Karate club is thriving

TANG Soo Do Karate Club, which operates out of Kilmore West Community Centre, has been based on the Northside for the last 18 years.

A member of the Irish Martial Arts Commission (IMAC), the club is very proud of its reputation in the community.  

Kilmore West Tang So Do Club has classes that are suitable for men, women and children of all fitness levels. 

It not only caters for the absolute beginner but also provides for the intermediate and advanced student who wishes to train in an authentic martial art. 

Ireland Tang Soo Do is affiliated to the International Martial Arts Association which was founded by 9th Degree Black Belt, Grand Master Ki Yun Yi, in 1974. 

Instructor Master Paul McManus said the club instils concentration, discipline and respect in the students.  

“Our students greet instructors and treat other students with respect and courtesy,” he said. “These values carry over towards teachers, parents, work colleagues and acquaintances. 

“Our Dojang (schools) promote a strong family attitude where the whole family can train together.

“We promote an honest attitude and encourage parents to support their child in and out of classes all under a secure environment. 

“Parents are welcome to sit and watch their child train. All instructors are Garda vetted and IMAC approved.” 

Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean Martial Art introduced to the USA in 1950.

In June 2018 the World Championships were held in the Bonnington Hotel where the Irish team won an impressive amount of medals.

And in November 2018, Kilmore West Karate Club had six students grade and pass for their Black Belts.

The club would like to offer huge congratulations to local school students Holly Byrne, Aine Roche, Robyn Lawlor, Katie Boyle, Kayla Hutch and Ellie Wilson. 

The club’s talents aren’t just confined to the ring, though. 

Local actor/stuntman 2 Dan Black Belt Stephen Ryan has worked outside of the club to get a position as a Stuntman in a Netflix TV programme ‘Into The BadLands’, while Master Paul McManus, 6th Dan, who works in Beaumont Hospital, also got a small part as an Abbott in the same programme, Season 2.

This year the club will be fundraising to send a team to the International championships in Malta which are scheduled to take place in Augu