Eoghan Kennedy pictured with IJKA Tallaght students Bella Maher (12) and Amelia Maher (8), alongside Yuko Takahashi Sensei, President of the Japan Traditional Karate Association (JTK)
Tallaght karate trio train with world champion
IJKA Tallaght recently joined the Irish leg of the 55 day JTK Europe Tour 2026 where they trained with Sensei Yuko Takahashi.
Eoghan Kennedy travelled to Passage West, Cork last Saturday alongside students Bella and Amelia Maher to take part in the day’s training.
Yuko Takahashi Sensei is the President (Kaicho) of the Japan Traditional Karate Association (JTK). Her outstanding competitive record includes becoming the 2006 Funakoshi Gichin Cup World Champion, winning two Asian Karate Championship titles and claiming two JKA All Japan Kumite Championships in 2006 and 2012.
During the day, Takahashi Sensei focused on the finer details of traditional Shotokan karate, including body mechanics, posture, alignment, correct punching technique and the importance of Hikite (the pulling hand).
The class provided Eoghan with valuable insights that he hopes to bring back to his students as they prepare for their first club grading in December, conducted by Vinny Clarke Sensei, 5th Dan.
For Bella and Amelia, who recently enjoyed competition success, the opportunity to learn from an accomplished female karate champion was particularly valuable as they prepare for their own grading. Takahashi Sensei demonstrated that no matter how successful you become, there is always more to learn.
“The seminar was brilliant, and I took a lot away from it. We spent quite a bit of time working on Hanmi and Shomen, focusing on opening and closing the hips. We worked in pairs to help get this right.
“We also looked at how the rotation of the forearm generates power in a punch. I was amazed, as I’d always assumed this power came from my biceps and triceps.
“There’s always something new to learn, no matter how long you’ve been training. I’m looking forward to getting back to our classes and sharing what we’ve learned with the students.
“I’m delighted Bella and Amelia got to train with Yuko. It was a great experience for them, and thankfully we were finished in plenty of time for them to get home and enjoy their trick-or-treating!”
The Irish leg of the tour was arranged by Joe Hunter, Secretary and Assistant Chief Instructor of IJKA Ireland and a Board Member of SKDUN, alongside local host Aileen Hunter.
The visit comes at an important time for the young club, which has more than doubled its membership since opening in August. It’s an exciting time for the club as it continues to build on its early success.
Eoghan added that IJKA Tallaght always welcomes new members, with opportunities to take part in competitions and attend training seminars throughout the year, helping students build their skills and confidence both inside and outside the dojo.
