About Us
We are the Elite because we are the best at what we do. Elite Karate Academy in Clondalkin teaches traditional Wado Ryu Karate-Do (The Way Of Harmony), a softer style of karate. We know correct training leads to character development and self improvements in our students and is more than simply fighting. Teaching the correct mental attitude and fighting spirit of the Samurai improves your concentration levels, mind control and stress relief leading to a more positive attitude towards life.
Through your knowledge of karate you are taught Self-Defense, Self-Control, Self-Discipline, and Self-Confidence, leading to improvements in your Self-Esteem and develop the Physical, Mental & Spiritual Strength renowned of the martial arts. Classes are designed to be positive experiences, with each class allowing students to achieve a task raising their self confidence and self belief with plenty of positive feedback.
Regardless of age or fitness levels, you will benefit physically from training. Improvements in flexibility, strength, stamina and aerobic fitness are just some of the benefits to be gained.
We specialize in teaching children and you are paying for more than kicking and punching. We mentor and inspire every child, helping them grow in self confidence & wisdom. Children’s classes include 3-5 minute mat chats in every class, with a range of topics covered in our unique and specially designed programs, no other club teaches and gets the results we get. Watch your child grow in confidence and as a person.
Our Academy in Clondalkin is run with a rotating curriculum with different classes for various grades motivating students and forging Black Belts in character not just technique.
Ready to Start? Phone Sensei Gareth on 086 822 4902 or click here to learn about this month’s special offers.
Character Education Programmed
Our word of the week program teaches 14 core values to your child in a 5 minute 'mat chat' within their normal class. Your child will grow as people not just stronger and fitter. Read the lessons in our blog section.
Our 14 words are: Courtesy, Growth, Honesty, Obedience, Courage, Sincerity, Humility, Perseverance, Honor, Loyalty, Self Control, Knowledge, Respect, Integrity.
Dojo Kun (rules) Program
Most clubs dojo rules consist of no shouting, no chewing gum etc. Our Dojo Kun program teaches your child 25 rules of life. These rules teach your child how to follow and make their dreams come true, through hard work, passion and dedication.
Elite Karate Academy teaches our students how karate training can improve their lives. Read more in our blog section below.
Anti Bullying Program
We teach your child how to deal with bullying in a non aggressive way without having to resort to violence. A great program for boosting confidence and self belief.
Karate Kids Fight Fat Program
Would you like your child to understand the benefits of healthy eating and exercise. Our program designed by a personal trainer, promotes a healthy body image and educates your child how best to eat before and after training and the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Junior Black Belt Club
An extra class per week for students. Classes focus on topics not normally covered on syllabus, such as weapons, throws etc or goes deeper into grading syllabus. This class is used to guide stronger students into a deep understanding of the karate., with a higher skill set.
Adult Black Belt Club
An extra class per week for teen/adult students. Classes focus on topics not normally covered on syllabus to guide students into a deep understanding of the martial arts.
SENSEI GARETH FITZGERALD
TRAINING EXPERIENCE
: 35 YEARS
GRADE
: YODAN 6TH DAN
Sensei Gareth FitzGerald 6th Dan & Ireland’s 1st WCA Combat Coach. Sensei Gareth started his Karate training
in 1985, under one of Ireland’s leading Wado Ryu instructors Sensei Gordon McKenna (8th Dan). He started teaching when he was just 15 years of age before taking a full time teaching position within Sensei McKenna’s organisation and becoming the organisation’s secretary.
In 2010 he founded Elite Karate Academy with the aim of teaching Traditional Wado Ryu Karate Do and realistic Self-Protection Skills. Knowing Karate to be an excellent path to self development and personal growth, Sensei FitzGerald’s goal is to offer the full spectrum of Karate training, whether the student is interested in Sport, Fitness, Self Protection or a Way of Life. “Karate changed my life and the goal now is to pay it forward and improve the quality of my students lives.”
In 2021 Sensei Gareth became Ireland’s 1st
World Combat Association, Combat Coach, and a recognised Self-Protection Instructor. This diploma course aims to develop advanced knowledge & skills in the areas of Personal Security, Combat, Travel Security and Risk Assessments. As a professional in personal security & conflict management, Sensei Gareth now brings his extensive 35 years of knowledge and experience to every class and course he teaches.
SENSEI GARETH FITZGERALD
TRAINING EXPERIENCE
: 35 YEARS
GRADE
: YODAN 6TH DAN
Among other course Sensei Gareth offers courses/seminars and training is Self-Protection & Conflict Management. See our courses section for more details and courses and for more information on becoming a Combat Coach
KARATE
SELF-PROTECTION
PERSONAL GROWTH
FITNESS
PERSONAL TRAINING
WADO RYU KARATE DO
What is Wado Ryu Karate Do ?
