IKKI Traditional & Sport Karate
IKKI Squads
Students aspiring to Itosu-kai squads are those karateka who wish to further their skills, knowledge and ability. Separate kata and kumite squad sessions take place at various locations and times. The purpose of squad training is to allow students in our clubs the opportunity to further their skills in either kata, kumite or both. Squad sessions are separate to club karate sessions and the aim is to give additional specific tuition to students from participating IKKI clubs more intense training. There is a standard of practice required to join the IKKI squads recognised by IKKI club Sensei’s. At squad sessions, besides learning new drills and practicing, squad coaches will emphasise the importance of the mental and physical aspects of training.
Squad 2023/2024
Next IKKI Squad training sessions:
Venue: Honbu dojo, Ballinasloe
Date: Sunday 20th October
Time: 10.30am – 12.30/1.00pm.
Coaches Courner:
1st session – “Sunday 3rd Oct saw the return of the IKKI Kata & Kumite Squad sessions. After the amazing success of the squad at the IKIF Championships in Denmark it was no wonder that this session was filled with lots of enthusiasm, energy and great atmosphere.There were also some new members to the squad which is always great to see, and in time these students will also improve their own skill set and make their mark representing Ireland at a major championship. Best of luck to the squad and Coaches for the future. IKKI Kata Coach, Leo Mulvany
2nd session. “Sunday 6th Nov Squad Session was another busy one with a great turn-out. This session was specifically designed with drills and discussion to get back to basics with the Kata section concentration on balance and stances while the Kumite section worked on fitness & scoring techniques. There was a great attitude, lots of effort and continued improvement from everyone.Squad session Sunday 15th January, the first of the New Year was well attended as usual.
Kumite session was lively and intense with Sensei Kevin Casey. Keeping to basics, attendees were put through their paces
with Sensei’s Nathan Donelan and Jake Mulvany. Speed, distancing and control were on the todays menu and using the most
common point winning techniques; jab, jab and reverse, incorporating roundhouse drills, ending the session
with kumite rules coaching and sparring.
Sensei Kevin Casey
Kata session started the new year looking at stances and drills to improve these, left and right. A lot of effort from all working
on the more difficult stances, engaging concentration and being conscious of what is happening, what you are doing and what is
required and where the learning is. We looked at balance, plyometrics to improve punch speed and how to breath correctly.
Kata Coaches: Sensei Leo Mulvany & Tony Dolphin.
Squad: 22nd September
September Squad Update – A well-attended, lively, fresh, new Squad training session kicked off the season. Juniors & Seniors alike turned up with great enthusiasm and eager to soak up as much information as possible from the Coaching Team. Kumite Session as always was packed with techniques, practice & fun, putting everyone through their paces. Kata was specific to age groups with Juniors covering lots of drills and tips, helpful feedback
from the Coaches, which was then followed by concentration on the Pinan Katas.
Seniors covered 2 Kata after specific drilling on pivot, timing, stances & technique execution. All in all it was a great, upbeat fast pace session with lots learned (hopefully…). Special thanks to all the Coaches for their expertise, preparation of the session, their patience & knowledge. Without them these types of specialised training sessions would not be possible.
See you all on the Tatami again soon. Check out the calendar for the next squad and all IKKI Events.
Previous squads
Central to the success of squad individuals will be their ability to follow and apply what their coaches teach them such as confidence and attitude, positive thinking, self-visualisation, tactics and mental preparation.
A team pool is established every year in October/November for those with a sporting ambition. This pool is usually part developmental depending on the number and calibre of new squad recruits. Individual club instructors in Itosu-kai Karatedo Ireland may select students to trial for the team pool.
Squad Training
Squad training takes place at kata or kumite squad sessions. Sessions are called by the relevant coach and students are required to attend. Commitment is required to succeed. Squad sessions may become more frequent prior to competition, be it national, international or world championship level.
IKKI National Squad Coaches 2024/2025
Kata: Leo Mulvany, Claire Harte & Tony Dolphin
Kumite: Kevin Casey, Marcus Doherty, Donal Monahan, Colin O’Connell & Nathan Donelan