For 30 years, Eastern Shotokan Karate Association (ESKA) Norfolk has been a cornerstone of martial arts in the region. Founded in 1995 as a small Shotokan karate club in Norwich, the business has grown into a leading martial arts provider with a reach that extends far beyond the dojo, helping communities across the county.

“With an emphasis on empowerment, respect and community, ESKA uses karate not only as a sport, but as a vehicle for building confidence, discipline and resilience in individuals across Norfolk,” said senior partner and chief instructor Jason Hitchings.

While karate remains its foundation, today ESKA offers an impressive range of programmes. These include structured classes for children, teens, adults and families; sessions tailored for those with special educational needs (SEN); free community tasters; and funded Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programmes.

It provides school outreach and runs a leadership programme to help young people develop coaching and mentoring skills.

“For those seeking progression, ESKA offers access to local, national and international competition, with multiple members achieving European and World Champion titles,” added Jason.

ESKA Norfolk provides a range of programmes including structured classes for children, teens, adults and families (Image: ESKA Norfolk)

One of ESKA’s defining strengths is its focus on accessibility. Jason said: “Inclusion is central to everything we do at ESKA,” adding that “The balance of elite performance and inclusive, values-driven delivery sets us apart”.

It is also one of the only martial arts providers in Norfolk to be accepted onto the Short Breaks Framework, which aims to support families with disabled children and children in need by providing services that allow parents to take a break from caring while offering children enjoyable, safe and social experiences.

It was accepted onto the framework in 2025 after a rigorous application process, a milestone which Jason said “recognised our commitment to accessibility, safeguarding, and delivering meaningful, structured opportunities for children with disabilities across the county.”

The team’s impact was recognised in a major way at the EDP Business Awards, where ESKA Norfolk was named winner of the Small Business of the Year award.

“Winning Small Business of the Year was an incredible honour and a moment of real pride for everyone at ESKA,” said Jason. “It’s a reflection of the dedication our team puts into creating an inclusive, empowering environment for our community.

“To be recognised not just for what we do in our classes, but for the wider impact we have across Norfolk, means so much.”

The win has already had tangible effects, according to Jason. “It has raised our profile across Norfolk, strengthened trust with local partners and opened doors to new collaborations and funding opportunities.

“We’ve seen increased interest from schools, families and community organisations who are drawn to our inclusive approach. Internally, it boosted staff morale and reinforced our belief in the work we do.”

ESKA Norfolk won Small Business of the Year at the EDP Business Awards 2025. Left to right: Expert judge Kelly Cartwright from Core Recruiter with Jason Hitchings, Ethan Dye, David Lynskey and Nathan Bond from ESKA, and expert judge Candy Richardson of the Federation of Small Businesses (Image: Matthew Potter Photography & Videography)

This milestone year was also special for another reason: ESKA’s 30th anniversary. The business celebrated with a 30-hour karate-a-thon, bringing students, instructors and families together in a demonstration of the power of martial arts.

“We’re now building on that momentum by expanding our outreach into more rural areas and piloting inclusive training resources to help other organisations improve accessibility,” Jason explained.

As it moves into its fourth decade, ESKA aims to continue growing as a leading force for inclusive, community-focused martial arts in Norfolk and beyond.

It seeks to grow its SEN and Short Breaks provision, build stronger links with schools and health services and expand its young leadership programme.

“Ultimately, our ambition is to ensure that karate is not just a sport, but a tool for personal growth, wellbeing and social connection for all,” Jason said.

For more information on ESKA Norfolk, visit eska.co.uk

To find out more about the EDP Business Awards, visit edpbusinessawards.co.uk

© Eastern Daily Press