Kathleen Byrne
One of Europe’s highest blackbelts. Level 2 coach under Ireland’s National Coaching & Training Centre.
” The ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of character of its participants.”
What is Shotokan Karate? Karate means “empty hand”, and Karate-do translates to “the way of Karate”. Shotokan Karate is a weaponless martial art that is founded on the basic techniques of punching, striking, kicking and blocking, yet there is a deeper aspect to serious Karate training which deals with character development. Shotokan Karate is a way for an individual to realize greater potential and expand the limits of that individual’s physical and mental capabilities. Karate in an excellent, time-proven method of personal development. Shotokan Karate is a traditional Japanese Martial Art founded by Master Gichin Funakoshi. Shotokan Karate remains firmly rooted in a strong martial arts tradition, emphasizing lifetime training for a healthy mind and body, rather than strictly as a sport. Who can benefit from Shotokan Karate? You! Even if you feel you are overweight, uncoordinated, inflexible, or lacking self confidence or self discipline, you may have the most to gain by training. Of course results should not be expected overnight, but if you train on a regular basis and stay with it, you will begin to see improvement. Nothing of real value is ever obtained with ease. All kinds of people benefit from Karate training. Men, women and children can be found at our dojo.
Calligraphy by Master Masatoshi Nakayama
Seek perfection of character Be faithful Endeavor to excel Respect others Refrain from violent behavior
Training
Classes are open to all ages from 6 years old to Adults and Club members grade from beginners to Blackbelt. We also compete in Sport Karate which is ‘free sparring’ but with very light contact and ‘juniors’ no face contact’.
