Training Experience : 35 Years
Grade : Yodan 6th Dan

Sensei Gareth FitzGerald 6th Dan & Ireland’s 1st WCA Combat Coach.

Sensei Gareth started his Karate training  in 1985, under one of Ireland’s leading Wado Ryu instructors Sensei Gordon McKenna (8th Dan). He started teaching when he was just 15 years of age before taking a full time teaching position within Sensei McKenna’s organisation and becoming the organisation’s secretary.

In 2010 he founded Elite Karate Academy with the aim of teaching Traditional Wado Ryu Karate Do and realistic Self-Protection Skills. Knowing Karate to be an excellent path to self development and personal growth, Sensei FitzGerald’s goal is to offer the full spectrum of Karate training, whether the student is interested in Sport, Fitness, Self Protection or a Way of Life. “Karate changed my life and the goal now is to pay it forward and improve the quality of my students lives.”

In 2021 Sensei Gareth became Ireland’s 1st World Combat Association, Combat Coach, and a recognised Self-Protection Instructor.  This diploma course aims to develop advanced knowledge & skills in the areas of Personal Security, Combat, Travel Security and Risk Assessments.  As a professional in personal security & conflict management, Sensei Gareth now brings his extensive 35 years of knowledge and experience to every class and course he teaches.

Among other course Sensei Gareth offers courses/seminars and training is Self-Protection & Conflict Management.  See our courses section for more details and courses and for more information on becoming a Combat Coach

Training Skills
  • Karate 100 %
  • Self-Protection 100 %
  • Personal Growth 100 %
  • Fitness 100 %
  • Personal Training 100 %

Meet Our Growing Team

Ashling Hughes With 10 years training experience, 2nd Dan Ashling Hughes, who graded for Black Belt in 2019, is a senior Instructor in Elite Karate Academy.  Currently on our Instructor training program to become a professonal instructor.  Ashling has FETAC level 5 qualifications in childcare.
    With over 6 years training, 2nd Dan Eric Keenan, who graded for Black Belt in 2016, is  an  Instructor in Elite Karate Academy. Eric has studied Health & Recreational Management in Inchicore College, having already successfully qualified in Sports Coaching, with qualifications in GAA, Football, Physical Fitness, Aerobics and First Aid.