Just a general news update for Elite Karate Academy October 2021

I would (once again) like to thank each and every one of you for your support of Elite Karate Academy throughout these challenging times. That so many students returned after lockdown is great source of pride. As this is my sole source of support and full-time job your support is greatly appreciated.

Elite Karate Academy App -‘To Black Belt & Beyond’

I launched our app during the last lockdown with the goal of helping students progress faster and help them continue to train outside the Academy. For those students that use the app I can see the progress in their techiques. An example of this is Patrick, a yellow tip, who recently used the app to teach himself the 1st 7 katas, including a black belt kata. An incredible achievement for one so young which resulted with his advancement to Yellow Belt.

Our Elite Karate Academy App – ‘To Black Belt & Beyond’ is a growing video archive of every technique, skill, drill, game or exercise a student could need to achieve black belt & beyond.  This is a game changer for our karate students and/or their parents.  Something that was not available when I began Karate but to have your instructor teach you what you need to learn by video all available on your phone 24/7 would ensure more rapid progress.

The app has new uploads every week which follow the course of the respective classes.  If students learn a new technique, skill or drill, the instructional video will be on the app the following week, if not already there.  All lessons taught by Sensei Gareth. Both the children’s syllabus (Wado Ryu Syllabus) and the teen/adult syllabus (Practical Karate Syllabus) are available on the app and we will fill in all the grades over time. There is content there for all ages and levels.

Anyone not currently using the app on their phones and would like a new log in email, please contact me and let me know. And I can forward a new pin number to you. Non Academy members can sign up for a free 7 day trial here.

Dojo Kun

We are currently coming to the the end of our Dojo Kun Programme in the children’s beginner’s classes. This programme is 25 life rules that teach students how to make your dreams come true. Parents or students can read more about this programme on our website here. Once this programe ends we will be starting our word of the week programme. 14 character values that are the backbone of the martial arts. Read more here.

Seminar/courses/schools

As many of you know I am now Ireland’s only World Combat Association Combat Coach and now that restrictions are lifting I am teaching Self-Protection Courses and Seminars again. These seminars can be designed to fit your needs and are ideal for schools, groups or businesses. For more information click here. If anyone would like to host a seminar or course please contact me.

I will be running a Womans Only Personal Security Course on Saturday 30th of October between the hours of 10am-2pm. This is not a martial arts class but a presentation on personal security issues that will allow any female feel safer and more secure and is a life skill similar to 1st aid, one you may not need today but maybe in the future.

The course is open to any female over the age of 15 and costs €30 for the day. Places will be limited so please book early.

Children’s Courses

Over the coming months I will be launching two special courses for children. the first will be a an Anti-Bullying Children’s Course to give non-members the confidence and skills to deal with bullies in a non violent manner. This course I will be running in normal classes within the Academy once we finish the current dojo Kun programme. The second course will be a children’s self-defence course teaching awareness, avoidence and escape drills from common grabs and situations.

Once these courses are launched if you or anybody you know is interested in running a course please let me know.

Special offers,

I have some imited numbers of Academy t-shirts in aged 5-6 with the old logo in stock. i am doing a special offer on this size only, 2 for €10. This discount cannot be availed of through the website only in the dojo.

Karate Suits

My suppliers are currently out of stock of karate suits, this is a combination of Covid and Brexit. I will order in new uniforms once they are in stock and will inform when I have them. Sorry for the inconvience and bare with me.

Orders for Christmas

With the uncertain in England of transport and Brexit issues If you are considering purchasing items for Christmas I would suggest you buy them as earlier as you can. I would recommend all child students going forward have a pair of gloves and protective boots. These are currently in stock in a range of sizes both child and adult.

I also have a limited number of paddles and focus mitts in stock. Paddles I would recommend for smaller children, and are ideal for parents to train along with their child at home. Foxcus mitts I would recommend for older children, teens or adults. In these Covid times it is highly recommended that students use their own equipment.

Christmas Grading

There will another grading in the run up to Christmas for those eligible to grade. I will supply more details closer to the time.

Teen/Adult grading

The beginner’s Teen/Adult class will have a grade in class the 1st week of November. I will be in contact with the relevent students and parents shortly.

YouTube/Facebook/Instagram

Please follow us on social media. Click the following links YouTube, Facebook, Instagram.

The Life Lessons Series

As many of you know I wrote 3 books during lockdown on various aspects of martial arts and its connection to mental health. These books were not written only for martial artists and would be of interest to anybody interested in mental health. I would also suggest parent would enjoy understanding more of the benefits their children will receive in studying the martial arts. All 3 books are available in paperback or e-book on Amazon. Click the link to read more.

Christmas Newsletter

Welcome to our Christmas Newsletter.  Just a few brief notes on up-coming events between now and Christmas and into next year.

