Itosu-Kai Karatedo Ireland celebrates 50 years of karate and kobudo in 2026
To mark the occasion the IKKI association will host a number of events.
Starting with and in conjunction with Sport Ireland’s “Women in Sport Week”
the 2nd – 8th March 2026, the IKKI will hold a “Women & Girls in IKKI” night.
This will comprise of karate, self-defence and kata.
The session will be conducted by Sensei Claire Harte, 6th Dan Karatedo, Chief
Instructor in the IKKI Galway dojo. Sensei Claire is well known for her alternative
methods and techniques, so don’t miss this class, you won’t be disappointed.
Day/Date: Friday, 6th March 2026
Time: 7 – 8.30pm.
Venue: The Emerald Ballroom, Society Street, Ballinasloe
Sponsored by the IKKI
Registration for the class:
Phone or text Sensei Leo on 0874159858 with your name and club name
to book your place. You can also email: leotmulvany@gmail.com
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KARATE IRELAND
Introduction to Coaching
Date: 14th March 2026. Venue: Newmarket on Fergus Committee Centre (V95RH93). Time: 10.00hrs
AIM: The Assistant Coach course provides beginner coaches with the essential skills to assist senior coaches in delivering safe, structured, and engaging sessions for young athletes.
CONTENT
The content for this course includes.
1. Identify the role and responsibilities of a coach at this level
2. Assist in the delivery of safe and enjoyable coaching sessions under the supervision of a qualified coach
3. Observe participant performance and share observations with the supervising coach to support feedback.
4. Support in short coaching sessions, reflect on the experience, and organise them
5. Assist with a qualified coach in the personal growth and development of their participants according to the needs of the sport
6. Recognise the Importance of Warm-up and a cool-down
7. Recognise training sessions with safety in mind DURATION This is a 1-day course (8 hours). ENTRY REQUIREMENTS The Assistant Coach Course is open to anyone 16 years or older. Hold a minimum grade of Karate 3rd Kyu (brown belt) Be current members of the Irish Martial Arts Commission.
Full information click HERE Application form, click HERE
49th Nihon Kobudo Embu Taikai Held at Nippon Budokan
On February 1, the 49th Annual Nihon Kobudo Embu Taikai (Japanese Classical Martial Arts Demonstration) was held at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. Approximately 200 practitioners representing 36 traditional martial arts schools from across Japan participated in the event, presenting demonstrations of various classical disciplines including jujutsu, kenjutsu, and karate.
Furthermore, Soke Sakagami was honored with the Martial Arts Merit Award in recognition of his many years of dedication and significant contributions to the promotion and preservation of traditional martial arts.
Soke Sadaaki Sakagami is awarded the Martial Arts Left to right: Shihan Ayumu Oda, Shihan Junya Kata, Soke
Merit Award, 1st February 2026 Sadaaki Sakagami and Shihan Kiyoshi Kusuhara
Get 10% off your purchase. Enter “ikki-10” in the promotional code area.
IKKI Official Cresting Service
(Cresting €6 / 3-4 days)
Call in store to Utah Outdoors, Main Street, Ballinasloe. Co Galway H53 P6C5
Email; info@utah.ie
Call (090) 9624850
Affiliations
Japan Karatedo Itosu-kai (JKI)
Itosu-ryu Karatedo International Federation (IKIF) – founding member
Irish Martial Arts Commission (IMAC)
World Union of Karatedo Federations (WUKF)
IKKI Association
The association was founded in 1976 in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway and celebrates it’s 50th year anniversary in 2026. Itosu-kai karate caters equally for all students and classes are structured to cater for all ages and abilities. We are the Irish branch of Itosu-ryu Karatedo International Federation (IKIF), of which we are founding members. For more in depth information on the IKKI association, go to the “About” page.
The IKKI is composed of nine dojos in Ireland. All IKKI black belt instructors have been graded through the official IKKI syllabus and validated by the IKIF in Japan. We hold black belt gradings once per year and three colour belt gradings per year. It generally takes 5+ years to achieve black belt status, this is based on our syllabus and 2 classes per week (3-4hrs karate). Our colour belt system runs from white (beginner) to yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, brown with black stripe (shodan-ho) and black (shodan). The colour belt system is very useful as it immediately identifies skill level and motivates students to achieve the next level. Also, there are then many levels of black belt, 1st Dan, 2nd Dan etc. Students for black belt advancement are selected based on their skill level, dedication and contribution to Itosu-kai in Ireland. We hold two national tournaments per year, refereeing courses and seminars. The IKKI also has kata and kumite squads where students are selected from their own dojos, attend dedicated squad classes for more advanced training. This is the pathway for students wishing to represent Ireland at higher level competition for either IKKI/IKIF.
Remember: Karate is not just about “combat”
Karate is the ultimate in unarmed self-defence
Karate is one of the most balanced and complete ways of keeping in good physical condition
Karate is a way of increasing one’s confidence and self-esteem
Karate is a bridge to other cultures and times
Karate establishes sense contact with one’s own body
Karate is a means of developing friendship
Karate at its best is a means of gaining self-understanding
The aims and ambitions of the IKKI are to:
- teach the principles of and promote traditional Itosu-ryu karatedo
- provide a safe and secure environment for all our students
- provide high quality karate coaching for all participants
- ensure participants have positive learning experiences through their training
- encourage and motivate students of all ages to succeed in their karate
- coach students to the highest level capable of competing at National, European and World Championship level
IKKI Dojos in Ireland
| IKKI Dojo | Dojo Address | Instructor |
|---|---|---|
| Ballinasloe Honbu | Emerald Ballroom, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway | Leo Mulvany |
| Newinn | Newinn Sports Complex, Newinn, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway | Tony Dolphin |
| Galway | Creaven House, Claddagh Quay, Galway | Claire Harte |
| Loughrea | The Temperance Hall, Barrach Street, Loughrea, Co. Galway | Kevin Casey |
| Kiltormer | Kiltormer Sports Complex, Kiltormer, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway | Marie Dolphin |
| Eyrecourt | Sports Complex, Eyrecourt, Ballinasloe, Co. Galwa | John Dolphin |
| Mountrath | Mountrath Health & Fitness Centre, Mountrath, Co. Laois | Donal Monahan |
| Roscrea | Scoil Eoin Naofa, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary | Aoife O'Grady |
| Mountbellew | Mountbellew Community Centre, Mountbellew, Ballygar Road, Co. Galway | Colin O'Connell |
Browse our website for more information about venues and dojo class times in your locality by using the “Club” tab.
Thank you for visiting the IKKI website. Sensei Leo Mulvany, Chief Instructor IKKI.
Contact Sensei Leo on: 087 4159858 or email: leotmulvany@gmail.com