Events
See below details of our events from Gradings, course and competitions.
USKFI Shotokan Cup OPEN 2025
Join us for the USKFI Open Shotokan Cup 2025 on Sunday, October 19th at Phibblestown Sports Centre, Dublin 15. This exciting day of competition will feature a wide range of categories, offering something for karateka of all ages and levels. The event will showcase Shotokan at its best — spirit, technique, and mutual respect. Whether competing or cheering from the sidelines , all are invited to be part of this vibrant and memorable day.
USKFI members can enter as usual by speaking with their club instructor.
Non USKFI members are welcome to take part, but please ensure you have a valid licence and suitable insurance, and that all entries must come through your club instructor.
Please note:
Further information is also available here on categories etc here.
Entries can only be made on the official entry form available here and sent via your by instructors only.
The final date for entries is the 12th October.
If you have any questions, your instructor can get in touch via the email uskfi.admin@gmail.com
Seminar and Dan grading with Sensei Frank Brennan
Registration and full details to follow…..
USKFI Squad Selection 2026
Why Join the USKFI Squad?
Competing on the squad is your opportunity to take your karate to the next level! As a squad member, you’ll have the chance to:
Compete Internationally: Represent Ireland in KUGB events, European, and World Championships.
All Expenses Paid: Travel, accommodation, and entry fees for international competitions are covered.
Elite Training: Access specialised technical and tactical coaching, psychology, nutrition, and strength and conditioning sessions led by qualified coaches.
Unmatched Support: Benefit from personalised guidance and mentorship from our experienced coaching team to help you excel.
If you dont try you will never know? Don’t miss this chance to push your limits, showcase your skills on the global stage, and be part of an exceptional journey! Open to all brown and back belts aged 10 years and above. Please bring a passport photo on the day along with mitts, gumshields and water.
Registration details to follow ……
USKFI OPEN Seminar with Sensei Sandy Rantzow
The USKFI are delighted to welcome back Sensei Sandy Rantzow (5th Dan, JKA Sweden) to Ireland this September. Sensei Rantzow has decades of top-level competition and teaching experience. Her impressive competition successes include:
WSKA World Kata Champion
ESKA European Kata champion
JKA European Kata champion
Additionally, she was the first woman in JKA Sweden to achieve 5th Dan and is a qualified ESKA and WSKA international Kata and Kumite judge.
Class times
First class 12.30 - 2pm
(Break) 2 - 2.45pm
Second class 2.45 - 4.15pm
This is an open course for brown and black belts and places are strictly limited – early booking is essential. Don’t miss the chance to train with one of Europe’s most accomplished female JKA instructors.
Registration is now closed…..
USKFI Dan Grade preparation course
Our next Dan Prep course in Bray Co Wicklow continues the refine the work done in earlier sessions, focusing on helping students reach the standards required for Dan examinations.
Led by Sensei Jennifer Prendergast (6th Dan), the course will:
Elevate your kihon, kata, and kumite
Address common grading challenges and refine the finer points performance
Strengthen technical accuracy, timing, and mindset
Provide personalised corrections and feedback
These sessions are a vital step in ensuring you approach your Dan grading with confidence.
Registration is now closed…
USKFI Brown/Black Belt Kata Course
Our brown and black belt kata course on August 16th will be instructed by Sensei David Royle 6th Dan. You will be learning kata Chinte, known for its unusual pattern and close quarter techniques. From there you will learn application of those techniques through bunkai.
Higher grades will be able to improve their timing and practical understanding of the kata, and develop their understanding of bunkai further. Following this section the class will focus on using the application process to further develop their favourite kata.
Registration is now closed
USKFI Brown/Black Belt Course
Our next course will be held on July 26th with Sensei Michael Sherlock 6th Dan. The focus of the first part of the course will be timing and distance in kumite, an area students often struggle with, both in gradings and in competitions. The second half will have brown belts working on Jion with dan grades studying Tekki Sandan. Register now!
Don’t forget regular attendance at USKFI courses is a pre-requisite when applying to take dan gradings.
Registration is now closed
Brown/Black Belt Kata Course
We are looking forward to welcoming our brown and black belts to our June Kata Course this Saturday 21st.
Under the instruction of Sensei Michael Sherlock, 6th Dan, your understanding of kata will be taken to the next level.
Whether you're new to a kata, or fine-tuning your understanding of higher grade katas then you will benefit from this course. Brown belts will be taken though Bassai Dai and Empi, while Dan grades will concentrate on katas Unsu and Sochin. Registration now open!
Registration is now closed …….
USKFI Dan Grade preparation course
The next USKFI Dan Grade Preparation Course is on the 7th June in our Corduff dojo.
In the fourth of our special dan grade preparation courses you will learn to optimise your energy usage during gradings and develop strategies to deliver effective techniques. You will also learn to improve body movement for successful defending and countering. The second half of the class will be devoted to compulsory katas.
Led by Sensei Jennifer Prendergast (6th Dan) you don't need to be grading soon in order to avail of these classes; they're open to all brown and black belts, so register now!
Registration now closed
USKFI Orange - Brown Belt Course
The USKFI are proud to hold another Orange-Brown belt course this coming weekend. Under the instruction of Sensei Bernard Gaffney 5th Dan, those attending will improve their fundamental movement and stability in kihon through use of multidirectional activities. Skills learned will then be brought into kata where participants will improve their movement and performance.
