Our new Website will feature Cork’s top martial artists,
CMAP “Hall of Fame”and CMAP “Competitor of the Tournament” award winners.
Pictured left to right
Mr. Jason Clouston, Mr. Leonard Coughlan, Mr.
Szilárd Szücs, Mr. Robin Deegan
On behalf of Cork Martial Arts Promotions
Honorary Cork man Mr. Tomaz Barada (right) presents Mr. Ian
Kingston (left) of
West Cork Kickboxing
The 2009 CMAP Coach of the Year award.
Kendo
Irish National Championships
2010
2009 CMAP - Coach of the Year Presentation
“Cork Kickboxing on top of the World”
Under the guidance of trainer Ian Kingston, Kickboxing competitors from Cork have completed an extremely successful year. Tony
Stephenson achieved both European and World Kickboxing Championship titles, and Lily De La Cour became a European Kickboxing
Champion.
In September, at the European Junior Kickboxing Championships, only a few weeks short of his eighteenth birthday, Tony Stephenson
secured himself a European title. He had earned his place in the final competing against some top Slovakian, Russian and Slovenian
fighters. Whilst this was a fantastic result, more was yet to come for Tony as he represented Ireland at senior level in the World
Kickboxing Championships held in October. Tony competed against older and more experienced fighters from Turkey, Russia, Ukraine
and Poland, and maintained his composure throughout. His trademark kicking and speedy footwork, earned Tony his fist major senior
gold medal, barely one week after he officially became a senior, at 18 years of age.
Picture from left to right
Tony Stephenson: European and World Champion.
Lily De La Cour: European and Champion.
Lord Mayor of Cork: Councillor Dara Murphy.
Aidean Kingston: European bronze medallist.
Ian Kingston: Trainer and Team coach
Grand Master C.K. Choi, 9th Degree Taekwon-Do pioneer
Cork Seminar
Some of Cork’s top Taekwon-Do Instructors, in attendance.
It was also at the European Junior Kickboxing Championships, held in Croatia,
that Lily De La Cour represented Cork to become European Kickboxing
Champion. Lily beat Czech, Hungarian and Croatian fighters only to meet a
much taller opponent, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the final. Miss De La
Cour, however, was undaunted and won the fight easily to secure her first
European title. Team-mate, Aidean Kingston fought his way to the semi finals
where he succumbed to a top Croatian fighter to secure himself a well earned
bronze medal.
The Right honourable, Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dara Murphy, formally
recognised these recent Major International kickboxing successes, as true
sporting achievements for Cork City and County. At a civic reception held in
Cork City Hall in front of a packed crowd of family, friends and well-wishers.
The Lord Mayor paid tribute to these outstanding sporting performances by
Cork martial artists and he thanked all involved for their dedication, discipline
and commitment to their sport.
Article and Picture by
Cork Martial Arts Promotions (C.M.A.P.)
Mr. Brian Buckley Event organiser
Master Don Dalton, Mr. Mark Buckley,
Mr. Con Connolly, Mr, Graham Connolly,
Mr. Pat Barry, Mr. Ruairi O Brien,
Mr. Liam Corkery, Mr. Leonard Coughlan .
click on pictures to enlarge
2010 Cork I.T.A Championships
"most outstanding performance" award winner Dylan Fitzgibbon.
Being presented by P.R.O. of Cork Martial Arts promotions,
who sponsored the award.
Dylan also won the junior -63kg ITF World Title in Argentina 2009.
Dylan Fitzgibbon, (Left)
Mr. Leonard Coughlan , public relations
officer, Cork Martial Arts Promotions. (Right)
Founding presentation of CMAP, Cork City Hall
C.M.A.P. was formed to promote top level achievements within Cork martial arts.
Cork Martial Arts Promotions, has been set up to promote Cork Martial Arts successes.
Its next major event will be during the Cork summer show, June 19th in Ballincollig.
We will be setting up a martial arts display marquee to showcase martial arts to 20,000 plus
visitors. For any interested instructor or martial arts club who would like to get involved
please contact our P.R.O./Event manager.
