Athlete Pathway & National Squad Structure Policy
Introduction
The Shito Ryu Karate Federation of England (SRKFE) is committed to delivering a structured, progressive, and professional athlete development pathway aligned with international standards.
Our system supports athletes from entry level through to elite performance, ensuring long-term development, excellence, and competitive success.
SRKFE Athlete Pathway
The SRKFE pathway is divided into three main age categories:
- Youth Division (U8–U13)
- Cadet & Junior Division (U14–U17)
- Senior Division (18+)
Each division includes three squad levels:
- Development Squad (C Level) – Foundation and learning stage
- Performance Squad (B Level) – Progression and competition development
- Elite Squad (A Level) – High-performance athletes
1. Youth Division (U8–U13)
Focused on fundamentals, coordination, discipline, and introduction to competition.
- Shito Ryu England Youth Development Squad (C)
- Shito Ryu England Youth Performance Squad (B)
- Shito Ryu England Youth Elite Squad (A)
2. Cadet & Junior Division (U14–U17)
Focused on advanced technical skills and competitive readiness.
- Shito Ryu England Development Squad (C)
- Shito Ryu England Performance Squad (B)
- Shito Ryu England Elite Squad (A)
3. Senior Division (18+ for Kumite and 16+ for Kata)
Focused on high-performance athletes competing at national and international level.
- Shito Ryu England Senior Development Squad (C)
- Shito Ryu England Senior Performance Squad (B)
- Shito Ryu England Senior Elite Squad (A)
Shito Ryu England National Team & International Squad
In addition to the above squad structure, the Shito Ryu Karate Federation of England (SRKFE) also selects an official Shito Ryu England National Team to represent England at major international Sport Shito Ryu competitions.
These include:
- European Sport Shito Ryu Championships
- World Sport Shito Ryu Championships
The England National Team is selected from athletes within the SRKFE squad pathway across all age groups.
Selection Principles
Athletes are selected based on:
- Technical ability (Kata & Kumite)
- Competition results
- Commitment and attendance
- Attitude and discipline
- Coach recommendations
Final selections are made by the SRKFE National Coaching and Selection Committee.
Pathway Progression
Athletes progress through a clear structure:
Development (C) → Performance (B) → Elite (A)
And across age groups:
Youth → Cadet/Junior → Senior
SRKFE Vision
To create a unified, high-performance Shito Ryu system in England, developing athletes capable of competing and succeeding at the highest level.
Train. Develop. Perform. Excel.
YOUTH SQUAD
U8 to U14
Cadet & Junior squad
U16 & U18
Senior SQUAD
16+ KATA
18+ KUMITE
National team
European Sport Shito Ryu Championships
National team
World Sport Shito Ryu Championships
Our team
Our team consists of highly qualified and motivated professionals, who are all experts in their field. With many years of experience in the industry, they have the expertise to provide comprehensive, first-rate services to our clients.
Sophia Cameron
The consultant
With her background as a financial adviser, Sophia Cameron has the knowledge needed to help her clients with any business-related issues. Since 2005 she has run her own consulting firm.
George Vernon
The life coach
George Vernon is a certified life coach. He joined our company in 2015, where he has worked as a coaching specialist offering assistance in his clients’ private lives.
Theresa Simmons
Customer support
Theresa Simmons is trained as an assistant and office administrator. She has worked for our office since 2014, where she manages our clients and provides assistance whenever they have problems.
Max Francis
Project Management
Max started with us as an intern while he was still at college and has since worked his way up the ranks. Last year he was promoted to Senior Project Manager.