Firstly, I wish to thank you for your support and loyalty in choosing Elite Karate Academy.  Our Academy has grown so much this year, with a new Adults intermediate class starting and a return of our adult’s fitness boot camp on the timetable and once again the standard has risen across the board. 

Christmas Holidays

Elite Karate Academy will close for Christmas holidays after classes on Friday the 20th of December and reopen with classes as normal on Monday the 6th of January 2020. Paid for classes will roll over into the New Year.  May I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Christmas Grading

The final grading of the year for those eligible to grade will take place within normal classes on Monday – Wednesday 16th-18th of December.  Gradings cost €25 for under 18’s and €30 for 18+ and must be accompanied by an up-to-date Grading Passport.  Relevant fee must be enclosed within the passport and must be presented at the same time on/before Friday 13th December 2019.  Failure to pay fee or produce grading passport by this date will mean students will not be eligible to grade.  Payments cannot be made by card.

If you need to buy/replace a grading passport it costs €10 and must be accompanied 2 passport photos, with the student’s name and a contact number on the back of one photo.  Any student who does not have a grading passport can purchase one whenever they wish prior to them grading.

If you wish to renew an out-of-date passport it costs €10 and must be presented with the out-of-date passport.  Check the back page of your Grading Passport for its expiry date.

Those eligible to grade at Christmas are listed at the bottom of this newsletter.

If you are not sure whether you or your child is eligible to grade, please email me or speak to me in class.

2nd Dan Grading

Our Assistant Instructor Eric will be grading for his 2nd Dan on Friday 13th December at 8.30pm. Students and Parents are welcome to attend this grading.  Doors close 8.20pm

Elite Karate Academy 10th Anniversary Expo

Our Elite Karate Academy Expo will take place once again on a Sunday in April next year. The date will be confirmed in the New Year. This year’s Expo is an important one as it celebrates the 10th anniversary of our Academy and my 30th anniversary of teaching. The aim of the Expo, as always, is to allowing students demonstrate their skills and abilities to their family and friends, whilst educating parents about the aims and ethos of Elite Karate Academy, in a relaxed fun environment.  This event is open to anyone, so extended family and friends are welcome, and I can assure you this year’s will be the best.  More details in January.

This year’s Expo will include;

  • Grading
  • Club Sparring Competition (See below)
  • Demonstrations (Instructor & Students)
  • Award Ceremony (Grading, Competition, and Special Awards, including Student of the Year)
  • Possible unveiling of our 1st Junior Black Belt
  • Bake & Cake Sale
  • Raffle

Sparring Competition Special Offer

We will be giving full details for the competition in February but any student taking part will need gloves and boots in order to take part and be graded above yellow belt.  With that in mind I’m offering a special Pre-Christmas Special Offer, get a pair of child gloves and boots and a pair of focus mitts to use at home or in the Academy. Only €60, save €15.

Individual Prices For Christmas Gifts: 

Children’s Gloves €20,

Children’s Boots €25,

Karate Suits €25/€30,

Focus Mitts

Children’s €30

adult’s €40   

Black Friday Special Offer

Sign up for our Children or Adult 3-month memberships (new students only) and get 10% off and a free karate suit. Sign up before the offer ends on 20th December 2019 and start your training in January 2020. 

Cardio Combat Fitness Boot Camp

Unleash your inner warrior. A HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) boot camp featuring martial arts pad work, core and circuits training. If fitness is a battleground, welcome to the front line. Ideal for beginners, as every participant pushes themselves as hard as they want. You don’t have to be a champion to train like one. Ideal for weight loss or general fitness, watch your confidence grow as you get fitter, push yourself regardless of fitness level and watch the calories burn off. New Class Monday 7-8pm €10 per class.  Special Offer coming in January.  Want to try a free class???

St Patrick’s Day Parade

The Academy will be walking in next year’s Clondalkin Parade.  Hopefully you and your family will join us.

Character Education Program

Once again, we start our Word of the Week​ program in class.  Our specially designed word of the week program teaches 14 core values to your child in a 5 minute ‘mat chat’ within their normal class. Your child will grow as people not just stronger and fitter.  No other club offers this type of program.

Our 14 words are: Courtesy, Growth, Honesty, Obedience, Courage, Sincerity, Humility, Perseverance, Honour, Loyalty, Self-Control, Knowledge, Respect, Integrity.

Each week these lessons will be posted on our Facebook page or the full course can be viewed here​ in our blog section of our website.  I strongly urge parents to get involved with their child’s learning by reading these posts or discussing after each class what they learnt.

Website

We have other unique programmes available on our website​.  Click the link to read them

Dojo Kun Programme​ – Most club’s dojo rules consist of no shouting, no chewing gum etc. Our Dojo Kun program teaches your child 25 rules of life. These rules teach your child how to follow and make their dreams come true, through hard work, passion, and dedication.

