving their absolute best.

We also travelled to Chester, training with Julie and John Sensei at Vicars Cross Shotokan Karate Club, rounding off a powerful month of learning.

⸻

November – Giving Back and Finishing Strong

November was busy and deeply meaningful.

We held our third annual FairFight fundraising event, celebrating friendship and community while raising an incredible £600.

Students continued squad training and competed at the final Welsh League event, where Yingtai secured first place and was crowned Champion of Champions in his category.

Our final Kyu grading of the year showed huge improvement across the board, with excellent form and spirit from every member. Ellie and Isaac were recognised for the best grading.

Maryse travelled to train at the HDKI France Autumn Camp

We also travelled to Faversham to train with Sensei Bob Rhodes and Sensei Stuart Amos, coming away with countless ideas for future development.

⸻

December - Ending the Year Inspired

To close the year, Laurel and Hazel trained with the world kata champion Grace Lau and bronze world kata medallist Ariel Torres, returning full of inspiration and practical insights to share.

Maryse travelled to Zambia and Zimbabwe overseeing FairFight work, I trained at the HDKI GB Christmas Course and Charlie led the way and delivered a fantastic training session at our Saturday dojo.

We finished on a high with a final seminar with John Gardiner Sensei that we attended, leaving everyone motivated and excited for what lies ahead.

Students of the Year:

Ellie and Yingtai, recognised for their outstanding commitment, progress, and attitude throughout the year.

⸻

Thank You

• I would like to thank Maryse, Charlie, and Marius for their ongoing support and help with teaching, ensuring continuity and quality in our training.

• A heartfelt thank you goes to my family for their unwavering support and for giving back to the community together

• Thank you to all senior instructors who regularly teach at our club and also join the line to train with us, inspiring our students through example.

• Thank you to the wider karate community for providing me with the opportunities to develop my refereeing skills and to my mentor for all his knowledge that he shares with me on the mat.

• Thank you to every student for your effort and trust, to parents and families for your support, and to our wider community for believing in what we do.

As the new year approaches, the focus will remain on building skills, encouraging resilience, providing and expanding opportunities for all members. Whether through training, courses, or competition, Sonchō Karate Club is committed to helping every student reach their potential.

I am incredibly proud of this club and everyone who makes it what it is. I look forward to continuing this journey together in 2026.

Natalie Böttcher

Instructor & Managing Director

Sonchō Karate Club CIC