We're back!

Hi all, Zanshin Karate Kinnegad are back training on Monday 12th August at 7.00 in Kinnegad GAA Hall. Hope to see you all there. If any of your friends or classmates wish to join us, they can come and view a class - but spaces are very limited, so we may have to operate a "waiting list". NO student under 18 can join the club unless a parent is present. Some kids arrive on their own, wanting to join. We won't allow this - we need to talk to a parent or guardian before a child can train.

Tom's Grading

On Tuesday, 30th July 2013, Zanshin senior Brian "Tom" Bolton graded for his 3rd Kyu brown belt in our Portarlington dojo. Tom had a tough grading in bag and pad work, kihon, kata and kumite (against single and multiple opponents). He was judged by a grading panel of Zanshin instructors Senseis Gerard Walsh, Keith Walsh, Proinsias Ó Fearghail and new black belts Senseis Ollie Henchy and Fergus Fenlon. Also present was Edenderry Shotokan Academy instructor Sensei Gerard McCarthy. Tom did very well, impressing us all with his skill and commitment. Well done! Congratulations also to senseis Gerard, Keith and Paul for putting so much effort into Tom's training.

Summer Break

Just to let everyone know that Zanshin Kinnegad are taking a break until 12th August.  Keep practicing your kata,we have a grading and 2 tournaments coming up!

Black Belt Grading in Portarlington!

Sunday 14th July was a big day for Zanshin Karate-Do Midlands as we put forward our first candidates for Shodan (First Degree Black Belt). Ollie Henchy and Fergus Fenlon have been with us right from the start! They trained with us on our first night as a club in November 2008 and have stuck with us through thick and thin. They are both strong, committed martial artists, and their time had come!
The grading panel comprised all five Zanshin instructors: Senseis Gerard Walsh, Liam Darcy, Keith Walsh, Proinsias Ó Fearghail and Paul Thackaberry, with external examiners Sensei Gerry McCarthy, 4th Dan, and Shihan Brett Halliday, 6th Dan from the Renshukan Shihankai. The grading lasted for an hour and 30 minutes in a very warm hall! The lads began by demonstrating their generation of power on pads and bags, then launched into basics, kata, kata applications and of course, lots of sparring! They had to demonstrate their knowledge of both close-quarter and traditional Shotokan kumite. At the end of the grading, following a brief meeting of the panel, Shihan Brett announced that Ollie and Fergus had passed. He gave them valuable advice about how to develop their techniques as their training continued. We're VERY proud of our two new black belts! Well done to Ollie and Fergus! Here are some moments from the grading...

Kyokushinkai in Kinnegad!

On Monday, 24th June, Zanshin Kinnegad hosted a course with Sensei Ken Fitzpatrick, chief instructor of Mullingar Kyokushinkai Karate Dojo, and his able assistants, Senpai Ciaran and Darren. Kyokushin is a tough style of Karate best known for its knockdown sparring. The evening kicked off at 7.00 with the juniors. After a bit of lighthearted warm-up exercises, the focus turned to "clicker" (continuous no-contact sparring) and a great time was had by all. Sensei Ken generously acknowledged the enthusiasm and etiquette of our students. The senior class had it all - self defence, pad drills, full-contact sparring, kata bunkai and kata demonstrations. As always, the seminar was well-attended and hugely enjoyable. Many thanks to Sensei Gerry McCarthy, 4th Dan from Edenderry Shotokan Academy, and Guro Donal Connaughto, 4th degree, Midlands FMA club, for attending and giving us support. A HUGE thanks to Sensei Ken and his team for a great evening of Karate! Hope to see them again soon. Click below to see some photos...

Sensei Ken Fitzpatrick In Kinnegad on PhotoPeach

IKFRC Table Course

The Irish Karate Federation Referee Commission is organising a Table Course for those parents, club supporters and senior club members who are interested in learning how to be scorekeepers/timekeepers at IKFRC tournaments. The course is free of charge and will take place in Rathcoole Community Centre, Rathcoole next Saturday (15th June) from 11.30AM-1.30 PM. Please contact Senseis Gerry Walsh, Paul Thackaberry or Proinsias Ó Fearghail if you're interested in taking part.

Summer Seminar with Sensei Ken Fitzpatrick

On Monday 24th June 2013 Zanshin Karate Karate Kinnegad are proud to present a seminar with Sensei Ken Fitzpatrick, 4th Dan Kyokushin Karate and full contact kick-boxer. Ken has taught at the club annually for some years now, and we've always had fantastic feedback about his classes. Junior class will be 7.00-8.00 PM and will be for Zanshin students (Kinnegad and Portarlington) only. Senior class will run from 8.00-9.30 PM and is open to any adult martial artist who enjoys  tough training! Cost €5.00 for children, €7.50 for adults. Come along and enjoy!