Tournaments & British Squads

The B.S.K.I. runs its own open competitions; they are attended by clubs and associations from all

over the United Kingdom and regularly see international competitors who wish to test their skills

against some of the top British karateka. This has led to the BSKI squads of both national and international fighters and kata competitors being strongly ranked at national and international level, regularly taking the top honours in major world competitions. The squad members attend regular training sessions which are organized and coached by Sensei Charles Gidley and his team of assistant coaches.

Some of the Senior B.S.K.I British squad 2004  

The squad coaches and team captains are selected by sensei Gidley who takes a keen interest in his students, thus ensuring the highest standard within the team. If you feel that you wish to train with the squads in a friendly yet taxing atmosphere, you will be welcomed by all concerned.

All national squads, both senior and Junior, are selected on regular squad training sessions in preparation for the BSKI’s heavy national and international tournament commitments. Attendance is therefore mandatory for squad members. The BSKI’s national squad has participated in international events in over ten different countries over two continents while co-hosting two major national events in the UK itself. All international events are open to any BSKI member and their families while the self funding nature of the squad means that all funds raised will remain in the squad fund to offer further assistance to its members.

Referees and Judges

Referees and judges courses are run twice per year by our dedicated team of qualified referees and judges who are all current or past tournament champions. BSKI qualified referees and judges can take further advancement and attain accreditation through the WKF or WTKO.  

The B.S.K.I. Coaching team are:

·          Sensei Charles Gidley   British Team Coach

·          Sensei Mark Leacock    Assistant Team Coach

·          Sensei Ian Newsham      Assistant Team Coach

·          Sensei Alison Grundy    Assistant Team Coach / Ladies Team Captain

Some of the team at the 2004 European championships

“To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. To subdue the enemy with out fighting is the highest skill”