Ollie and Fergus Grade in Portarlington!

On Tuesday, 28 August, Zanshin Portarlington assistant instructors Fergus Fenlon and Ollie Henchy tested for their 1st Kyu grade in their Portarlington dojo. This was an important grading for the two Karateka, as it is the last they will face before their Shodan test. All five Zanshin instructors made up the grading panel.
We began with a light warm-up, courtesy of Sensei Liam Darcy, and then went straight into the grading. Kihon (Basics), kata, kata bunkai (self-defence applications), bag and pad-work and kumite (sparring) were all examined. The grading panel was delighted at the standard displayed by both candidates, and were unanimous in announcing their pleasure at warading the promotion. Onwards towards the black belt....and the beginning of training! Congratulations to Ollie and Fergus, and "well done" to Senseis Keith Walsh, Paul Thackaberry and Gerard Walsh for preparing them so well for their grading. Thanks to Brian Bolton for assisting with Kumite and to Albert Henchy for taking photos. Click below to get an idea of what the lads had to do...

Kyokushin Seminar with Sensei Ken

On Monday, 13 August, Zanshin Karate-Do hosted a seminar in Kyokushin karate with Sensei Ken Fitzpatrick, 4th Dan, and his instructors Senpai Alan McCoy and Senpai Ciarán Stapleton. The course took place in our Kinnegad dojo. Attending were Zanshin instructors Senseis Liam Darcy, Keith Walsh and Proinsias Ó Fearghail. Also in attendance were Zanshin senior members Ollie Henchy, Peter Govan and John Whelehan. Guro Donal Connaughton (Midlands FMA club) and Sensei Gerry McCarthy (Edenderry Shotokan Academy) were also in attendance. The junior class at 7.00 was well-attended, and the visiting instructors took our students through a warm-up and sparring drills. A light-contact continuous sparring competition was then held, at which all our young fighters performed very creditably. The senior class, which ran from 8.00-9.45 PM was a much more physical affair, comprising pad and bag-work, self defence and tournament techniques. Again, we were impressed by the power of the techniques shown by Ken, Alan and Ciaran. The senior class finished with a kata demonstration. To the delight of all present, Senpais Ciaran and Alan finished both classes with a demonstration of tameshi-giri (breaking techniques).
As always, the respectful and friendly demeanour of the visiting instructors was commented on by all the students and instructors. We had a great time, and hope to see these three gentlemen back again! Click on the picture below to see a slideshow of the night's training...

Seminar with Sensei Ken Fitzpatrick

Once again, we are proud to announce that we are hosting a seminar, on Monday 13th August with Sensei Ken Fitzpatrick, 4th Dan Kyokushin Karate and full-contact kick-boxer. Sensei Ken's expertise in the fields of fitness and sparring drills is unrivalled, and as anyone who attended his seminar last year can testify, you will get a good workout during his classes! The seminar will be in the Kinnegad GAA Centre, 7.00 - 8.00 PM for junior members, 8.00 - 9.30 PM for senior members. Cost will be the same as a regular class. Please make a special effort to attend this class - we can all learn from this gentleman. Hope to see you all there!

Please note there will be NO CLASS on Monday 5th August (Bank holiday weekend).