Decades of dedication celebrated

The founder and Chief Instructor of Sochin Karate Club has been recognised for more than five decades of service to the sport of Karate.

Georges Dussart, 78, has been named as one of the winners of the 2026 Revival Community Awards and will attend a special ceremony supported by the Lord Mayor of Canterbury at the end of March.

Forty community champions and unsung heroes from the world of charity, education and business will be celebrated at the event, which is being hosted by Canterbury Christ Church University at Augustine House, Canterbury.

Sensei Georges has developed a zen-based club that develops the mental resilience, improved bio-mechanics and self-defence skills of its members. He believes physical exercise is an excellent tool to boost mental wellbeing and the club has created an exciting mix of camaraderie, adrenaline and personal development. Its This Girl Can campaign offers subsidised places to women as part of its campaign to attract more women to take up sport.

A key ingredient of the club is the people involved. Sensei Georges is passionate about encouraging the next generation to enjoy the sport. He has drawn together a strong team of black belt instructors to help lead sessions.

The club stages Tai Chi taster sessions as a way of introducing a more gentle version of martial arts for the public, and also delivers self defense sessions to connect with younger audiences.

Sochin Karate Club trains from 7pm to 8.30pm on Monday and Thursday evenings in the dance studio, main building at Canterbury College, New Dover Road, Canterbury. The club is currently offering women and teenage girls discounted rates to train thanks to a grant from Active Kent and Medway which aims to encourage more women to take up the sport. www.sochinkarateclub.co.uk