Members of the West Lancs Karate Academy are also members of the Kazoku Kai Shotokan International (KKSI). As such they have access to countless courses in Britain, Europe and across the world, allowing them the opportunity to train with some of the best instructors in the world, including many senior Japanese Sensei.

Further to this the club itself hosts various courses each year which has to date brought instructors to Southport such as Derek Ridgway (7th Dan), Alaister Mitchell (7th Dan), Julian Meade (7th Dan), Dave Wilkins (6th Dan), Mike Fedyk (6th Dan), Mike Cowburn (5th Dan), Pascal Petrella (5th Dan), John Barnes (5th Dan) and Ken Hassell (5th Dan).

The West Lancs Academy's network connections with other clubs and Associations also provides the opportunity to attend many non-Association clubs and courses, a further route open to the member's karate development. This access has seen club members train with top Japanese sensei, including Sensei Tomiyama, Sensei Isaka, Sensei Demura and Sensei Nobuaki Kanazawa.

Through the club’s affiliation with the ESA members have access to numerous courses throughout the year, including four free black and brown belt courses and the exceptional E.S.A. Residential Course, which has been held at Lilleshall National Sports Centre at Newport since the year 2000. This outstanding course is the highlight of the calendar, providing the highest standard of karate training, combined with an enjoyable social weekend, where the après karate is always truly memorable.