Elite Mental Training​ – This program teaches students the mental strategy of fighting, topics introduced can be used in all areas of life, reducing stress, and increasing mental wellbeing. Read some lessons covered in our blog section below, we are currently running this in intermediate and senior classes.

Anti-Bullying Programme​ – We teach your child how to deal with bullying in a non-aggressive way without having to resort to violence. A great program for boosting confidence and self-belief.  This starts in September.

Online Self Defence Course​ – Lots of information on how to avoid trouble, threat management, fight psychology and tactical training.

Go to www.EliteKarateAcademy.com

Click on the student zone/blog tab.

Click on “word of the week” or “elite mental training” (this directory may be at the bottom of the page if using mobile phones) 

Newer material will be shared weekly on our Facebook page, much will be of interest even to those who don’t train. 

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram

https://www.facebook.com/ClondalkinsEliteAcademy/

https://www.instagram.com/elitekarateacademydublin/

Testimonials Request

That so many of you praise our Academy is huge source of pride to me.  Please write a review/testimonial here​.  They will then be added to our website.  Student / parents or both may write a review and you may write a new one if you wrote one before.

Referral Competition

In January we will be starting out referral competition and I will give details of how to enter and prizes.

Those Eligible For Christmas Grading

Daniils R, Aidan W, Eoghan R, Angel F, David A, Daniel A, Vanessa L, Millie D, Anagha P, Claudia S, Finn M, Charlie M, Sean P, Mia Mc, Daria C, Sean K, Miya D, Justin L, Sebastian L, Markas K, Ferdia O, Miriam K, Peter K, Yanina G, Ben P, Mark M, Cian U, Derek M, Amelia R, William N,, Marcus O, Eva K, Marco L, Rian O, Chloe O, Sean O, Amber O, Lia O, Karlene O’C, Dylan C, Darragh G, Darragh L, Oscar M, Marcas M, Eric De, James W, Kai K, Liam W, Calibe D, Paula C, Indre C, Ignas C, Niko P, Leo L, Niall L, Adonai V, Gloria V, Fares O, David P, Konstantin G, Courtneu G, Drake F, Lukas O, Markian P. Millie C, AJ E, Charlie W, Aleksander S, Marco L, Evan H, Ryan H, Amberleigh D, Evan G, Ben P, Kayla Mc, Alberto C, Lucy M, Declan B. 

Merry Christmas

Sensei

Sign up for our Children or Adult Beginner’s Class (new students only) for three months membership and get 10% off and a free karate suit. Sign up before the offer ends on 20th December 2019 and start your training in January 2020. 

We’re Back!!!

Cardio Combat Returns 7th October 2019

2 classes per week.  7-8pm Monday & 10am-11.15am Saturday

10 weeks course – Bonus free class – Only €120

A mix of karate, boxing, circuits and core workout to make you look and feel great.  Suitable for all fitness levels.  Workout at your own pace.  No fitness needed, no skills needed.  Join us and have fun.

Over 15s only

Taikyoku Kata

Lower block then step forward and punch all in junzuki stance

in direction 3 & 6 do three punches with a kiai (spirit shout) on last punch

When turning into direction 4 & 7 turn to your left using the left leg

Get in shape for Summer with our

“Summer Body Bootcamp”

8 weeks to Get Fit, Lose Weight and Feel Great. Only €60

A mix of karate, boxercise, circuits and core exercise that allows

You to workout at your own pace.

Can be adapted for all fitness levels from absolute beginners to advanced fitness levels.

Work hard get great results while having great fun.

Starting Saturday 10am-11.30am 27th April, then 4th May, 11th May, 25th May, 1st June, 8th June, 15th June and 22nd June 2019.

ELITE KARATE ACADEMY NEWSLETTER MARCH 2019

Elite Karate Academy Expo

Our 8th Elite Karate Academy Expo will take place on Sunday 14th of April between 2pm-6pm, in the Clayton Hotel. Liffey Valley.  Doors open at 1.30pm. All students will be taking part, those not grading will be involved in demonstrations.  All students must wear their karate uniform.  The aim of the Expo, as always, is to allowing students demonstrate their skills and abilities to their family and friends, whilst educating parents about the aims and ethos of Elite Karate Academy, in a relaxed fun environment.  This event is open to anyone, so extended family and friends are welcome, this year’s Expo will include;

  • Grading (students eligible to grade below)
  • Club Sparring Competition (semi-finals and finals only, entries closed)
  • Demonstrations (Instructor & Students)
  • Award Ceremony (Grading, Competition, and Special Awards, including Student of the Year)
  • Unveiling of Elite Karate Academy’s newest Senior Black Belt
  • Bake & Cake Sale. Why not bake something to bring on the day?
  • Raffle (asking parents to donate a price if they can, donations can be brought to the dojo)

Grading

Those eligible to grade must pay their grading fee (€25 for below 18 and €30 for over 18) before 31st of March to insure they receive their certificate at the Expo.  Students names are listed below if eligible to grade.  Students may only grade at the expo.   Students may only grade if they are eligible and hold a current up to date grading licence, which must be presented with their grading fee.  If passport is out of date the yearly fee is €10 to renew.

