Kilkenny Karate Club ready for global stage

Nine members of Kilkenny Karate Club are preparing to compete on the international stage.

The locals, part of The Budo Martial Arts Centre, will represent Team Ireland at the Japan Shotokan Karate Association (JSKA) World Championships in Lubeck, Germany this August.

The Kilkenny Karate Club members will compete against top karate competitors from all over the world in one of the most prestigious traditional karate events on the calendar.

“This is a massive opportunity for our club with nine local members - six seniors and three juniors - representing Kilkenny and Ireland on the world stage,” said Kevin Shortall, chief instructor of Kilkenny Karate Club and head coach of the JSKA Ireland Karate team.

“We have been training relentlessly for this event over the last year, sometimes up to six days per week. We now hope our hard work and endeavour will pay off.

“Competition will be fierce, with teams taking part from every part of the globe including Japan, the home of karate,” he added. “Several members of our club have already achieved great success at national level, and we are looking forward to competing on the world stage.”

The locals, who will be in action in Germany from August 10 to 14, are Kevin Shortall (head coach and competitor), Stephen McLaughlin (coach), Henry Maher (coach), Eddie Cahill, Lee Chadwick, Moya Kehoe, Sonia Lazar, Iza Kol, David Quinn Maher, Adrian Sanek and Michael Sanek.

Kilkenny Karate Club are currently looking for new members for their beginners karate classes starting over the next few weeks. The club, which runs classes five days a week from its base in the Watershed, offers classes for kids aged five and above, teens, adults and families.

“Students have the freedom to attend any class they like each week,” said Shortall. “There is a friendly and professional atmosphere in the club with all students and instructors helping each other out. Our aim is to make karate an enjoyable activity for everybody involved while they learn this fabulous martial art.”

Classes on offer include the Karate Kids for five to 14 year old boys and girls, traditional Shotokan Karate for teenagers and adults and family classes for families who want to take part in a healthy activity as a family while improving their overall fitness.

The club is offering a free trial class to all those who are interested in trying out karate. Further information from 086-3668669 or visit budomartialartscentre.com.

All costs associated with travelling to and participating in the championships are self-funded by competing members and coaches. The club has set up a GoFundMe Page for the event - https://gofund.me/e19f581a - and welcome support from businesses or individuals.