Events
See below details of our Events from gradings, courses and competitions.
Brown/Black Belt Course + Pre Dan
The course is open to all brown and black belts, with a special emphasis on the grading syllabus. Sensei David Royle, 7th dan, will guide participants through the requirements for their next grading as well as providing fine tuning for those familiar with the syllabus. If you are thinking of dan grading within the next 18 months, or simply want to train and improve your karate, then register now
Registration closes 27/3/26 @6pm
Seminar and Dan grading with Sensei Frank Brennan
USKFI are delighted to welcome Sensei Frank Brennan for a special seminar and Dan grading event.
The day includes senior training open to brown and black belts, providing valuable instruction and insight for those preparing to grade in the the next 12-18 months
Registration closes 10/4/26 @6pm
USKFI OPEN National Championships
The USKFI OPEN 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 the action.
Registration details to follow
USKFI Seminar with Greg Hegarty
We are delighted to welcome Sensei Greg Hegarty to Dublin this September.
A highly accomplished competitor, Sensei Hegarty represented both the KUGB English and British teams, achieving success at national, European, and World level, including World and European team titles and multiple individual medals.
Since concluding his competitive career in 2017, he has continued to make a significant contribution to karate through teaching, coaching, and leadership, and now runs Solihull Karate Academy full-time. With decades of experience grounded in traditional karate and elite competition, Sensei Hegarty brings exceptional knowledge and insight to this USKFI seminar.
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
USKFI Shotokan Cup OPEN 2026
Join us for the USKFI Open Shotokan Cup 2026 on Sunday, October 18th 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.
Spectators: Adults – €5 Children – €3.
Registration details to follow:
Brown/Black Belt Course + Pre Dan
Grading in next 12 to 18 months?
This course is designed to refine your techniques, build confidence, and ensure you’re grading-ready. An essential step in your Dan grade journey.
Seminar and Dan grading with Sensei Frank Brennan
Registration and full details to follow…..
USKFI Squad Selection 2027 (Free)
Why try for the USKFI Squad?
Registration 9.10am
Class starts 9.30 sharp
Competing on the USKFI Squad is your opportunity to elevate your skills, challenge yourself, and represent Ireland at international competition!. As a squad member, you’ll have the chance to:
Compete Internationally: Represent Ireland in national, KUGB , European, and World Championships events!
All Expenses Paid: Travel, accommodation, and entry fees for international competitions are covered by USKFI.
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.
Start your journey! 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.
Please arrive by 9.10am to allow for registration
Registration is now closed
Sensei Frank Brennan Course
We are delighted to welcome Sensei Frank Brennan (8th Dan) back to Dublin for our Spring course.
Sensei Brennan is internationally recognised for his expertise, offering a valuable opportunity for brown and black belt holders to develop and refine their karate.
Course times
10am - 11.30 and 12.15-1.45
Family discounts are available. Please bring your coursebook for signing.
Registration now closed….
USKFI Youth Championships
the USKFI Youth Championships is for USKFI members only and the perfect opportunity to gear up for competition season
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!
Registration details to follow
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
USKFI Dan Grade preparation course
Designed and delivered by Sensei Jennifer Prendergast (6th Dan), this course supports brown and black belts preparing for Dan gradings by focusing on the areas that most impact performance.
Training will focus on efficient use of energy and breathing, refined timing in kata and kumite, and effective distance, ensuring every technique is delivered with purpose and no wasted energy.
What to expect:
• Structured kihon combinations with focus on breathing and energy efficiency
• Grading specific special combinations
• Kata training to develop rhythm, flow, and momentum
• One for One kumite drills to challenge habitual distance
• Grade appropriate kumite with emphasis on timing, distance, and energy transfer
Dont forget to bring your coursebook. Regular attendance at USKFI courses is ba prerequisite for Dan gradings.
Registration now closed
Orange - Brown Belt Introduction to Kumite Course
Our popular Introduction to Kumite course for orange to brown belts is back!
Led by our Squad Coach Sensei David Royle 7th dan, you will learn timing and distance, defensive strategies, effective counter attacks, how to close distance and much more!
By the end of the class, you will have gained practical tools to improve your kumite, whether you are new to kumite or looking to take your skills to the next level.
Registrations are now closed….
Brown/Black Belt Course
Join us for our first USKFI event of the year, led by Sensei Michael Sherlock (7th Dan). This course will focus on kata and kumite for senior grades.
The course provides an excellent opportunity to train under an experienced instructor, revisit key principles, and approach the year ahead with renewed focus and purpose. A valuable chance to shake off the cobwebs, reconnect with your training, and set a strong foundation for the year ahead.
Registrations now closed ….
USKFI Brown/Black Belt Course
The final brown and black belt course of the year with Sensei David Royle for Brown and Black will be a focused technical session and is one not to be missed.
This course will improve understanding and execution of jiyu ippon and kaeshi ippon kumite by focusing on speed, timing and distance. Students will develop tactics to close distance using multiple angles.
Participants will also refine kata execution through improving dynamic hip rotation, leg speed and efficiency as well as whole-body coordination.
Don’t forget regular attendance at USKFI courses is a pre-requisite when applying to take Dan gradings!
Registrations now closed……
USKFI Squad Selection 2026 (Free)
Why try for the USKFI Squad?
Registration 9.10am
Class starts 9.30 sharp
Competing on the USKFI Squad is your opportunity to elevate your skills, challenge yourself, and represent Ireland at international competition!. As a squad member, you’ll have the chance to:
Compete Internationally: Represent Ireland in national, KUGB , European, and World Championships events!
All Expenses Paid: Travel, accommodation, and entry fees for international competitions are covered by USKFI.
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.
Start your journey! 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.
Please arrive by 9.10am to allow for registration
Registration is now closed
Seminar and Dan grading with Sensei Frank Brennan
We’re delighted to welcome Sensei Frank Brennan back to Ireland for the USKFI Seminar and Dan Grading at Corduff Sports Centre, Dublin. This is a fantastic opportunity for all USKFI members to train under one of the most respected karate instructors in the world.
Attendance is strongly recommended for all Brown and Black belts. For those selected to grade dont forget the full grading syllabus is always available on our website here
First class 10.45-12pm
Break
Second class 12.15-1.30pm
Dan grading starts at 2.30pm
Registration is now closed…………
Brown/Black Belt Course + Pre Dan
Grading in next 12 to 18 months?
This course is designed to refine your techniques, build confidence, and ensure you’re grading-ready. An essential step in your Dan grade journey.
Registration now closed ….
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.
Spectators: Adults – €5 Children – €3.
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
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