The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Cork,
Cllr, Dara Murphy, (Left)
Mr. Leonard Coughlan , public relations
officer, Cork Martial Arts Promotions. (Right)
Cork Kickboxing on top of the world
Grand Master C.K. Choi,
9th Degree Taekwon-Do pioneer
Cork Seminar
News & Events
2010 Cork I.T.A Championships
more info here
2009 - Founding of CMAP
more info here
more info here
more info here
Over all team champions -
Cork Kendo Team being presented by
P.R.O. of Cork Martial Arts Promotions,
Mr. Leonard Coughlan with the “Most
Outstanding Performance Award”
2010 Kendo Irish National Championship
more info here
On behalf of Cork Martial Arts Promotions,
Sensei Liam Griffin Snr 5th Dan Shotokan,
Karate from Curam de Cara Martial Arts
Academy, Cork - presents
Mr. Philip McAuliffe from the Mallow
Taekwon-do club with the CMAP "most
outstanding performance award" at the
"Battle of Kinsale - 2010" Martial Arts
show.
"Battle of Kinsale - 2010"
Outstanding Performance Award
Battle of Kinsale - 2010 - Awards
more info here
Our NEW
CMAP Logo & Branding
The newly designed CMAP logo will
be officialy revealed at the
Ballingcollig Summershow 2010 on
Saturday 19.06.2010.
The design was done by Oisin Bonus
(rising_phoenix87@hotmail.com).
New CMAP Logo
more info here
Cork Martial Arts Promotions Team
Pictured left to right:
Martyna Piotrowska, Sarah Sheehan, Leonard Coughlan,
Aoife O’Mahony and Emma Justice
Cork Martial Arts Promotions Team
more info here
Cork Martial Arts Promotions
In association with the Cork Summer Show
Martial Arts Show Case Marquee,
Greenfields, Ballincollig,
Saturday 19th June
Pictured left to right
Gregory Stretton Kung-Fu, Jason Clouston Kendo, Dominic Stephenson Kickboxing ,
Liam-Og Griffen Karate,
Seamus Cogan Muay Thai and Philip McAuliffe Taekwon-Do
CMAP at the Cork Summer Show 2010
more info here
A Rising Tide lifts all boats equally - an old adage often applied to the economics of entire countries but on this occasion used by a Muay
Thai instructor to describe the benefit of the "Cork Martial Arts Promotions" Marquee at the Cork Mid Summer Show in Ballincollig this
year.
Imagine a technology exhibition where different mobile phone
companies set their stalls less than 10 feet from each other - Nokia beside
Samsung, Alcatel beside Blackberry and LG beside Motorola. You can
almost see the distain and disgust on the rival sales teams' faces as they
peer across at each other, pinching prospective clients from one another
and sabotaging their neighbour's promotional material.
How impressed would you be if one of the team leaders was able to stand
back with the epiphany that as a collective group, the exhibitors were
promoting the one product - the mobile phone. By joining forces, they
could promote a friendlier environment, a more professional display, a
more diverse demonstration of mobile technology and above all, provide
an opportunity for prospective consumers to celebrate their individualism
and differing tastes in design & requirements. Would you be impressed or
shocked if that team leader were to say "A Rising Tide lifts all boats
equally"?
It was Seamus Cogan of Spartan Muay Thai who quoted that adage to me as we shook hands on
the morning of Saturday 19th June. I had trained with Seamus before and knew he was an open
minded professional instructor so I almost expected that attitude from him but as he said it, I
looked around to see that under the guidance of Leonard Coughlan and Cork Martial Arts
Promotions, no less than 6 martial arts clubs/instructors were joining forces to show a united
front in the presentation of the fighting arts.
Each instructor took time to speak with the other, congratulate them on their students'
performances and ask about their individual experiences. Apart from the excitement of high
impact and high energy demonstrations given on the half hour, the atmosphere of mutual respect
between all martial artists played no small part in drawing crowds of awe-struck spectators.
I was the 'karate guy' (as I seem to be know in some online forums) and along with Joe-Tom
Hayes, Aine O'Donnel and William 'Wilverine' Browne, we performed our demonstration in the
time it took morning to become noon. We were followed by the Tae Kwon Do team lead by
Mark Buckley, Pat Barry and Leonard Coughlan. Next up was the West Cork Kickboxing team
led by Ian Kingston followed by the Kendo team organised by Vincent Long.
Later in the afternoon, Spartan Muay Thai under the guidance of Seamus Cogan and John Kelly took to the ring and then closing the show
was Greg and his team from the Shao Lin Centre in Ballyphehane with a Kung Fu performance.
