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.