Trim Kenpo Karate Academy

Kenpo Karate Self Defense and fitness Studio. Teaching authentic Kenpo Karate. Age range: 6 years upwards. We teach everyone from over 5 years old up to adult. Mr.

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. 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. 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.

02/05/2026

An interview with my instructor and president of the European Kenpo Karate Association, Master Ed Downey, conducted by our good friend James Bennett for his podcast
Blood, Sweat, Cinema.

Blood, Sweat, Cinema 1 like. "Eddie Downey Exposes The Truth About Kenpo Karate"

17/02/2026

Our Cadet Black Belts received their certs today. We are very proud of you all. Congratulations on your achievement.

30/05/2025

In this time of uncertainty, where better to learn self defence than in Trim Kenpo Karate Academy. 41 years in Trim. Fully Garda vetted, Fully Insured, Full child protection, Black Belt Instructors including 4th Degree female Instructor. Adults catered for and children from 6 years upwards. Members of Irish Martial Arts Commission and the European Kenpo Karate Association. Beginner classes starting soon. Call in for more information. Mill Street, Trim. 0868666362

24/03/2025

In today’s environment everyone needs to learn self defense. Self Defense classes for men/women/children/private lesson available. Contact us for more information.

Photos from Trim Kenpo Karate Academy's post

16/12/2024

A big congratulations to our student Steven Parsons, on successfully grading to 1st degree Black Belt yesterday. Steven is with us since he was 10 years of age. He is a great student and will be a great Black Belt Instructor. He is a credit to his family and to us in the Academy. He is also a great example to the rest of our students, young and not so young. We are all very proud of him and wish him well in his Kenpo future.

11/09/2024

Today we remember our instructor and friend Mr Dave Hilley. 11/9/2022. RIP never forgotten.

07/09/2024

Good weather didn't stop students from coming to class this morning.

23/05/2024

With had a very entertaining, educational and great night, on Tuesday last, as Mr James Bennett gave a seminar on Kali martial arts. All our instructors and students are grateful to you for you time spent with us.

15/05/2024

Trim Kenpo Karate Academy (Club- as it was then) celebrated its 40th anniversary on Sunday last. Formed on 8th March 1984, by present instructor, Gerry Shanahan, the occasion was marked by a dinner in the Castle Arch Hotel, Trim on Sunday last and attended by 90 people, parents, students and family.

09/05/2024

Well done to everyone that graded last night. A small group, but big on passion, power, enthusiasm and Skill.

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Location

Trim

Telephone

+353863586141

Website

facebook.com

Address

Mill Street
Trim
0000

Opening Hours

Tuesday	6pm - 9pm
Thursday	6pm - 9:30pm
Saturday	10am - 1pm

Trim Kenpo Karate Academy

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