Tullamore Kenpo Karate

22/09/2021

Our club has been closed from the start of the pandemic and it is with great regret that I have to announce our permanent closure. This is due to several factors including an illness in my family and also financial considerations.
It's a huge disappointment to me that I will not be there to guide and watch the incredible students make their way up through the belts. I have genuinely enjoyed every minute of the classes I have taken with you all. Watching frustration turn into pride and skill through hard work and perseverance has been a privilege and I feel very lucky to have been given the opportunity.
I want to thank Mr. Jack Smith and Master Ed Downey for teaching me directly and all the other people who have passed on their knowledge to me over the years. Most of all I want to thank the students and parents/guardians who came to the classes and kept the club (and me) going over the years. You all have my upmost gratitude and respect. Thank you.

03/09/2020

We have been closed since the start of the Pandemic and had been hoping to open next week. Unfortunately due to a change in the schools/premises insurance we will not be able to open until October/November at the very earliest. I understand how disappointing this is for our club but this is a world changing event and we have to roll with the punches. In the meantime we have sister clubs in Portlaoise, Mullingar and Birr which are all excellent. They may have limited spaces but don't give up! Hopefully better news will come soon.

02/06/2020

If we are silent, then we are complicit. Tullamore Kenpo accepts no racist behaviour or attitudes inside or outside our club. We stand against racism in all forms.

29/04/2020

Hope everyone is doing well!

Any members of the club who wish to be added to the clubs WhatsApp group for training materials should send me a message on here or text the club phone.

Stay safe and stay at home and we'll get through this sooner and safely! :)

20/03/2020

Here is a clip of the junior yellow belt material. It takes 30 seconds for me to complete it all. With all the spare time the kids have now, they should be able to do this about 950+ times in an average 8 hour day (though they should of course be allowed time for breaks)! Enjoy! ;)

19/03/2020

I'm really glad to here that there is practice happening at home! :) if anyone has any questions about their techniques or forms please message me and I can help with a quick answer or video.

Parents looking to help their kids out can be a great influence by giving plenty of positive feedback, setting a routine for practice and asking your child questions. One of the most important things for a student is to go from just copying to really understanding what they are doing and why. The students are also used to having plenty of space to do techniques and forms in. Challenge them to adapt what they are doing to a smaller space. Can they use an elbow or knee instead of punch and kick? Can they use good footwork to get behind their opponent instead of being in front of them? And most importantly can they do all this without driving the parents mad or breaking the TV?! ;)

Make it a routine, make it fun and make it a challenge.

Good luck!

12/03/2020

As the schools and colleges in Ireland are closing to try and stop the spread of Corona virus (covid-19), I have decided to cancel classes until the schools reopen. Hopefully this will only be a few weeks!

28/02/2020

Inspiration

https://www.facebook.com/13312631635/posts/10157976305821636/

Heaven Fitch beat her male opponents to take home the 106lb title and make teenage wrestling history in North Carolina

22/01/2020

Those of you who have been with the club for a while will remember Dave Mangan who sadly passed away yesterday. He was a great teacher and a good man. Our condolences to his family and friends who I know will miss him dearly.

05/01/2020

I hope everybody had a good holiday. Classes return to normal this week. Looking forward to seeing everyone!