Dan grading with Shihan Colin Putt

On Saturday 13th December, Sensei  Liam Gorman from the Irish Shotokan Academy organised a seminar and dan grading with Shihan Colin Putt, 7th dan shotokan.  After an enjoyable and informative seminar, Zanshin instructors Paul Thackaberry, Keith Walsh and Proinsias O Fearghail graded to sandan, along with Sensei Gorman.  Congratulations to Karolina and Kaspar Askuntowicz from the Portarlington dojo who graded to Shodan on the same day.

Seminars with Sensei Colin Putt and Guro Donal Connaughton

This is just a brief note to inform you of upcoming events.

On Saturday, 13^th December and Sunday 14^th December 2014, we are co-hosting a seminar with Sensei Colin Putt, 7^th Dan, one of the highest ranked Shotokan experts in the British Isles. The Saturday course is for adults, and will run from 10-12 in the morning and from 4-6 in the afternoon. The cost will be  €20. On Sunday, the classes are for children and will run from 11 AM-1 PM and again from 2-4 PM. The cost per child will be €10. The course will be held in the Midlands Martial Arts Centre, the Tanyard, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. We expect a good showing from Zanshin at this event, as it is a great opportunity to learn from a true master of karate.

Our final class of the year in Kinnegad will be on Monday,  15^th December. We will be putting on a demonstration for the families of our students, so please come along to see what we do! We would like all students to be at the GAA centre at 6.30 PM, so we can be ready for 7.00. The senior class will run from 8-9.30 P, and will be taken by Guro Donal Connaughton, a Filipino Martial Arts expert who will be instructing weapons skills and empty-hand techniques. Donal has taught in our dojo several times and always gives a great class. Cost is the same as usual.

Thank you all for your help and support during the year. Have a great Christmas, and we’ll see you in the New Year!

Zanshin Karate grading in Kinnegad

On Sunday, 30th November,30 students from Zanshin Karate Midlands graded in Kinnegad GAA centre, under a full Zanshin panel of Senseis Ger Walsh, Paul Thackaberry, Liam Darcy, Keith Walsh, Proinsias O Fearghail and Ollie Henchy.  The panel was presided over by Sensei Gerard McCarthy, 4th dan, chief instructor of Renshukan Karate International (Southern Ireland). The students were throughly examined in Kihon, Kata and Kumite, and we were very happy with the standard displayed on the day. Tips were given at the end of the grading regarding further progress.

Grading in Kinnegad

Zanshin students from Portarlington and Kinnegad will be taking part in a grading in Kinnegad GAA centre on Sunday 30th November.  Gradings begin at 12.00 midday and should be over by 3.00 pm. For cost of gradings, contact your instructor.  Good luck to all.

No Training on 27th October

There will be no training in Kinnegad dojo on Monday 27th October due to bank holiday. Training resumes as normal on Monday 3rd November.

New karateka in Kinnegad dojo!

On Monday 29 September, Shane Govan and Aoife Ni Fhearghail graded to Orange belt under club instructors Liam Darcy and Proinsias O Fearghail.  Both students performed kata, kihon, sanbon kumite and 5 bouts of jiyu kumite to earn their grade. Well done guys!

Kinnegad are BACK!!!

Finally...after a longer than usual summer break Zanshin Karate Kinnegad are back on Monday September 8th! 7-8 pm kids, 8.00-9.30 pm adults.  We hope you're all feeling good...tough training ahead!

Kinnegad resume training

Due to unforeseen administrative problems, Zanshin Karate Kinnegad will not be training until Monday 8th September.  Usual times (7-8 pm junior class,8-9.30 pm senior class) in Kinnegad GAA centre.  Hope everyone had a great summer!

Summer Seminar with Sensei Ken!

On Monday, 28th July, the Kinnegad dojo hosted a seminar with Sensei Ken Fitzpatrick, 4th Dan, chief instructor of the Mullingar Kyokushinkai dojo. Ably assisted by Sempai Ciaran Stapleton, Ken took us through bag and pad drills, kihon (basics) self defense techniques and some sparring. The evening finished with a display of board-breaking and some kata. We had a great turn-out, especially in the senior class which was attended by all Zanshin Kinnegad seniors and Guro Donal Connaughton from Midlands FMA. Also present were Sensei Pat Murtagh and some of his students from Moylough Karate Club. We hope to train more with them in future.
As always, the seminar was hugely enjoyable. Ken's enthusiasm and love for his art is infectious, and his skills are undeniable. We hope to have him back again next year!

Last Class of Summer!

