ClaSS Times
monday
18.45 - 19.30: Kids Beginners 19.30 - 20.15: Juniors Advanced 20.15 - 21.30: Seniors & High Grade Juniors
WEDNESDAY
18.45 - 19.30: Kids Beginners 19.30 - 20.15: Juniors Advanced 20.15 - 21.30: Seniors & High Grade Juniors
THURSDAY
18.45 - 19.30: Kids Beginners 19.30 - 20.15: Juniors Advanced 20.15 - 21.30: Seniors & High Grade Juniors
SATURDAY
10.00 - 10.45: Juniors 10.45 - 12.15: Seniors & High Grade Juniors
Meet YOur Instructors
Nigel Byrne
President and Chief Instructor BKKA 5th Degree Black Belt
Aaron Byrne
Vice-President & Fight Instructor BKKA 3rd Degree Black Belt
LUKE Byrne
Vice-President & Fight Instructor BKKA 2nd Degree Black Belt
MATTHEW HAYES
Assistant Instructor BKKA 2nd Degree Black Belt
Welcome message from president Nigel byrne
A little message to parents of prospective student and on some of the benefits of Kenpo Karate.
For young students it helps build their confidence, focus, coordination , discipline and character with a mixture of physical conditioning, traditional forms, techniques and sparring.
Kenpo Karate is an updated system of martial arts based on modern-day street fighting that applies logic and practicality. It is characterized by the use of quick and powerful strikes delivered from all of the body’s natural weapons, powered by rapid stance transitions, called “shifting.” Beginners are introduced to basic attack responses, which comprise a larger system taught through scripted scenarios, which allow instructors a platform to share concepts and principles Ed Parker emphasized in his teachings.
The purpose of training in this manner is to increase physical coordination and continuity with linear and circular motion. Each movement, when correctly executed, leads into the next, keeping an adversary’s “dimensional zone” in check, while limiting their ability to retaliate. Should the adversary not react as anticipated, the skilled Kenpo practitioner, it is argued, is able to seamlessly transition into an alternative and appropriate action, drawn spontaneously from the trained subconscious.
“A goal without a plan is just a wish”
Every parent that brings their child up to our club wants them to improve in areas like:
CONFIDENCE
SELF-ESTEEM
ATTENTION SPAN
DISCIPLINE
FOCUS
BULLY DEFENSE AND PREVENTION
MENTAL AWARENESS
IMPROVED PHYSICAL ABILITIES
BE AROUND POSITIVE ROLE MODELS
Every child that starts training in our martial arts program has a dream of becoming a black belt, It’s because they understand that people with a black belt embody physical and mental strength. Our goal is to help instill these qualities into your child, and also help them achieve their dream and that’s why our grading systems are in place. Our belt testing forces students to mentally prepare. All students know and understand how they can test and advance. Every class your child attends puts them closer to the testing day.
This mental preparation might be the most valuable thing our process offers.
Preparation is sometimes overlooked. And it should NOT be, because preparation is essential to progress in life.
As instructors our duty is to prepare your child for the testing day. Class after class we work with your child together to help them get ready.
The benefits of preparation are:
It helps your child start strong.
When you prepare well, you have a foundation in place to then build on.
It helps in understanding things you need to do:
When you prepare well, you have an understanding of what is required to achieve your goal.
It helps in knowing your strengths and weaknesses.
When you prepare well for something, you have an understanding of some of the strengths and weaknesses of what you are preparing for and how to adjust and correct for those.
Going through our Belt Test process and preparing for it consistently week after week teaches your child how to prepare for and deal with anything that life will throw at them later.
VALUES OF GRADING
Ranking up is very important for your child. With every new belt they start taking training more seriously because they EARNED THEMSELVES A HIGHER SPOT on the ladder of success. They will also enjoy increased responsibility and recognition among their peers.
Parents often say they would like their child to act more mature, try harder in classes and be more responsible.
Our Belt Test teaches your child just that.
Every time they put on a new belt they understand they leveled up. It’s a huge visual tool that your child puts on several times a week. And they understand, that in order to reach the next one, they will have to work a little harder than before. At the same time you will start to see their attitude change as well. As your child gets higher belts they will become more important examples for other students.
To finish I will leave you with:
Why a black belt?
A Black Belt represents an achievement through years of dedication and commitment. It symbolizes hard work, self-discipline, and perseverance. Becoming a Black Belt instills a responsibility to one’s self and others.
Testimonials
I first joined karate with Nigel , Aaron and Luke when I was 5 years old. When I first joined I had no confidence, but I made so many friends within the first week and I knew from the moment that I put on the suit I loved it and wanted to get better. The confidence boost I got impacted me positibvely in school and many other ways . Throughout the years, the instructors always had faith in me becoming a talented martial artist and knew how to bring out the best in me. I've gained so much self confidence and discipline from being part of this amazing club. It’s now 2023 and I’m a junior black belt.
ZARA
BLACK belt
My name is Julian Shanagher and I first started training at Ballinteer KENPO Karate Academy in October 2016. I was almost 36 years old and had no previous experience in martial arts. I was however always interested in learning karate for self-defence, confidence, fitness, improving balance and increasing strength and although I was a little late starting I have loved every minute of my journey so far and I’ve never looked back.
KENPO is a fantastic martial art with a long tradition in both Ireland and across the world.
The instructors and assistant instructors at BKKA are a wealth of knowledge and you can see how much they enjoy sharing their knowledge and love of the art with the enthusiasm they display during each class.
The atmosphere in the club is fantastic, always so upbeat and positive and the club is made up of some of the best and most inspiring people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.
That goes for both the instructors as well as the students.
Julian
Brown Belt
My name is Ammie and I've been doing karate with Nigel for 8 years now! Joining this karate club was honestly the best thing I could've done because it taught me confidence, determination and discipline. I've learnt so much from being in this club and I'm confident I can defend my self in any situation. I wouldn't have be able to do it without the help of Aaron, Luke and Nigel. They really put their time and effort into helping and teaching me and other students. It also gave me the opportunity to make new friends. After many years of training I got my black belt last year and that gave me even more confidence. I wouldn't have being able to do it without Nigel's help.
Ammie
Black Belt
BKKA is a really welcoming and friendly club. It prides itself on being inclusive . Nigel, Aaron, Luke and all the instructors are passionate about getting the best out of their students no matter what their ability is. Training with BKKA has improved Lizzy’s confidence and skills over the last two years and she was very proud to win most improved junior female fighter this year. Thanks Nigel and team , keep up the great work! (Lizzy's Mum)
Lizzy
Purple Belt
BKKA FACTS & FIGURES
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Keep in Touch!
Ballinteer St. John’s Clubhouse Grange Rd Rathfarnham Dublin 16, D16 DK76
087 235 2063
nigelbyrnebkka@gmail.com