Music was expertly provided by DJ Ralph!
The marquee was very professionally presented. Leonard had the CMAP promo display towering proudly over the boxing ring, which
provided the raised platform for the various performers to shine. Each martial art also had a display stand promoting its history and the
club representing it. Weapons and trophies were posing like priceless museum pieces. 50" Plasma screens presented video clips from
tournaments and seminars around the world and Instructors were on hand all day long to answer any questions onlookers may have had.
As a participant, I was impressed but for those being introduced to the world of martial arts, I expect they were dazzled with expert
displays of deadliness, beguiled by the discipline, control and dedication of the performers and truly warmed by the welcoming
atmosphere fostered and promoted by Cork Martial Arts Promotions.
I would like, on behalf of all of the instructors and performers involved to express respect and gratitude to Leonard and his team for
bringing the whole event together. No doubt, months of planning and buckets of energy went into the preparations. Money was obviously
invested in terms of display material and above all else, abundantly wise foresight predicted that a group effort promoting many different
martial arts would be the most appropriate format for the event at hand. Given the same opportunity, many clubs/instructors would have
made the day all about themselves and their arts. As I understand it, Leonard even asked his colleagues from another TaeKwonDo club to
hold that torch - Coz that's just the kinda guy he is! Fair play my man!
Article by: Liam-Og Griffin from K2C Martial Arts & Fitness Centre
The recent CMAP publicity activities, at Mahon Point Shopping Center, on Saturday July 31st were
designed to coincide with the release of the latest Karate Kid movie. Hundreds of children and their
families thronged to see the martial arts blockbuster with Jackie Chan, and emerged wanting to be
karate kids, just like Will Smith's talented offspring, Jaden; and CMAP was there to help make their
dreams come true. With information and flyers being handed out from our eye-catching stand and
many enquiries redirected to our CMAP website, this 12 hour promotions marathon was an
outstanding success.
To be part of our next Promotion please contact our PRO Leonard Coughlan.
Karate Kid Promotion
The World Martial Games XI took place on the weekend of 20th August 2010. The event was held by
the World Organization of Martial Arts Athletes (WOMAA), and took place at the new Killarney Sports
Complex in Co.Kerry, Ireland. Fighters from all over the world competed in elimination rounds through
the 2 days of competition, then at the Grand Championship Finals, the top two fighters in each category
competed to become WOMAA World Champions in their respective categories.
In keeping with their goal- to make the World Martial Games be the most prestigious event it can be-
WOMAA instituted many new and innovative aspects to the games. The WOMAA World Martial
Games offers something for everyone and Cork Martial Artists well represented during the weekend.
This became more evident during the main event show case where, amongst some of the world's top
martial artists, you could not help but notice the number of all Cork 'show downs'.
In the final of the men's senior points sparring 'Grand Champion Event' two of Corks top kickboxing
instructors stepped out on to the floor. This surely confirmed to the waiting crowd that these martial arts
instructors practise what they preach; to have come through the rounds to meet in the final.
The match started with awe-inspiring speed and exchange of combinations unfortunately it was cut short due to accidental injury to Mr. Paul
Coffee with the title awarded to Mr. Colin O Shaughnessy. Up next was the Main event of the night for all continuous fighters, the open weight
WOMAA Black Belt; continuous fighting world title belt. Firstly the ring announcer called current (WAKO) world kicking champion Tony
Stephenson to the ring. His opponent the Mahon and Bandon Kickboxing & Taekwon-Do instructor Mr. Leonard Coughlan then entered. Both
fighters had fought gruelling 2 rounder matches over the weekend against a number of international fighters.
Coach Ian Kingston, who had coached both fighters up until this point, was delighted that which every way the decision went the title was
coming home to Cork, however the question of how he was going to coach the two men at once had yet to be answered. Mr. Colin O
Shaughnessy the new Grand Champion was more than happy to step up as coach to his colleague, and fellow Cork man, Leonard Coughlan. The
match started with an out standing kickboxing display; Tony winning the kicking exchange with his trade mark side kick-axe kick combination,
and Leonard responding with an impressive punching blitz attack, more commonly attributed to a much lighter fighter. As the match progressed
the two men, who are regularly training partners, proved just why they were in the final. The scored cards returned by judges confirmed the
crowds own speculation that, although Coughlan's best effort was given, Tony proved too fast and precise over the three round title fight.