On Monday 28 June, the classes will be taught by Sensei Ken Fitzpatrick 4th dan Kyokushinkai Karate.  Please come along...this will be a good one! This is the last class in the Kinnegad dojo until September, we are NOT teaching classes in August...time for a break!

Seminar with Sensei Ken Fitzpatrick

Hi guys...just a reminder that we will be hosting Sensei Ken Fitzpatrick 4th dan Kyokushinkai Karate on Monday 28th July.  7-8pm kids,8.00-9.30 pm adults. This is our final class until September, so we'd appreciate a good turn-out!

Training cancelled 9 July

Due to the GAA centre being on use for 5k run, there will be no training today 9th July.

Extra Training on Wednesdays

For the next few weeks we will be offering extra training for students graded blue belt and above. Training will take place in Kinnegad GAA centre on Wednesdays from 7.00pm - 8.00 pm. This is in addition to our normal Monday night training.

Sensei Ken Fitzpatrick Summer Seminar

Zanshin Karate Midlands are pleased to present a seminar with Sensei Ken Fitzpatrick, 4th Dan Kyokushin Karate on Monday 28th July in our Kinnegad dojo. Sensei Ken is an internationally renowned fightet and coach, and always provides tough, exciting training. Cost as usual €5 juniors €7.50 seniors. This SHOULD NOT BE MISSED!

No training on 2 June

There will be no training in Kinnegad dojo on Monday 2nd June. Training resumes as normal on Monday 9 June.

Training on 5th May

Even though Monday 5th May is a bank holiday, the Zanshin Karate Kinnegad club will be training as usual because we have a grading in Portarlington on May 9 and a tournament in the Downs GAA centre on May 18. No class on Wednesday May 7.

Kata Tournament Training

There will be training tonight (23rd April) at Kinnegad GAA Centre for those students who wish to take part in our Kata Tournament on Sunday, 18th May. Training is from 7.30-8.30 PM. This class is free of charge. Regular training resumes on Monday 28th April. It is important that students preparing for tournament attend tonight's class.

Zanshin Kata Tournament

There will be NO TRAINING on Monday, 21 April (Easter Monday) in Kinnegad dojo.
There will be extra classes run on Wednesday nights for the next few weeks. Tonight (16 April) will be a special session for those students who will grade in Portarlington on 9th May. Next Wednesday (23 April) will be for those students who are intending to enter the Zanshin Kata Tournament which will be held in the Downs GAA Centre on Sunday 18 May. This will be a fun day out, and a chance to display your kata! Please contact Senseis Liam or Proinsias if you would like more information..

Kinnegad Kata Mini Tournament

On Monday, 10th March, our Kinnegad dojo held a Kata Mini-Tournament to help our students to practice for the Zanshin Kata Tournament, which will be held in the Downs GAA Centre on Sunday 18th May. All of our students competed, and the tournament was judged by Sensei Liam, Sensei Proinsias and Sensei Gerry. While we were happy with the attitude and spirit displayed, we have a lot of work to do over the next few weeks, especially on stances. At the end, Sensei Gerry gave some useful tips to our students to help them to improve. Our winners were Anthony Mastropietro, Cian Wilson, Liam Ó Fearghail and Louise Darcy. Click below to see a slideshow of the event!

No training on St. Patrick's Day

Zanshin Kinnegad are not training on Monday 17th March.  We will be back training as normal on Monday 24th March.

RIP Mrs. Henchy

Zanshin Karate Midlands would like to express the condolences of all instructors and students to Sensei Ollie Henchy and Albert Henchy, two of our longest serving and best regarded members, upon the death of their mother Mrs. Phil Henchy. RIP. The Portarlington dojo is not training tonight as a mark of respect. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.

Registration Fees now due

To all Zanshin Karate Midlands (Kinnegad) members...registration fees are now due! These pay for our club insurance and are essential if you are to continue training with us.
1 child/teenager €15
2 children/teenagers €30
3 children/teenagers €40
4 children/teenagers €50
Adults €20
Please pay your fees to Senseis Liam or Proinsias before the end of February.  Unregistered members cannot train after this date, as they will not be insured.

Squad Training

Any Zanshin members who want to really improve their standards at Kata and Kumire should attend the IKFC National Squad Training session next Saturday, 1st February in Rathcoole Community Centre, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin.  Times 2.00-3.30 pm (all grades). All welcome. Cost €10 per student or €20 per family.

Back training!

Zanshin Karate Midlands (Kinnegad) are back training tomorrow night...Monday 6th January, at usual times. Let's work off that turkey and trifle!