Faolchú Karate Challenge

 This Saturday 10th of October we had the 3rd of our Challenge competitions. This time we had Sport Chanbara. A full contact foam weapon competition. Competitors faught in two disciplines. Sword and Shield & Two Swords. 40 children form the club took part and provided a rewarding and fun day.

Well done to everyone that won a medal.

 

Midlands Shotokan Karate Competition

 Last week on 18th of April we travelled to Mullingar to take part in the Midlands Competition hosted by Kodoukai Ireland. Ten members took part and performed exceptionally. 

The competition was run to suit Novices and beginners. Thanks to Sensei Daniel & Sensei Alan for a wonderfully run event.

      

Training with friends

 Last Saturday 24th Jan I travelled to Rochfordbridge to train in Midlands Shotokan Karate club with Sensei Alan Smith. 

It was a great training day where we covered the Katas, Heian Nidan,Tekki Nidan, Kakioku Nidan and Nijushio. Complemented with some nice Khion and a recap of some of the lessons they had covered during the week.

The training was followed by a light lunch and a chat about karate development and progress between our clubs.

Squad Training Change of Date

Please note that the squad training originally planned for the 17th of June has been re-scheduled and will now be held on the 8th of July. I'm glad to say that squad training has been a huge success so far, please keep up the great work.
Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

March Student of the Month

Well done to two of our original members, the consistently dedicated Róisín and Míchéal Brogan.
Also from Thursday Little Wolves Mervin Burke and Dylan Connelly (they made a run for it before I got a photo).

A Busy September

Everything is buzzing and busy again for September with karate in Tuam.
On Saturday Sensei Dermott O Keeffe will be coming to Tuam to hold a class for Faolchú, all junior students should attend at 11am and Senior students karate training will be at 12:30.
This week the Kickathon is being launched within the karate club and combat class. Our worthy cause this year is the Galway charity "Hand in Hand", the Children's Cancer Charity for the West. Hand in Hand are a vital resource in the West of Ireland. Their purpose is to help support the families of children who have childhood cancer. We feel that this is a very deserving charity and close to home for us in Tuam. Due to our large numbers we can make a huge difference if we can all raise a little.
The kickathon will take place on the 1st of October in the palace grounds at 10am. Karate kids took great pride in the event last year, It will be a fun event for all who take part!
Hoodies are now available to view and order, if you would like to get one before Christmas time please get your orders in before The 1st of October.Sensei Dermott O Keeffe
Their are also t-shirts and karate suits (dogi) in stock for anyone who would like to order or buy before Christmas.
Faolchú buy karate equipment and karate suits in bulk and can provide embriodered suits and other protective equipment to their members at prices that are cheaper than in Irish shops.

Tuam Karate Nunchaku Course

We had great fun on Saturday at our Tuam Karate Nunchaku Beginners Course. Sensei Stephen Kelly kindly came down to Tuam to instruct the course. We started with a mix of ages where we covered basic holding, catching and throwing to get familiar with handling the weapon. As the day progressed Sensei Stephen helped us all develop all the basic strikes, blocks and the movement of the nunchaku.
After a small break all of the younger children finished up and the adults and teenagers where introduced to some more difficult aspects of movement with nunchaku. We covered Kihon Nunchaku Kata, with Sensei Stephen taking time and care to demonstrate movements and applications within the kata and through partner work. Everyone had a wonderful time and there was a buzz from the small children all the way up to the adults class.
A big thanks to Sensei Stephen Kelly and all students who participated on the day.

Faolchú Competition 2011

Karate in Tuam was alive and kicking yesterday with our annual inhouse competition. The event was hosted this year in Total Fitness Solutions to accommodate the large numbers of participants and their supporters. We had a busy day but with a lot of help and organising (and a little luck), the day ran smoothly. Details of winners will be posted soon.
Well done to everyone who participated and supported the event. We are very proud of you all and respect the character and spirit displayed by those who challenged themselves by standing on the mat. As sensei Stephen Kelly said to me afterwards you have true martial spirit.

Faolchú Inhouse Competition

On the 30th of July Faolchú will have our annual competition, this is a friendly event designed just for Faolchú students. The purpose of the competition is to introduce everyone to what competition is like with no need for nervousness or pressure. All competitors will receive a competition medal per event and there are trophies for 1st, 2nd and joint 3rd. No experiance is necessary as the whole idea of the event is to learn by experiance.
8 of our club members will be selected on the day as "Club Champion" in various divisions to go forward and represent Faolchú in the JKS Club Championships.
Catagories are as follows:
Ages 4 & 5, Kata - mixed,
Kumite- boys,
Kumite - girls.
Ages 6 & 7, Kata - mixed,
Kumite - boys,
Kumite _ girls.
Ages 8 - 10,Kata - mixed,
Kumite - boys,
Kumite - girls.
Age 11+ Kata - mixed,
Kumite - boys,
Kumite - girls.
Adults, Kata - mixed,
Kumite - men
Kumite - women.

Congratulations

Congratulations to all members of the Faolchú Squad that travelled to Ballina recently to compete in the Little Dragons Competition. The Group photo has been published in the Tuam Herald and the Connaught Tribune.

Faolchú Competition

Our annual Faolchú inhouse competition is planned for the 30th of July. This is an event suitable for every one of our students. Details of catagories will be sent out closer to the time.

The purpose of our inhouse competition is to positively encourage all students and give them an opportunity to demonstate their skills and knowledge for family and friends in a safe environment. It also gives the additional advantage to club members that they can learn the rules of competition and get the experiance without having to travel. There will be trophies for 1st, 2nd and joint 3rd with a competitors medal for all.

As a bonus this year the JKS our governing organisation have asked to to select our champions in various events to go forward to compete at the Irish club championships (at no cost to selected members).

Further details will be posted on the notice board as they are finalised.