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04 Oct 2025

Age is just a number!: Eighty year old Kilkenny martial artist achieves momentous milestone

Brian Good is a member at Dragon’s Lair Martial Arts Centre in Kilkenny

Age is just a number!: Eighty year old Kilkenny martial artist achieves momentous milestone

Brian with his bow and black belt certificate

A pivotal moment in any martial arts career is to receive your black belt and title of Sensei (teacher), something that many try for but never achieve.

At the young age of 80, local man and Dragon’s Lair member Brian Good received his black belt in Kyujutsu, the Japanese martial art of wielding a bow, at the renowned Bushikan Dojo in Herne, Germany earlier this year.

This not only makes him the oldest black belt holder at Dragon’s Lair but possibly in Europe as well.

During his grading, Brian demonstrated his proficiency in using the bow and excelled in his knowledge of Japanese history and culture related to Kyujutsu. He has been practicing archery at Dragon’s Lair for several years and has gained a vast amount of experience which he passes on to new and old students.

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Brian is a shining example to all students that you’re never too old to learn and that perseverance pays off. Well done from all the teachers and students at Dragon’s Lair.

Classes take place on Mondays (8pm-9:30pm) and Fridays (7pm-8:30pm) with new members always welcome.

No previous experience is necessary and all equipment is provided by the dojo. It’s a rare chance to learn an extremely enjoyable martial art with fully qualified and experienced instructors.

There are also several seminars throughout the year around Ireland and Europe that students can participate in.

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