Irish Shotokan Academy is based in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, with Dojos in Midlands Martial Arts, Tanyard, in Edenderry at Edenderry Boys National School, in Jim Kirwan Scouts Hall, Clara, Co. Offaly and Tullamore, Aura leisure Centre.
Irish Shotokan Academy is affiliated to R.K.A.E. Renshukan Karate Association Europe.
Irish Shotokan is also affiliated to AMA Amateur Martial Associations.
Our Students include both children and adults, female and male Practitioners.
We welcome all people from beginners to most advanced ranks.
Are you looking for Karate Classes in Offaly area ?
If you are looking for Karate classes in Offaly area, just give us a call or you can turn up on the night.
Club Instructors
アイルランド空手アカデミー
Sensei Gerard McCarthy. Sensei McCarthy holds the rank of 3rd Dan with more than twenty five years of experience in karate-do.
Gerard McCarthy was born in Edenderry in 1970, and he is an instructor in martial arts and practitioner of natural healing techniques.
Since year 2000 he has been practising as a massage
The founder of the club is sensei Liam Gorman. Sensei Gorman holds the rank of 2nd Dan with seventeen years of experience in karate-do.
In the late 90s a chance meeting with sensei Glenn Quinn brought him back to the arts and Liam trained with him for the next ten or so years.
Over the years training with Glenn thought Liam not only
karate but also gave him a great understanding of the art and his teaching ability which was a great help when he opened is first dojo in clonaslee in 2001.
In 2003 Liam graded for shodan(first black-belt) and after a long period Liam graded for his nidan(2nd black-belt) in 2010.
Over the years he had competed in a number of competitions and on two occasions was a beaten finalist in national tournaments in kumite.
In 2003 Liam Gorman, Liam Darcy and Michelle Flynn won the black-belt kumite in kenmare and he also got a third place in kata in the same tournament.
In 2000 Liam fought in the world championships (fbskui) in bath which is one of the biggest tournaments in the world where he had two fights…..and won one!
The training continues!!!
therapist, karate Qi gong and Tai Chi instructor. Due to his success in this field he is now totally dedicated to a full time career in martial arts classes, both Tai Chi and Karate/self defence, both in Secondary schools, national and primary schools.
Sensei McCarthy also teaches active retirements and women groups. So in all he teaches both young and young at heart.
Sensei McCarthy holds a diploma in Anatomy, physiology and massage ( I.T.E.C. & C.I.B.T.A.C. ).
He also holds a certificate of Tai Chi instructor, Spine works, IET ( Integrated Energy Therapy ).
Sensei McCarthy is also a member of Tai Chi Union of Great Britain and a member of the Qi Gong Federation of Europe.
Gerard McCarthy also Teaches Tai Chi and Self Defence at:
St. Mary's Youth Centre, Harbour st., in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Tai Chi, Self Defence.
Sensei Alberto
Candeias is also an instructor in Irish Shotokan Academy.
Alberto Candeias has being training from early age in different sports, including martial arts. He started Shotokai when he was just 10 years old with sensei Raul Cerveira 5th Dan, founder of Portuguese Association of Karate-do.
His real interest in karate began when he joined the army with combat training and self-defence techniques under the training of army instructors.
Alberto also trained American Kenpo for almost 8 years with instructor Eduard Downy 7th Dan in Celbridge, instructor Jack Smith 2th Dan in Tullamore and Tom Wells 2th Dan in Birr.
Alberto Candeias in 2009 focused his attention on Shotokan which is now where his heart lies. He started this training under sensei Liam Gorman 2nd Dan and Gerard McCarthy 3rd Dan, simultaneously training with sensei Brett Halliday 6th Dan.
Alberto Candeias received his 1st Dan from sensei Liam Gorman sensei Gerard McCarthy and sensei Brett Halliday in August 2011.
Alberto Candeias has First Aid Course, CPR Heartsaver AED, Garda Clearance, AMA Membership Instructor Licence & Insurance No: 129552 and Course in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.
Renshukan Karate Association Europe
Irish Shotokan Academy