We encourage all our orange-brown belts to register for this course designed especially for you. Remember brown belts; regular USKFI course attendance is a necessity when applying to go for Dan grading.
Registration is now closed
USKFI Dan Grade preparation course
In the third of our special dan grading preparation courses, we will be focusing on jiyu ippon and kaishi ippon kumite. You will learn how to deliver effective techniques using correct timing, distance and strategy, and also how to defend attacks effectively. We will also be working on compulsory katas.
If you plan on dan grading in the near future, or simply want to enhance your own karate development, then this course is for you! Don’t forget that regular attendance at USKFI courses is a necessary prerequisite for Dan gradings.
Registration is now closed ….
Seminar and Dan grading with Sensei Frank Brennan
The USKFI welcomes Sensei Frank Brennan for our April Brown and Black Belt Course and Dan grading.
First class 9:30 - 10:30, followed by a short break, second class 10:45 - 11:45.
Dan grading is 12:30 - 2:00.
Those grading are already registered for the course and don’t need to register\pay. Usual family discounts apply
Registration now closed ….
USKFI National Championships
The USKFI National Championships are the ultimate test of skill, determination, and spirit. This prestigious event brings together karateka from far and wide to compete, challenge themselves, and celebrate their martial arts journey. Whether you're chasing gold, looking to gain experience, or simply embracing the thrill of competition, this is your moment to shine.
Showcase Your Skills – Put your hard work to the test on the national stage!
Build Confidence – Push your limits and prove to yourself what you're capable of.
Team Spirit – Support your teammates and experience the camaraderie that makes our sport unique.
Family & Friends – Invite your loved ones to cheer you on from the sidelines!
This is your chance to step up, compete, and be part of something incredible. Register now and make your mark!
Registration details available from your instructor
Brown/Black Belt Course + Pre Dan
Dan grading approaching soon? The USKFI Pre-Dan Course is tailored to prepare you for success. The course will be delivered by Sensei David Royle and Sensei Michael Sherlock
Designed to refine your techniques, build confidence, and ensure you’re grading-ready, this course is an essential step in your Dan grade journey.
Registration now closed
FREE Orange - Brown Belt Introduction to Kumite Course
Whether you're new to kumite, or have experience already and want to improve your skills and confidence in kumite, then our Introduction to Kumite course is for you! Instructed by our Squad Coach Sensei David Royle 6th dan and Assistant Squad Coach Sensei Lisa Meagher 3rd dan, the class will focus on:
defensive strategies
closing distance using multiple angles
effective timing, techniques and distance
effective counter attacks
timing
By the end of the class you will have more tools and strategies to bring your kumite to the next level. This is not a course to be missed. This course is free to all Orange-Brown Belt licensed USKFI members.
Registration is now closed
USKFI Seminar with Sensei John Bruce
The USKFI are delighted to welcome Sensei John Bruce (6th Dan) to Dublin.
Class times:
9.30-11am
11.45-1.15pm
Open to all registered Brown and black belts this is an incredible opportunity to train with Sensei John Bruce who was a highly experienced and successful competitor in both kata and kumite at the highest international level.
Take your skills to the next level and register today!
Registration is now closed
USKFI Youth Championships
This event is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of your dedication, hard work, and the progress you've made on your martial arts journey. Whether you’re looking to test your skills, gain experience, or simply have fun, the Shotokan Cup is the perfect platform
Here’s why you should participate:
Showcase Your Skills: This is your chance to shine and demonstrate everything you’ve learned!
Confidence: You are probably better than you think! If you have never competed before now is the time to try in a fun and safe environment
Team Spirit: Cheer on your friends and enjoy the camaraderie that makes our sport unique.
Family and Friends: We encourage you to invite your family and friends to come and support you! There’s nothing like hearing familiar faces cheering from the crowd!
Please contact your Club instructor for details on how to enter ASAP!
U.S.K.F.I. Refs & Judges Course
Are you ready to start refereeing or judging ? Or take your current expertise to the next level? The USKFI Referees and Judges Courses are FREE and open to all dan grades ahead 18 and over. These courses are designed to unravel the rules of competition officiating in a positive and welcoming environment through practical scenarios and guidance from our most senior referees. Whether you're a seasoned referee or have never donned a blazer, come along and improve your knowledge.
Register your interest in advance via email uskfirefs@gmail.com
Sensei Frank Brennan Course
The USKFI welcomes the legendary Sensei Frank Brennan for our Spring Brown and Black Belt Course. This is an opportunity to refine your karate under the tuition a true legend of Shotokan karate!
One not to be missed. Course times:
10.30-12pm
Break 12-1pm
1 - 2.30pm
Cost for one or both classes: €20. Usual family discounts apply.
Registration is now closed …
USKFI Dan Grade preparation course
Instructed by Sensei Jennifer Prendergast 6th dan the second of our five dan grading preparation courses will focus on kumite, as well as kumite tactics for higher grades.
Come along to take yourself out of your kumite comfort zone to improve
distance and timing in your attacks as well as
acquire effective defensive strategies.
The second part of the class will focus on kata: compulsory or favourite depending on your grade.
Open to all brown and black belts
Registration is now closed……
