Events
See below details of our Events from gradings, courses and competitions.
Brown/Black Belt Course + Pre Dan
Grading in the next 12–18 months?
Led by Sensei Jennifer Prendergast (6th Dan), USKFI will host a dedicated Brown and Black Belt Training Course, incorporating Pre-Dan preparation for those working towards their next Dan grading. Open to grades 3rd Kyu to 5th Dan, the course will focus on refining technical standards across kihon, kata and kumite, with particular emphasis on precision, power, timing, distance and balance.
Training will include focused technical drills, grading syllabus combinations, kata development and structured kumite exercises. Students will work on improving transitions, effective recovery and zanshin, while developing the confidence and control expected at Dan grade level.
This is an excellent opportunity to identify areas for improvement, receive expert guidance and sharpen grading techniques.
All eligible USKFI brown and black belts are strongly encouraged to attend, particularly those preparing for a Dan grading in the next 12–18 months.
Registration closes Friday 6 November at 6pm.
Seminar and Dan grading with Sensei Frank Brennan
The USKFI welcomes Sensei Frank Brennan for our November Brown and Black Belt Course and Dan grading.
Class times
11.30 - 1.30pm Brown and Black belt course
2.15 - 4.15 pm Dan grading
Those candidates eligible for grading are already registered and so don’t need to register\pay again. Further information for eligible candidates available here
Usual family discounts apply. Dont forget the course books for signing
USKFI Squad Selection 2027 (Free)
Why try for the USKFI Squad?
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 closes 5/12/26 at 6pm
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
USKFI National Championships OPEN
The USKFI is proud to invite you to the USKFI National Open Championships
This event brings together karateka from across the country and is a superb opportunity to
Step onto the national stage and put your training to the test
Challenge yourself in a focused, safe and competitive environment
Represent your club in both individual and team events
Share the experience with friends family and the wider community
Whether you are aiming for the podium or looking to gain valuable experience this is an opportunity to grow compete and be part of the day. Registration details TBC
Spectators entry fee: Adults – €5 Children – €3.
Queries? Email uskfi.admin@gmail.com
USKFI Shotokan Cup OPEN
Join us for the USKFI Open Shotokan Cup 2027 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:
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. Whether competing or cheering from the sidelines , all are invited to be part of this vibrant and memorable day.
USKFI members can enter by speaking with their club instructor.
Non USKFI members please ensure you have a valid licence and suitable insurance, and all entries must come through your club instructor.
Please note: Registration is now closed ……
Spectator entry fee: Adults – €5 Children – €3. (Cash or card accepted)
USKFI 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 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.
Class times: 10.45-12.15pm and 1-2.30pm.
Open to brown and black belts. Bring Mitts and gumshields.
Dont forget course books for signing
Registration is now closed..
USKFI AGM (Corduff)
All licensed USKFI members aged 18 and over are encouraged to attend
Have your say and be part of shaping the future of USKFI
USKFI Dan Grade preparation course
Designed and delivered by Sensei Jennifer Prendergast (6th Dan) this course will explore effective distance, strong transitions and recovery, posture, balance and power across kihon, kata and kumite, helping students understand not just the finishing position of a technique, but how movement, timing and distance make it effective.
Suitable for 3rd Kyu to 5th Dan, this is a must for anyone hoping to Dan grade within the next 12 to 18 months.
Dont forget course books for signing
Registration now closed
USKFI Brown/Black Belt Course
USKFI is pleased to present this practical course aimed at developing an understanding of the principles behind strength, speed and power, and how they can be applied in Shotokan karate.
Delivered by Sensei David Royle, this course provides an introduction to the key concepts that underpin effective karate performance in kihon, kata and kumite. Through practical demonstrations, accessible training methods and clear explanation, participants will explore movement quality, balance, coordination, recovery and sport-specific conditioning, with practical learnings that can be adapted and incorporated into their own training.
Suitable for both students and instructors, this course is designed to broaden understanding and provide practical knowledge that can be applied within your own training and shared back in your own dojo.
Please wear comfortable runners for this course.
Don't forget to bring your course books for signing.
Registration now closed
USKFI Brown/Black Belt Course
Our July USKFI Brown & Black Belt Course will be led by Sensei Bernard Gaffney (5th Dan).
This course will focus on developing movement, speed and kime through kihon combinations, offensive \ defensive kumite drills and kata breakdown. Training will place particular emphasis on posture, core engagement and balance, helping students improve the quality and effectiveness of their karate across kihon, kata and kumite.
Regular attendance at USKFI Brown & Black Belt Courses is a prerequisite when applying to take Dan gradings so do not forget course books for signing
USKFI OPEN National Championships
Following the success of the Open Shotokan Cup we are proud to invite you to the first USKFI National Open Championships
This event brings together karateka from across the country and is a superb opportunity to
Step onto the national stage and put your training to the test
Challenge yourself in a focused, safe and competitive environment
Represent your club in both individual and team events
Share the experience with friends family and the wider community
Whether you are aiming for the podium or looking to gain valuable experience this is an opportunity to grow compete and be part of the day. For USKFI members to register contact your USKFI instructor
Non USKFI clubs\instructors click to download and enter
Entries close 17th May. No registrations on the day
Spectators entry fee: Adults – €5 Children – €3.
Queries? Email uskfi.admin@gmail.com
Orange - Brown Belt Kumite Progression Course
Led by Sensei Lisa Meagher (3rd Dan) this Orange - Brown Belt course builds on previous work on distance and timing, helping students apply these skills more effectively in kumite. The focus is on using feints to create reactions, improving counter-attacking, and making better decisions in live situations. Students will develop the ability to read opponents, act with better timing, and link footwork, technique and decision-making more effectively.
This course is designed to help students move from recognising opportunities to acting on them, reducing hesitation and improving overall effectiveness in kumite.
Mitts and gumshield compulsory for this course.
Registration now closed ….
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
Course times: 10.30-12pm and 12.30 - 1.45
Dan grading begins at 2.30pm
Registration is now closed …..
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 now closed
