About - WSKO - Shotokan Karate In Wales

Train Like a Champion – Shotokan Karate for All Levels!

ABOUT US

About Welsh Shotokan Karate Organisation

The Welsh Shotokan Karate Organisation formally Rhondda Shotokan Karate Schools was formed on the 29th November of 1989, affiliated to the Welsh Karate Governing Body (WKGB) who in turn is affiliated to the World Karate Federation (WKF) and the European Karate Federation (EKF).

The Welsh Shotokan Karate Organisation Provides Professional Karate Tuition by National Qualified Karate Instructors, all of our Instructors are Qualified First Aiders – DBS Checked – Covered by Professional Indemnity. In this Day and Age it is very important to thoroughly check the Karate Class you attend is a Bonafide Run Karate Dojo (Class), making sure all their Instructors are properly Qualified, Insured, DBS (Discloser & Barring Service) Checked and are affiliated to a recognised Karate Governing Body.

Sensei Jason Ashcroft

Welsh Shotokan Karate Organisation Chief Instructor – Sensei Jason Ashcroft 7th Dan Shotokan, has Been Training in Karate Since 1979 and Has Been Teaching Karate Since 1989…. He Is : Cheif Instructor of the Welsh Shotokan Karate Organisation , World Karate Federation & European Karate Federation ‘A’ Grade Referee. Previously BSKU World Champion, also holding Welsh, British & International Titles.

What is Shotokan Karate?

Shotokan Karate is a traditional Japanese martial art founded by Gichin Funakoshi in the early 20th century. Known for its strong, linear techniques and deep stances, it combines physical conditioning with mental discipline. Training focuses on three core elements: kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring).

A key feature of Shotokan Karate is its structured training system, where students progress through ranks while learning more advanced techniques. Kata—pre-arranged movement sequences—play a vital role in developing precision, timing, and application.

Best Overall Student Award

Every year we recognise and honour one of our students for working hard, attaining the highest possible attendance, and most of all, showing technical skill. It’s a way of celebrating those who consistently give their best in every session. The award has been going since 1993 and has been awarded to some great Welsh Shotokan Karate Organisation Karate-Ka.

Award Winners

1993 – Nigel Bird
1994 – Richard Williams
1995 – Sarah Morgan
1996 – Gavin Maddern
1997 – Jai Tsim
1998 – Donna Warren
1999 – Luke Kirby
2000 – Jai Tsim
2001 – Shaun Banfield

2002 – Nadine Griffiths
2003 – Michael Bassett
2004 – James Cooke
2005 – Denzil Head
2006 – Shane Brown
2007 – Robert Perkins
2008 – Peter Seymour
2009 – Luke Richards
2010 – Richard Williams

2011 – Rob Green
2012 – Gerwyn Harries
2013 – Luke Richards
2014 – Connor Evans
2015 – Liam Noyce
2016 – Stuart Smith
2017 – Ben Thomas
2018 – Kenitra Sparrow
2019 – Rhys Rowbotham

2020 – No Presentation
2021 – No Presentation
2022 – No Presentation
2023 – No Presentation
2024 – No Presentation
2025 – Nicole Sino

Here are some video clips showcasing the Kumite & Kata aspects of karate, demonstrated by some of the top karate athletes in the world. These clips highlight both kumite (sparring) and kata (forms), offering a great insight into the skill, speed, and precision required at the highest level of the sport.

2014 World Karate Championships Final

Finals Refereed by Sensei Jason Ashcroft

Final Female Kata – Rika Usami

21st WKF World Karate Championships Paris 2012

Male Kumite – Amir Mehdizadeh vs Douglas Brose

World Karate Championships 2012

WELCOME TO THE WKSO

Building Confidence, Strength and Discipline

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