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.

Irish Open Shotokan Championships 2011

Pic:- Podge Deehan at last years Irish Open competing in the kata event.

The IJKA is pleased to announce that Fermoy Karate Club will be hosting the Irish Open Shotokan Championships and the Irish Wheelchair Championships 2011 on Sunday next May 1st at the Loreto Sports Complex in Fermoy. The event will get underway with the juniors at 11am competing in the kata and kumite disciplines followed by the seniors at 1pm. We hope to begin the wheelchair competitions at about 2pm. This is a fantastic opportunity to see the best karatekas in the country displaying their skills. Admission fee on the day for public spectators is €10 for adults and children are free. For further information contact Brian 087 2500783.
The club would like to congratulate Kenneth Ahearne on receiving his first dan blackbelt in Kaizendo fitness.
A special thanks to sensei Ross Daly for taking the senior class training programme last Thursday evening.
Training is at the usual times. Until next week osu.

Cork Indoor Sports Personality Awards

Pictured at last Friday's Award Ceremony are Valerie Canning, John McCarthy, Cllr.Lorraine Kingston Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Podge Deehan award winner, Brian Toomey, Kevin McCarthy and Jim Condon.


Last Friday evening Fermoy Karate Club member Podge Deehan received an award from The Cork Indoor Sports Personality Awards which was held at The Gresham Metropole Hotel in recognition for his contribution to the sport. An award of this magnitude is a fantastic achievement at the best of times but for Podge and the club it is really special as he is confined to a wheelchair. Podge is an inspiration to all around him and his dedication to the sport is second to none.
On Tuesday evening sensei Jesi Pablo held a Kombatan class in the dojo which was well attended on the night, he congratulated the members who completed his recent seminar and attained the grade of Lakan1 blackbelt. The next class will be held on Tuesday May 17th next.
Fermoy Karate Club is pleased to announce that it will host the Irish Open Shotokan Championships and the Irish Wheelchair Karate Championships 2011 on Sunday May 1st next at the Loreto Sports Complex in Fermoy. Further details of this event will be submitted on next weeks edition of The Avondhu.
A special thanks to sensei Sean O'Donnell who hosted all our classes this week.
Training is at the usual times.
Until nest week. Osu.

Kombatan training on Tuesday next

On next Tuesday evening we had our a kombatan training class in the dojo for senior members at 9pm ...don't forget your bastons. Kombatan is a Filipino martial art discipline which differs from most in that it firstly teaches the student how to use and defend against weapons before using the open hand or weapon free attack or defence methods. Kombatan is based on self-defence techniques and their practicality, and weapons are used only as an extension of the hand.The club holds a class on every 3rd Tuesday of the month and you are welcome to come along and check it out.
A special thanks to sensei Ciaran O'Dea who hosted the wheelchair class last Saturday morning at The Cope Foundation in Montenotte, Cork.
On Friday April 15th Podge Deehan will be receiving a special award at 49th Annual Dinner Dance of the Cork Indoor Sports Association which is being held in The Gresham Metropole Hotel. Podge who is confined to a wheelchair is an excellent ambassador for karate and is an inspiration to all with his determination and positive outlook.
Training is at the usual times and new members are always welcome. Until next week osu.

picture :- Podge Deehan performing his winning kata at last year's Wheelchair Karate Championships.

Club honours World Champion

Last Thursday evening sensei Ross Daly was named Club Person Of The Year in recognition for his achievement in Turin last year taking gold in the men's senior kumite. Ross was presented with the Padraig Houlihan Memorial Perpetual Trophy by Padraig's father John.We had a great turnout which is a testimony to Ross' popularity in the club. Well done Ross and we are sure this will be first of many titles you will achieve.

On Sunday some of our senior members travelled with sensei Brian Toomey and sensei Ciaran O' Dean to Ovens for a Kombatan seminar hosted by Master Jesi Pablo at the Grangecross Budo Centre. The course itself while being quite intensive was made to look easy by Jesi whose skills and expertise are second to none in this martial arts discipline. Every aspect of this style including weapon training,empty hand and police combatitive tactics were masterfully covered by Jesi. All participnts successfully completed this course and received an International Philippines Martial Arts Federation certificate in Kombatan Presas Style and are registered as official members ( lakan 1) with the IPMAF. A special thanks to Jesi's wife Margaret for her hospitality on the day

top pic-:Master Jesi Pablo 3rd from the left pictured with senseis Brian and Ciaran, and club members at last Sunday's Kombatan Seminar.

bottom pic-:Sensei Ross Daly being congratulated by John Houlihan having received the Padraig Houlihan Memorial Club Person Of The Year perpetual trophy.