Training and Grading with Sensei Frank Brennan 8th Dan - 22nd March 2026
We are very pleased to be hosting Shotokan legend, Sensei Frank Brennan, KUGB 8th Dan for our next club grading and training event which will be held on the morning of Sunday 22nd March 2026 in the sports hall at Walthamstow Academy, Billet Road, London E17 5DP (for those of you that have attended our previous events this is our usual venue).
There is a large onsite free car park. There is also parking available in the roads immediately surrounding the venue.
Please note that we are now in the Ultra Low Emission Zone, so if you are driving in from outside the ULEZ you will have to pay a charge if your vehicle is not compliant. To check your vehicle click here.
This is a closed event for KUGB members only. Anyone wishing to attend must have a valid KUGB licence.
Training for all grades will begin promptly at 9:15am. Please do not be late! Lower grades will finish at approx 10:15am but the class will continue for only the black and brown belts until just before 11am. (i.e. coloured belts will train for the first hour only but black & brown will train for 1 hour and 45 mins approx.)
Grading will follow directly after at 11am and will be held in the performance studio next door to the sports hall.
Spectators are allowed for the grading exam only (subject to available space, as the studio is relatively small). Spectators are not allowed during the training session.
Cost:
£25 for those that are grading (this includes the training session too)
£10 for those that are training only
Payment is preferred in advance by online bank payment (bank details available on request) but we will also take cash at the door if you have the correct amount, as minimal change will be available.
There are no refreshments available at the venue so please bring your own drink etc.
There is a large onsite free car park. There is also parking available in the roads immediately surrounding the venue.
Please note that we are now in the Ultra Low Emission Zone, so if you are driving in from outside the ULEZ you will have to pay a charge if your vehicle is not compliant. To check your vehicle click here.
This is a closed event for KUGB members only. Anyone wishing to attend must have a valid KUGB licence.
Training for all grades will begin promptly at 9:15am. Please do not be late! Lower grades will finish at approx 10:15am but the class will continue for only the black and brown belts until just before 11am. (i.e. coloured belts will train for the first hour only but black & brown will train for 1 hour and 45 mins approx.)
Grading will follow directly after at 11am and will be held in the performance studio next door to the sports hall.
Spectators are allowed for the grading exam only (subject to available space, as the studio is relatively small). Spectators are not allowed during the training session.
Cost:
£25 for those that are grading (this includes the training session too)
£10 for those that are training only
Payment is preferred in advance by online bank payment (bank details available on request) but we will also take cash at the door if you have the correct amount, as minimal change will be available.
There are no refreshments available at the venue so please bring your own drink etc.
Special Offer for beginners - FIVE LESSONS FREE!!!
First introduced in 2019 to celebrate our fifteenth year, as it has proved so popular we have now extended this special offer on an ongoing basis. We bring to you a fantastic opportunity for new beginners wishing to try out karate. FIVE LESSONS absolutely free!!!
Beginners will train for the first hour only.
As a white belt (beginner) your first three lessons will be absolutely free and without any obligation. Then, before you come back for your remaining two free lessons you must purchase a KUGB licence (scroll down below on this page for details on how to get a KUGB licence – this is renewable annually). It is an insurance requirement that we can only allow you to train for three lessons without a KUGB licence, but once you've got this then you can enjoy your remaining two free lessons!
There are no contracts, no tie-ins and no obligations. After your five free lessons are done you will then simply pay £5 per class. Special prices are available for families of three or more persons training together – just ask for details.
The only other initial expense will be that you will have to buy a white karate uniform (known as a ‘gi’) before your first grading. These are widely available at cheap prices online (must be white though) or you can ask Sensei Barbara in class.
All ages and abilities welcome. Minimum age is 6 years but we recommend that children under the age of 10 should be accompanied by an adult or older sibling. It’s never too late to start!
First introduced in 2019 to celebrate our fifteenth year, as it has proved so popular we have now extended this special offer on an ongoing basis. We bring to you a fantastic opportunity for new beginners wishing to try out karate. FIVE LESSONS absolutely free!!!
Beginners will train for the first hour only.
As a white belt (beginner) your first three lessons will be absolutely free and without any obligation. Then, before you come back for your remaining two free lessons you must purchase a KUGB licence (scroll down below on this page for details on how to get a KUGB licence – this is renewable annually). It is an insurance requirement that we can only allow you to train for three lessons without a KUGB licence, but once you've got this then you can enjoy your remaining two free lessons!
There are no contracts, no tie-ins and no obligations. After your five free lessons are done you will then simply pay £5 per class. Special prices are available for families of three or more persons training together – just ask for details.
The only other initial expense will be that you will have to buy a white karate uniform (known as a ‘gi’) before your first grading. These are widely available at cheap prices online (must be white though) or you can ask Sensei Barbara in class.
All ages and abilities welcome. Minimum age is 6 years but we recommend that children under the age of 10 should be accompanied by an adult or older sibling. It’s never too late to start!
Pay for ten in advance and get one lesson FREE!
This offer is open to all our members. If you pay in advance for ten classes (so a £50 payment up front) you will get an eleventh class free! So, pay for ten and get eleven. The eleven classes do NOT have to be consecutive, so you can take a break, for example if you will be away on holiday.
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KUGB Licence applications and renewals
Application for a new licence or renewal of an existing licence can be done online on the KUGB website. Click here for this service.
2026 Gradings
Club gradings will be held on the following dates (further details to follow):
Sunday morning 22nd March
Sunday morning 5th July
Sunday morning 22nd November
Sunday morning 22nd March
Sunday morning 5th July
Sunday morning 22nd November
