Shubukan Karate Club grading examination

Pic:- Sensei Brian Toomey pictured with Fermoy Karate Club's Kevin McCarthy and Louise O'Dea from the Shubukan Karate Club Dungarvan after a recent wheelchair class at the Cope Foundation in Montenotte Cork.

Sensei Brian Toomey and some senior members from Fermoy Karate Club travelled to The Shubukan Karate Club in Dungarvan last Wednesday evening for a training session followed by a grading examination. We are delighted to report that all who presented themselves for the grading examination passed and sensei Ciaran O' Dea can be proud of the high standard his students have achieved over the past few months. It was particularly gratifying to see two of Ciaran's special needs pupils obtaining their 12th kyu ( white belt ) and judging by their performance on the night it will be the first of many belts they will receive. Fermoy Karate Cub was the first in Ireland to become an all inclusive club in that we provide training and membership to people who have mobility problems or special needs requirements and it is wonderful to see sensei Ciaran following this path. Well done to all.

A special thanks to senseis Sean O'Donnell and Ross Daly who will be hosting all classes this week, and to our new members who started last week we extend a warm welcome.
On Thursday June 9th we hope to hold a senior grading examination after training ...... so keep practicing your katas!
As mentioned last week parents please note that the club does not close over the summer holiday period and training times are as follows:
Junior beginners 7pm on Thursday, advanced juniors 8pm Tuesday & Thursday and adults all grades 9pm Tuesday & Thursday. A special advaced kata class is held on Sunday at 11am.
New members welcome come along and check us out your first lesson is FREE. For further details or information call Brian 0872500783.
Until next week osu.

large turnout at all classes last week

We were delighted with the large turnout at all classes last week particularly the junior beginners with well over twenty students at the early session. Sensei Stacey Kelly travelled from Tuam to join us for the senior class which she co-hosted while sensei Brian Toomey instructed our new members. Last Saturday John McCarthy and Jim Condon held a special training programme at the Cope Foundation in Montenotte Cork for our wheelchair and special needs members. As always it was a pleasure to train with these special people.
Sunday we held an advanced class in the dojo where sensei Brian instructed us on kata Gankaku, a special thanks to senseis P.J., Mick, Ross, and all who were present.
Best wishes to sensei Ciaran O'Dea and the Shubukan Karate Club in Dungarvan whose members will be grading this week.
A reminder that we will be holding our annual summer training seminar on June 25th and 26th next at Clonea Strand Dungarvan presented by I.J.K.A. international chief instructor shihan S. Kato 9th dan.Further details will be posted on the Avondhu nearer to the event.

Finally we would like to welcome all our new members to the club.Training is at the usual times and note that the club will remain open all over the summer. Keep practicing and until next week osu.

senior members were awarded blackbelts in Presas Style Kombatan

Fermoy Karate Club was honoured this week by the International Philippine Martial Arts Federation when a number of our senior members were awarded blackbelts in Presas Style Kombatan. Unlike in many Asian martial arts, students of Kombatan learn first to use weapons and defend themselves against them. When the student learns to defend him/herself against a weapon, it is easier to learn to defend oneself against an unarmed opponent. Kombatan classes are held in our dojo on every third Tuesday of month, our next class will be on June 21st. Congratulations to all well done.
Thanks to sensei Sean O' Donnell who hosted last Thursday's junior and senior classes. Training is at the usual times with an advanced kata class on Sunday at 11am.
Until next week osu.

Local clubs excel at championships

pic 1:- The Wheelchair and special category champions Valerie, Dale, Sean Og and Podge, pictured with senseis Jackie O' Shea, Brian Toomey, David O' Donovan and P.J, Moloney.

pic 2:- Fermoy's Kieran Buckley preparing himself for the junior kumite competition which saw him winning the silver medal for a fantastic performance.

Last Sunday Fermoy Karate Club in association with the IJKA hosted the Irish Open Shotokan and Irish Wheelchair Championships 2011 at the Loreto Sports Complex in Fermoy. Shotokan clubs from all over the country were well represented and did themselves proud. It was great to see competitors from as far away as Italy as was our near neighbours from Kildorrery, to all visiting clubs and their supporters we thank you osu.
The standard among all the contestants was very high and is a testimony to the dedication of their senseis.
Congratulations to sensei Eddie O' Donnell, Mitchelstown Karate Club who took gold in the men's senior kata, and to sensei Martin Sheehan, Kildorrery Karate Club who got first place in the men's senior kumite competition. The senior team kumite gold went to Fermoy, well done senseis Joe, Rory and Ross while the senior team kata was won by our Italian friends. Fermoy's Mariusz Borowski took bronze in the kumite competition, and Kieran Buckley got the silver medal in the junior kumite. Well done to sensei Stacey Kelly and her club who brought medals back to Galway and to sensei Jackie O' Shea who took the gold in the senior ladies kata. The list is endless congrats to all.
The wheelchair and special categories were a joy to watch and all the contestants received a tremendous reception from their fellow karatekas and spectators.The determination and love of the sport portrayed by these very special people is second to none. To Podge, Valerie, Dale and Sean Og congratulations.
During the interval we were treated to a special demonstration in the art of Kombatan by sensei Jess Pablo and members of his club,this was a thoroughly enjoyable experience watching the master at his very best, "salamat sa inyo"
Karate is a wonderful sport that is open to everyone regardless of age, experience or fitness level, a sport where you will always make the team and be respected. The quality and dedication of our up-coming karatekas which was so evident this week-end is ensuring a very bright future for our sport.
Thank you ............. Loreto Sports Complex and Patsy O'Flynn, Red Cross, judges and referees, all participating clubs,spectators, parents and all who gave up their time to make this event a great success.
Training is at the usual times and new members always welcome.
Until next week osu.