Wado-Ryu Karate is a Japanese martial art founded by Hironori Ohtsuka Sensei (pictured above) in 1934. Ohtsuka Sensei developed Wado-Ryu after studying the Samurai martial art of Jiu-jitsu, and Shotokan (another style of Karate). This combination, according to Ohtsuka Sensei, is a softer, more natural means of self-protection, indicating Ohtsuka Sensei’s original intention to use training in Wado-Ryu as a means of… solving problems in a non-violent way.
What does Wado Ryu mean?
Wado Ryu translates as the Way of Harmony or Peace. Wado Ryu is a softer school of karate, favouring deflection and body evasion to use an apponents force against them. Also due to the influence of jiujitsu, Wado Ryu incorperates locks and throws, as well as kicks and punches. Judo and Aikido both developed from Jujitsu and could be considered cousins to our style. At the advanced level Wado Ryu looks like a combination of Aikido and Karate.
WADO RYU KARATE DO
What are the benefits of training?
Regardless of age or fitness levels, a student will benefit physically from training. Improvements in flexibility, strength, stamina and aerobic fitness are just some of the benefits to be gained. With correct training under proper instruction students can improve concentration, self confidence, self esteem, discipline, leading to increased positivity, mind control, stress relief, leading to peace of mind and a healthier attitude to life.
What can Wado Ryu Karate give me?
Traditional Karate offers a diverse range of interest points for students, Whether you’re looking for
FITNESS
SPORT
SELF DEFENSE
WAY OF LIFE
Lineage – Top student to Top student
From the birth of karate to today.
Gichin Funakoshi (Father of Modern Karate)
Hironori Ohtsuka (Founder of Wado Ryu)
Tatsuo Suzuki (Ohtsuka’s Top Student)
Gordon McKenna (1st Generation Of Irish Black Belts)
Gareth FitzGerald (Founder of Elite Karate Academy)
Hironori Ohtsuka Sensei
Our founder Hironori Ohtsuka received the menkyo kaiden (certificate of mastery and license to teach) in Shindō Yōshin-ryū jujutsu, the Samurai form of unarmed combat and became the fourth master of that school, on June 1st 1921. In 1922 Ohtsuka began training in Shotokan Karate under the father of modern Karate Gichin Funakoshi who had recently brought Karate from Okinawa to Japan. Blending jujutsu and Karate Sensei Ohstuka formed the first Japanese school of Karate, Wado Ryu (The School of Harmony).
Tatsuo Suzuki Sensei
Sensei Tatsuo Suzuki was born in Yokohama, Japan, in 1928 and became interested in Karate at the age of 14 and within six years of beginning his study of Karate, Sensei Suzuki was awarded his 3rd Dan at the age of 19. From 1945 to 1956 he received direct instruction from the founder of Wado Ryu, Sensei Hinonori Ohtsuka at the Wado Ryu Headquarters. Thereafter, as Ohtsuka Sensei’s most senior student, he traveled with Ohtsuka Sensei both domestically and internationally performing demonstrations and teaching. In 1966 he introduced Karate to Ireland by performing on the Late Late Show, and training the first generation of Irish Karate legends.
Gordon McKenna Sensei
Sensei Gordon McKenna started his martial arts training in amateur boxing before taking up Karate in the 1960’s. He was one of the first generation of karate students in Ireland and trained under the renowned Japanese instructors Sensei Tatsuo Suzuki, Sensei Peter Suzuki, and Sensei Iwazaki. Having gained his black belt in 1973, and recognized by the All Japan Karate-do Federation, Sensei McKenna has taught and undertaken intensive study into Karate and the martial arts, becoming known for his tough training sessions, generous spirit and unsurpassed knowledge of the Wado Ryu style. As an ordained Zen Buddhist Monk Sensei McKenna’s deep insight into Wado Ryu has lead him to being recognized as one of Irelands leading Kata exponents and has trained numerous Irish and World champions in both Kumite (fighting) and Kata (forms). Sensei McKenna continues to train regularly with senior students, and over a 40 year career has developed and unsurpassed reputation as one of Ireland’s leading Wado Ryu Instructors recognized both at home and abroad. To contact Sensei McKenna for workshops or courses email info@elitekarateacademy.com
Gareth FitzGerald Sensei
Sensei Gareth FitzGerald 6th Dan, started his Karate training over 35 years ago in 1985, under one of Ireland’s leading Wado Ryu instructors Sensei Gordon McKenna (8th Dan). He started teaching when he was just 15 years of age before taking a full time teaching position within Sensei McKenna’s organisation and becoming the organisation’s secretary. Having trained in Leisure Management and as a Personal Trainer Sensei FitzGerald has extensive experience of the fitness industry, both as a trainer and as a leisure club manager. He has managed leisure clubs and health spas for numerous 4 star hotels and leisure chains and operated his own fitness club. Sensei Fitzgerald has appeared on TV in relation to Karate and as a personal trainer. In 2010 he founded Elite Karate Academy with the aim of teaching Traditional Wado Ryu Karate Do and practical self-protection.
Could You Be The Next Generation Of Black Belt? Every Journey Begins With The 1st Step. Keep training and remember a black belt is just a white belt that never quit…
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