If you need to get a new passport the fee must be accompanied by two passport photos.

Tickets

Tickets are now on sale for the Expo.   Buy them before 12th April to avail of the cheaper rate. Grandparents, family or friend’s tickets can all be bought before the day.  Presold tickets simply check in on the day.

Tickets cost:                                                    Before 12th April         On Door

Adult Ticket                                        €8                                €12

Child Ticket*                                      €5                                €8

*Current students only or under 5’s do not need to purchase tickets.

Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children)            €20                              €30

 

Bake sale and raffle

Once again, we will have a bake sale in aid of Barretstown and a raffle.  Parents/students are encouraged to bake or bring something for the day.  We need your help in getting prizes for our raffle!!!  Give a prize or a voucher from your work.  Please bring your donations on the day or as soon as possible to the dojo.

 

St Patrick’s Day Parade

Once again this year the Academy will be walking in this year’s Clondalkin Parade.  Students, families, and their friends are all invited to join us on the day.  Assemble point is 1.30pm in the car park of Clondalkin Sports and Leisure, Old Nangor Rd on (obviously) 17th March 2018.  If the weather is poor, please wear normal clothes under your karate uniform.

Character Education Program

Once again, we start our Word of the Week program in class.  Our specially designed word of the week program teaches 14 core values to your child in a 5 minute ‘mat chat’ within their normal class. Your child will grow as people not just stronger and fitter.  No other club offers this type of program.

Our 14 words are: Courtesy, Growth, Honesty, Obedience, Courage, Sincerity, Humility, Perseverance, Honour, Loyalty, Self-Control, Knowledge, Respect, Integrity.

Each week these lessons will be posted on our Facebook page or the full course can be viewed here in our blog section of our website.  I strongly urge parents to get involved with their child’s learning by reading these posts or discussing after each class what they learnt.

Website

Check out our Student Zone /blogs on our website.  Click here to read about them

Dojo Kun Programme – Most club’s dojo rules consist of no shouting, no chewing gum etc. Our Dojo Kun program teaches your child 25 rules of life. These rules teach your child how to follow and make their dreams come true, through hard work, passion, and dedication.

Elite Mental Training – This program teaches students the mental strategy of fighting, topics introduced can be used in all areas of life, reducing stress, and increasing mental wellbeing. Read some lessons covered in our Student Zone /blogs section below.

Anti-Bullying Programme – We teach your child how to deal with bullying in a non-aggressive way without having to resort to violence. A great program for boosting confidence and self-belief.  This starts in September.

Newer material will be shared weekly on our Facebook page, much will be of interest even to those who don’t train.

Coming later in the Year

Other events coming up this year after the Expo, will be our Elite Karate Academy Summer Camps

Testimonials Request

That so many of you praise our Academy is huge source of pride to me.  Please write a review/testimonial on our Academy Facebook page.  They will then be added to our website.  Student / parents or both may write a review and you may write a new one if you wrote one before.

Students eligible to grade.  If your child is not on the list and you think they may be eligible to grade please talk to Sensei

For Yellow Tip

Adonai Vey, Aubree Marshall, Cian Union, Conor Magee, Gloria Vey, Joaquin Pitt, Justin Luca, Leo Li, Miya Dong, Niall Li, Paula Cretu, Sean Kearns, Sebastian Luca, Zoe li

For Yellow Belt

Karlene O’Carroll

For Orange Belt

Alex O’Neill, Bobby Sneyd, Calibe Devereux, Chloe Lynch, Derek Mulligan, Eric De Luca, Gabriel Bernardez, Kai Keegan, Louise Foley, Zoe Sneyd

For Green Belt

Aoife Richards, Callum Mooney, Chloe O’Dowd, Darragh Grikss, Darya Grikss, Eva Kelly, Marco Li, Markas Koskus, Niamh Kelly, Rian O’Dowd

For Blue Belt

Alex Reilly, Miriam Kimani, Peter Kimani, Ben Pitt, Henry O’Brien

For Purple Belt

Dylan Carolan, Oscar Mungai,

For Brown Belt 3rd Kyu

Lucy Fairweather. Matthew Kavanagh

For Brown 1st Kyu

Sean Smith