The United Shotokan Karate Federation – Ireland was started in 2002 with two clubs from Blanchardstown and Lucan with the aim of developing traditional Shotokan Karate-do in Ireland by putting the emphasis on the student. The Organisation strives to pursue the upmost professionalism and honesty in every aspect of Karate-do, from tuition to competing both Nationally and Internationally. The Blancha
rdstown Shotokan Karate Club was started by Sensei David Royle who holds a fifth Dan grade (Godan – 2007), in 1990 in Corduff (Dublin). The Lucan Shotokan Karate Club was started in 2001, by USKFI Chief Instructor, Sensei Michael Sherlock, who holds a sixth Dan grade (Rokudan). Since 2002 the Organisation has grown rapidly to over ten clubs throughout the Dublin area and beyond, with new clubs opening and affiliating all the time. The USKFI is affiliated to the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB) and ESKA (The European Shotokan Karate-do Association). The KUGB is the largest Shotokan Karate organisation in Britain with over 300 clubs. It was established in 1966 as a non-profit making organisation and is affiliated to European and World Shotokan Karate Bodies. The European Shotokan Karate-do Association was founded in 1986 in Ghent, Belgium at the request of the member countries of the former European Amateur Karate Federation. ESKA is a fully democratic, non-political organization formed to foster and develop traditional Shotokan competition around Europe. ESKA championships are held every year at the end of November or beginning of December.