An exciting finish to an excellent event in Killarney; both Tony and Colin look forward to defending their titles next year in Wales.
WOMAA World Martial Games XI
Pictured left to right
Tony Stephenson, Ian Kingston
Karate Kid Promotion
more info here
Like countless martial artists before him, Marc Redmond's first inspiration was the movies and by the tender age
of seven he was on his way, training in earnest with the one-pointed intention of traveling to Hong Kong to be in
the movie business.
For the next twelve years, he trained day in day out until he was at the peak of his fitness and demonstrated a
level of flexibility that was equal to any of his contemporaries. Traveling on his own to Hong Kong at the age of
nineteen, he was lucky to make the acquaintance of Bey Logan, who is well known in the industry in Hong Kong.
It was through his growing friendship with Bey that Marc found himself on the set of the action movies in Hong
Kong. 'It was remarkable to me that within two weeks of arriving in the teeming chaotic city that I found myself
standing in front of a director and showing him what I could do,' said Marc.
As it turned out, two Korean actors had been hired but their control and timing was out and they kept hitting the
actors, which obviously isn't ideal considering the potential to do real damage or bruise the leading man.
'I was able to demonstrate the choreography needed for the action shots, but there was another stroke of good
luck in that I resembled the lead actor, Eddison Chan, so I was hired straight away,' said Marc.
'Bey told me at the time that I had earned the distinction of being the first Western to double a Chinese guy.'
Being in the movie business is precarious at the best of times. For a few weeks, he found he was earning
exceptionally good money, but then there would be nothing for two or three months and it was often a question
of just surviving.
Marc explained that the lifestyle in Asia is manic: 'Compared to Ireland. No. Compared to West Cork, the pace of
life in Hong Kong seemed frenetic and we – a couple of us martial arts enthusiasts – really went for it.
'We socialized a lot which seemed to be at odds with what we were doing in the day – dedicating ourselves to
health, fitness and achieving the perfect form.'
After years working in this haphazard way, fitting in a lot of travel throughout the world, Marc decided he wanted
to return home to West Cork and make martial arts work for him here.
His return coincided with changes that his parents were making at the time: his dad, Des, a musician from
Dublin, and his mother, Heidi, a German social worker, had just finished building a new hostel and were taking
time out to travel, so Marc stepped in to mind the place while they traveled around Europe.
It was in the weeks and months that followed that Marc
began working on creating his own niche at 'Driftwood
Hostel', a three-acre spread at Dromig, a few miles
north of his hometown of Skibbereen.
He began by laying the foundations for his new dojo.
Essentially, it is an outdoor training area but it has a
south-east Asia feel to it in that it has an oriental
designed roof and raised floor but is open on four sides
to the elements.
The dojo is more than twice the size of a conventional
boxing ring with the intention of creating a very specific
area for sparring and when it is not being used for that
purpose it has seven fixed work stations including a
wall to ceiling ball in the centre, as well as two punch
bags on either side.
There are also two speed balls at either side of the
wall to ceiling ball, which provides enough space for a
team of seven to work in safety and comfort.
'This is phase one,' said Marc. 'The idea is to create a
place where people can come to West Cork and take
part in either an action-packed or a meditative weekend.
'With Des and Heidi running the nine-bed hostel, there
is an opportunity for people to come and enjoy the more contemplative side of martial arts, such as Tai Chi,
Qi Gong and meditation, or simply enjoy it as a rural retreat.
'As far as I am concerned, the dojo is just phase one because it is my long-term intention to develop the site and provide more leisure facilities, such as an
indoor training area, an outdoor jacuzzi and a plunge pool.
'For the time being the indoor training will take place in a new 'Martial Arts Fitness Centre' in Skibbereen. The centre will be opened in the first week in
September by Marc and his friend, Ian Kingston, who is very well-known throughout Ireland for his achievements in the world of kickboxing.'
Readers of 'Irish Fighter' will be already familiar with Ian Kingston because of his, and his team's, tremendous successes at national and international level.
The new centre will be West Cork's only dedicated martial arts centre, so in that sense it is a ground-breaking new development, but Marc and Ian are hoping
that it will attract not only martial arts enthusiasts but also people who are dedicated fitness enthusiasts.
