Trim Kenpo Karate Academy

We are open on Tuesdays 6.00 - 9.00, Thursdays 6.00 - 9.00 and Saturday's 10.00 - 1.00. We teach Ed Parker Kenpo Karate and are licenced to the I.K.K.A. We are also, fully Garda vetted and are child protection compliant.

We teach everyone from over 5 years old up to adult. All ages and levels catered for.



How Kenpo Karate started in Trim.

Kenpo Karate was started in Trim, on Thursday, March 8th, 1984 by present Academy instructor, Gerry Shanahan. A brief history is below.

I started Kenpo in Dublin in 1975 with Mr. Jim Rice, who was one of the first Ed Parker black belts in Europe. I had a break of a few years and returned in 1980.

I graded for my Purple belt. December 1982 saw the demise of Navan Kenpo Karate club, albeit, temporarily. In February 1983 I contacted Ambrose Maloney to re-start the Navan club. Mr. Maloney stepped in to supervise the club, with myself as the club instructor, being the highest rank. Training took place initially on Thursdays and then on Saturday nights also.

I successfully graded for my Blue belt in June 1983. The grading was carried out by 3rd degree black belt, Mr. Ambrose Maloney, President of I.K.K.A. in Ireland.

In early October, I had for me, what was the highlight of my Kenpo journey. I attended a seminar, in Dublin, given by the Grandmaster himself, Ed Parker. A proud moment for me. I successfully tested for my Green belt in November 1983.
The Navan club had grown from strength to strength. People were traveling to the club from outside the town. In early 1984 I decided to expand the club. As there were a number of people in the club from Trim, Trim was the obvious choice.
So, on Thursday 8th of March 1984 Trim Kenpo Karate Club was formed. Up to 80 people turned up on the night which over time was paired down to 40 regular members. To cater for the large number, it was decided to hold 2 nights for training.
In late 1985 I had surgery on my back, which put and end to my Kenpo for a considerable time. I returned to Trim Kenpo Karate Academy in September 2008.

On Saturday 14th April, 20012, myself and Helene Meade successfully graded for and were promoted to 1st degree Black Belts in the headquarters of the European Kenpo Karate Association in Celbridge. On the panel were Eddie Downey 7th Degree, John Burgess 6th Degree, Richard Burgess 6th Degree. on 20th February 2016 we graded for our 2nd degree.

Kenpo Karate has been in Trim for over 30 great years and is one of the oldest clubs in the country. Many instructors have been involved with Trim. I am proud to be back at the helm of a great club with instructors Helene Meade, Dave Hilley and Nathan Quinn. It has gone from strength to strength with the help and assistance of Master Ed Downey and many other Kenpo instructors.