Belfast seminar and grading

On Saturday, 25th July, Proinsias visited Belfast, having been invited by Sensei Artie Speight for a seminar with Shihan Brett Halliday and for the chance to view a grading. After travelling back and forth across Northern Ireland, thanks to Proinsias's legendary sense of direction, we ended up at Sensei Artie's Newington Karate dojo. The day was absolutely fantastic, with a brilliant seminar from Shihan Brett, focusing on kumite techniques and kata applications. We then had a session with Hanshi Joe Carslake, where we learned just how painful Ju-Jutsu can be! We noted the similarities of the techniques shown to many contained within our own kata. Shihan Brett finished off with a careful analysis and repeated practice of the katas Heian Yondan and Jion. At the grading which followed, the young Newington karateka showed their spirit and technique, which was most impressive. I had a great day, and would love to see some Newington friends down in Kinnegad or Portarlington before too long. Here are some photos...

From top : with Sensei Liam Gorman, Irish Shotokan Academy,with Sensei Ken Keating (Ballinteer Kenpo), with Senseis Liam Gorman, Artie Speight and Brett Halliday. Many thanks to Sensei Gorman for sending on the photos.

Sensei Ken Fitzpatrick course

Sensei Liam and Sensei Proinsias are proud to announce that on Monday, 8th August, Sensei Ken Fitzpatrick (4th Dan Kyokushin) will be giving a course and demonstration of his dynamic art in Zanshin Kinnegad dojo. Sensei Ken is a 3 times British Middleweight knockdown champon, and is one of the highest ranked Kyokushin experts in Ireland. He has extensive experience of teaching children and adults in sparring and fitness techniques. The course will be from 7-8 PM juniors, 8 -9 PM adults. Cost will be €5 for juniors, €10 for seniors. Places are limited, so please contact Proinsias (0868341561) or Liam (0860744231) to book your place. This will DEFINITELY be a good one! All Zanshin members from Portarlington and Kinnegad are strongly urged to attend!

Grandmaster Llanera Seminar

All black and brown belts in Zanshin Karate-Do are invited to a seminar in Filipino Martial Arts held by Grand Master Ding Llanera in Kinnegad on Sunday 10th July from 10.00 AM-2.30 PM. The Grandmaster rarely organises seminars outside of Dublin.... so this is your chance! Contact Sensei Liam or Sensei Proinsias if you're interested. Cost is €25, and a €10 deposit is required... it's rare to get a chance to train with a Filipino Grand Master...if you can, come along!

More Photos from Moate!

Here are a few more photos from the ISA tournament, courtesy of Kinnegad karateka Peter Govan!

Back from the Tournament!

On Sunday, June 5th, a squad of 13 karateka from the Zanshin Kinnegad dojo attended a tournament in the Community Centre, Moate, Co. Westmeath, held to celebrate the 2nd anniversay of our friends in the Irish Shotokan Academy. The day was good humoured and action-packed, with great spirit and commitment shown by all on the mats. We won six awards (3 kata, 3 kumite), and while we were thrilled with this, we were extremely proud of the spirit and good behaviour of all our members. We all decamped to Supermacs afterwards for a post-tournament analysis! Congratulations to Matthew, Aaron, Conor, Daniel, Emmanuel, Emily, Grace, Louise, Ivan, Muireann, Cormac, Sean and Chloe! Senseis Liam and Proinsias are VERY proud of all of you! Many, many thanks also to the parents who helped by driving on the day, and also to Senseis Liam Gorman and Gerry McCarthy for inviting us. We had a great day!





Well done to all! vWe're taking a break tomorrow (6th June), but we'll be back on Monday 13th June.