The building itself is impressive because as a renovated old mill it is big and spacious and centrally located. From September on there will be a small martial
arts and fitness retail store on the premises, selling everything from the 'Irish Fighter' to punchbags and nunchuks.
Marc said: 'It is our vision to create a place where individuals or groups can come for specialized training and indulge their passion for martial arts and fitness.'
The Marc Redmond story so far
Back from Hong Kong
On Saturday September 11th Siam Warriors Muay Thai camp held a professional Muay Thai show in Silversprings Cork.
With Denis O'Brien fighting A Class against Richard James of Manchester, and upcoming fighters such as Seán Clancy
and Johnny Sheehan on the bill, the show promised to be action packed. Stealing the show however was Dave O'Brien.
At 36 years of age Dave O'Brien is one of the toughest and most liked practitioners in Irish Muay Thai. He has won Irish
titles and has consistently fought top class international opponents. Last year he travelled to Finland to fight Joe Chalem
unfortunately losing on a cut to the high ranked Thai fighter.
On this occasion Dave faced Anthony Audus, a sharp skilled operator from Frankie Hudders Gym in Salford,
Manchester. They went at it right from the first bell with the Salford man scoring with some excellent lead kicks and
knees. O'Brien, showing his grit, rode out the storm and came back with massive low kicks forcing the referee to
intervene early in round II. A barrage of punches and kicks finished the job midway through the round sealing a fantastic
performance and a well deserved win for Dave O'Brien.
Siam Warriors Muay Thai Camp
Dave O'Brien
WOMAA World Games XI
more info here
Back from Hong Kong
more info here
Siam Warriors Muay Thai Camp
more info here
Success for James Dwyer
more info here
Dominic Stephenson wins Gold
more info here
Coach of the Year 2010
more info here
Dylan Fitzgibbon
more info here
West Cork Kickboxing Fight Night Extravaganza
more info here
Cork ITA Open Championship 2011
more info here
Fitzgibbon retains World Junior Title
more info here
Siam Warriors - Muay Thai Superfight
more info here
Archive of our Articles
From the 2nd to the 8th of July 2010, the Choi Jung Hwa ITF
TaeKwon-Do World Championships took place in Cheongju, Korea.
After months of hard training in preparation for this major event,
fighters from all over the Ireland travelled with Master Don Dalton and
other coaches, including Mr. John Riordan, Mr. Chris Mc Cabe and Mr.
Michael Burke, to compete in this event.
Cork's new World Champion James Dwyer made us proud; winning all
his fights in one of the largest black belt events, as well as being
selected to fight in every team match. James was battered and bruised
before he even began his final fight! Immediately into the second round
of his final a blow to his left eye left him bleeding; later requiring
hospital attention and stitches. In a prime example of a true champion
he showed sheer determination and true fighting spirit, and, despite
injury, went on to become the ITF Middle Weight Sparring Champion.
It was an amazing tournament, officiated by Choi Jung Hwa, son of the
founder of TaeKwon-Do, Choi Hong Hi, and was made even more
special by being held in Korea the birth place of TaeKwon-Do.
Success for James Dwyer
at the Choi Jung Hwa, ITF Taekwon-Do World Championships, South Korea.
Pictured left to right
James Dwyer, Mr. Burke
Pictured left to right
James Dwyer, Mr. Burke
The gold is back in Cork; well done James!
Coach of the Year 2010
Pictured left to right
Leonard Coughlan, Mr. Ken Leahy
CMAP award to Mr. Ken Leahy from Turners Cross
The presentation of the 2010 Cork Martial Arts
Promotions
"Coach of the Year" award to Mr. Ken Leahy instructor
of the Turners Cross Taekwon-Do Academy took place
in the Duchesse room of the Imperial Hotel, Cork City
on the 23rd of December.
1st Bushido Cork Munster Open
12th June 2011
To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Bushido Martial Arts Cork we
would like to invite you to the 1st Bushido Cork Munster Open on
June 12th in Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork.
We have sections for Novices, Intermediates and Advanced so
people are able to compete with those of a similar level.
We have light and semi contact sections.
We also have a Men's Open weight
with a minimum cash prize of €300
Women's Open Weight
with a minimum cash prize of €100.
