The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (commonly abbreviated as DofE) is a youth awards program founded in the United Kingdom in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The program has expanded to over 144 nations worldwide and focuses on youth development through a series of self-improvement exercises.

The award has three progressive levels:

• Bronze – for those aged 14+ years
• Silver – for those aged 15+ years
• Gold – for those aged 16+ years

Each level requires participants to complete activities in four sections:

• Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community
• Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities
• Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests
• Expedition: planning, training for, and completing an adventurous journey

At Gold level, participants also complete a Residential section, which involves staying and working away from home for five days.

The program is designed to encourage young people to develop independence, persistence, and responsibility while gaining new skills and experiences that can enhance their CV and university applications.

We are proud to announce that Shotokan Karate Ryu is an official assessor for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme. Our dojo has a long-standing commitment to youth development, and our partnership with the DofE programme has allowed us to extend our impact beyond martial arts training.

Over the years, we have supported more than 50 students in achieving their DofE Awards through fulfilling the requirements for both the Physical and Volunteering sections of the award.

Physical Section Support

Our structured karate training provides students with an excellent opportunity to satisfy the Physical section of their DofE Award. Through regular training sessions, students develop:

• Physical fitness and stamina
• Coordination and flexibility
• Discipline and perseverance
• Self-defence skills

Volunteering Section Support

For existing students over 3rd Kyu (brown belt) we also offer volunteering opportunities for DofE participants, including:

• Assistant coaching for younger students
• Event organisation assistance

Students who complete their volunteering requirements with us gain valuable leadership experience, develop communication skills, and contribute meaningfully to our dojo community.

Our Commitment

As official DofE assessors, our qualified instructors provide thorough documentation and assessment of participants’ progress, ensuring they meet all the necessary criteria for their awards. We work closely with participants to set achievable goals and provide regular feedback throughout their DofE journey.

Whether you’re working toward your Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award, Shotokan Karate Ryu is here to support your DofE ambitions while introducing you to the numerous benefits of martial arts training.

For more information on how we can support your DofE journey, please contact us directly.