Gerard Foley of the Letterkenny Shotokan Karate Club managed to bring home some medals from the Karate Ireland National Championship at the weekend in Waterford.
Karate clubs and associations from all over Ireland met in the SETU Arena for the annual championship to compete at every level of karate, including Kobudo (weapons), Kata (demonstration of technique) and Kumite (fighting). Teams and individuals, children, adults and inclusive – there was a place for everyone to put their skills to test.
It was a full day of nerves and anticipation for the competitors, and an entertaining one for the spectators in the stands as they watched it all unfold.
It was Gerard’s second time at the championship, having taken a gold and bronze in 2023. With some pressure on for 2024, he was happy to walk away with some great results.
In the Kobudo (weapons) section, Gerard placed 3rd to take bronze using the tonfa (night sticks). In Kata (demonstration of technique), he placed 3rd also, and finally in the kumite (fighting) he finished 2nd to take the silver medal.
“There’s a lot to learn from competing,” said Gerard, “it’s the best way to see where you are in terms of strengths and weaknesses. Once you get that info, you have something to concentrate on going forward. This time around, I know that my Kumite could improve a lot, so I’ll work on it”.
Gerard Foley displaying his medal haul to Sensei, John Wilkie.
Gerard thanks all the sensei at LSKC: John Wilkie, Christopher and Peter, and also the other members of the club for their support. If it hadn’t been for the bad weather, injuries and other conflicting events there would have been more members present at the Championship.
Gerard also took the opportunity to thank everyone at Karate Ireland for setting up and running such a big event so smoothly.
For anyone interested in trying Shotokan karate, there are classes most days of the week down in the Letterkenny Community Centre and all are welcome. There is also a women’s self defence course currently being run. If anyone would like further information, they can contact sensei John Wilkie.
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