Registration is 9.30 to 10.30
Online registration will be online soon on www.entr.ie
Entry Fees
Juniors 1 section €15 2 sections €25 3 sections €30
Adults 1 section €20 2 sections €30 3 sections €35
Open Weight €25
Family Price: no family will pay more than €60
Notes
A person who is over 16 may compete in u17 and Adult.
A person can fight Novice and Intermediate or Intermediate and Advanced. You cannot compete in
Novice and Advanced.
If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact Colin O'Shaughnessy
on 0871326600
“Cork Kickboxing on top of the World”
Under the guidance of trainer Ian Kingston, Kickboxing competitors from Cork have completed an extremely successful year. Tony
Picture from left to right
Tony Stephenson: European and World Champion.
Lily De La Cour: European and Champion.
Lord Mayor of Cork: Councillor Dara Murphy.
Aidean Kingston: European bronze medallist.
Ian Kingston: Trainer and Team coach
Mr. Brian Buckley Event organiser
Master Don Dalton, Mr. Mark Buckley,
Mr. Con Connolly, Mr, Graham Connolly,
Mr. Pat Barry, Mr. Ruairi O Brien,
Mr. Liam Corkery, Mr. Leonard Coughlan .
click on pictures to enlarge
2010 Cork I.T.A Championships
"most outstanding performance" award winner Dylan Fitzgibbon.
Being presented by P.R.O. of Cork Martial Arts promotions,
who sponsored the award.
Dylan also won the junior -63kg ITF World Title in Argentina 2009.
Dylan Fitzgibbon, (Left)
Mr. Leonard Coughlan , public relations
officer, Cork Martial Arts Promotions. (Right)
Cork Kickboxing on top of the world
Grand Master C.K. Choi,
9th Degree Taekwon-Do pioneer
Cork Seminar
News & Events
2010 Cork I.T.A Championships
more info here
2009 - Founding of CMAP
more info here
more info here
more info here
Over all team champions -
Cork Kendo Team being presented by
P.R.O. of Cork Martial Arts Promotions,
Mr. Leonard Coughlan with the “Most
Outstanding Performance Award”
2010 Kendo Irish National Championship
more info here
On behalf of Cork Martial Arts Promotions,
Sensei Liam Griffin Snr 5th Dan Shotokan,
Karate from Curam de Cara Martial Arts
Academy, Cork - presents
Mr. Philip McAuliffe from the Mallow
Taekwon-do club with the CMAP "most
outstanding performance award" at the
"Battle of Kinsale - 2010" Martial Arts
show.
"Battle of Kinsale - 2010"
Outstanding Performance Award
Battle of Kinsale - 2010 - Awards
more info here
Our NEW
CMAP Logo & Branding
The newly designed CMAP logo will
be officialy revealed at the
Ballingcollig Summershow 2010 on
Saturday 19.06.2010.
The design was done by Oisin Bonus
(rising_phoenix87@hotmail.com).
New CMAP Logo
more info here
Cork Martial Arts Promotions Team
Pictured left to right:
Martyna Piotrowska, Sarah Sheehan, Leonard Coughlan,
Aoife O’Mahony and Emma Justice
Cork Martial Arts Promotions Team
more info here
Cork Martial Arts Promotions
In association with the Cork Summer Show
Martial Arts Show Case Marquee,
Greenfields, Ballincollig,
Saturday 19th June
Pictured left to right
Gregory Stretton Kung-Fu, Jason Clouston Kendo, Dominic Stephenson Kickboxing ,
Liam-Og Griffen Karate,
Seamus Cogan Muay Thai and Philip McAuliffe Taekwon-Do
CMAP at the Cork Summer Show 2010
more info here
A Rising Tide lifts all boats equally - an old adage often applied to the economics of entire countries but on this occasion used by a Muay
Thai instructor to describe the benefit of the "Cork Martial Arts Promotions" Marquee at the Cork Mid Summer Show in Ballincollig this
year.
Imagine a technology exhibition where different mobile phone
companies set their stalls less than 10 feet from each other - Nokia beside
Samsung, Alcatel beside Blackberry and LG beside Motorola. You can
almost see the distain and disgust on the rival sales teams' faces as they
peer across at each other, pinching prospective clients from one another
and sabotaging their neighbour's promotional material.
How impressed would you be if one of the team leaders was able to stand
back with the epiphany that as a collective group, the exhibitors were
promoting the one product - the mobile phone. By joining forces, they
could promote a friendlier environment, a more professional display, a
more diverse demonstration of mobile technology and above all, provide
an opportunity for prospective consumers to celebrate their individualism
and differing tastes in design & requirements. Would you be impressed or
shocked if that team leader were to say "A Rising Tide lifts all boats
equally"?
It was Seamus Cogan of Spartan Muay Thai who quoted that adage to me as we shook hands on
the morning of Saturday 19th June. I had trained with Seamus before and knew he was an open
minded professional instructor so I almost expected that attitude from him but as he said it, I
looked around to see that under the guidance of Leonard Coughlan and Cork Martial Arts
Promotions, no less than 6 martial arts clubs/instructors were joining forces to show a united
front in the presentation of the fighting arts.
Each instructor took time to speak with the other, congratulate them on their students'
performances and ask about their individual experiences. Apart from the excitement of high
impact and high energy demonstrations given on the half hour, the atmosphere of mutual respect
between all martial artists played no small part in drawing crowds of awe-struck spectators.
I was the 'karate guy' (as I seem to be know in some online forums) and along with Joe-Tom
Hayes, Aine O'Donnel and William 'Wilverine' Browne, we performed our demonstration in the
time it took morning to become noon. We were followed by the Tae Kwon Do team lead by
Mark Buckley, Pat Barry and Leonard Coughlan. Next up was the West Cork Kickboxing team
led by Ian Kingston followed by the Kendo team organised by Vincent Long.
Later in the afternoon, Spartan Muay Thai under the guidance of Seamus Cogan and John Kelly took to the ring and then closing the show
was Greg and his team from the Shao Lin Centre in Ballyphehane with a Kung Fu performance.
Music was expertly provided by DJ Ralph!
The marquee was very professionally presented. Leonard had the CMAP promo display towering proudly over the boxing ring, which
provided the raised platform for the various performers to shine. Each martial art also had a display stand promoting its history and the
club representing it. Weapons and trophies were posing like priceless museum pieces. 50" Plasma screens presented video clips from
tournaments and seminars around the world and Instructors were on hand all day long to answer any questions onlookers may have had.
As a participant, I was impressed but for those being introduced to the world of martial arts, I expect they were dazzled with expert
displays of deadliness, beguiled by the discipline, control and dedication of the performers and truly warmed by the welcoming
atmosphere fostered and promoted by Cork Martial Arts Promotions.
I would like, on behalf of all of the instructors and performers involved to express respect and gratitude to Leonard and his team for
bringing the whole event together. No doubt, months of planning and buckets of energy went into the preparations. Money was obviously
invested in terms of display material and above all else, abundantly wise foresight predicted that a group effort promoting many different
martial arts would be the most appropriate format for the event at hand. Given the same opportunity, many clubs/instructors would have
made the day all about themselves and their arts. As I understand it, Leonard even asked his colleagues from another TaeKwonDo club to
hold that torch - Coz that's just the kinda guy he is! Fair play my man!
Article by: Liam-Og Griffin from K2C Martial Arts & Fitness Centre
The recent CMAP publicity activities, at Mahon Point Shopping Center, on Saturday July 31st were
designed to coincide with the release of the latest Karate Kid movie. Hundreds of children and their
families thronged to see the martial arts blockbuster with Jackie Chan, and emerged wanting to be
karate kids, just like Will Smith's talented offspring, Jaden; and CMAP was there to help make their
dreams come true. With information and flyers being handed out from our eye-catching stand and
many enquiries redirected to our CMAP website, this 12 hour promotions marathon was an
outstanding success.
To be part of our next Promotion please contact our PRO Leonard Coughlan.
Karate Kid Promotion
The World Martial Games XI took place on the weekend of 20th August 2010. The event was held by
the World Organization of Martial Arts Athletes (WOMAA), and took place at the new Killarney Sports
Complex in Co.Kerry, Ireland. Fighters from all over the world competed in elimination rounds through
the 2 days of competition, then at the Grand Championship Finals, the top two fighters in each category
competed to become WOMAA World Champions in their respective categories.
In keeping with their goal- to make the World Martial Games be the most prestigious event it can be-
WOMAA instituted many new and innovative aspects to the games. The WOMAA World Martial
Games offers something for everyone and Cork Martial Artists well represented during the weekend.
This became more evident during the main event show case where, amongst some of the world's top
martial artists, you could not help but notice the number of all Cork 'show downs'.
In the final of the men's senior points sparring 'Grand Champion Event' two of Corks top kickboxing
instructors stepped out on to the floor. This surely confirmed to the waiting crowd that these martial arts
instructors practise what they preach; to have come through the rounds to meet in the final.
The match started with awe-inspiring speed and exchange of combinations unfortunately it was cut short due to accidental injury to Mr. Paul
Coffee with the title awarded to Mr. Colin O Shaughnessy. Up next was the Main event of the night for all continuous fighters, the open weight
WOMAA Black Belt; continuous fighting world title belt. Firstly the ring announcer called current (WAKO) world kicking champion Tony
Stephenson to the ring. His opponent the Mahon and Bandon Kickboxing & Taekwon-Do instructor Mr. Leonard Coughlan then entered. Both
fighters had fought gruelling 2 rounder matches over the weekend against a number of international fighters.
Coach Ian Kingston, who had coached both fighters up until this point, was delighted that which every way the decision went the title was
coming home to Cork, however the question of how he was going to coach the two men at once had yet to be answered. Mr. Colin O
Shaughnessy the new Grand Champion was more than happy to step up as coach to his colleague, and fellow Cork man, Leonard Coughlan. The
match started with an out standing kickboxing display; Tony winning the kicking exchange with his trade mark side kick-axe kick combination,
and Leonard responding with an impressive punching blitz attack, more commonly attributed to a much lighter fighter. As the match progressed
the two men, who are regularly training partners, proved just why they were in the final. The scored cards returned by judges confirmed the
crowds own speculation that, although Coughlan's best effort was given, Tony proved too fast and precise over the three round title fight.
An exciting finish to an excellent event in Killarney; both Tony and Colin look forward to defending their titles next year in Wales.
WOMAA World Martial Games XI
Pictured left to right
Tony Stephenson, Ian Kingston
Karate Kid Promotion
more info here
The Marc Redmond story so far
Back from Hong Kong
On Saturday September 11th Siam Warriors Muay Thai camp held a professional Muay Thai show in Silversprings Cork.
With Denis O'Brien fighting A Class against Richard James of Manchester, and upcoming fighters such as Seán Clancy
and Johnny Sheehan on the bill, the show promised to be action packed. Stealing the show however was Dave O'Brien.
At 36 years of age Dave O'Brien is one of the toughest and most liked practitioners in Irish Muay Thai. He has won Irish
titles and has consistently fought top class international opponents. Last year he travelled to Finland to fight Joe Chalem
unfortunately losing on a cut to the high ranked Thai fighter.
On this occasion Dave faced Anthony Audus, a sharp skilled operator from Frankie Hudders Gym in Salford,
Manchester. They went at it right from the first bell with the Salford man scoring with some excellent lead kicks and
knees. O'Brien, showing his grit, rode out the storm and came back with massive low kicks forcing the referee to
intervene early in round II. A barrage of punches and kicks finished the job midway through the round sealing a fantastic
performance and a well deserved win for Dave O'Brien.
Siam Warriors Muay Thai Camp
Dave O'Brien
WOMAA World Games XI
more info here
Back from Hong Kong
more info here
Siam Warriors Muay Thai Camp
more info here
Success for James Dwyer
more info here
Dominic Stephenson wins Gold
more info here
Coach of the Year 2010
more info here
Dylan Fitzgibbon
more info here
West Cork Kickboxing Fight Night Extravaganza
more info here
Cork ITA Open Championship 2011
more info here
Fitzgibbon retains World Junior Title
more info here
Siam Warriors - Muay Thai Superfight
more info here
Archive of our Articles
From the 2nd to the 8th of July 2010, the Choi Jung Hwa ITF
TaeKwon-Do World Championships took place in Cheongju, Korea.
After months of hard training in preparation for this major event,
fighters from all over the Ireland travelled with Master Don Dalton and
other coaches, including Mr. John Riordan, Mr. Chris Mc Cabe and Mr.
Michael Burke, to compete in this event.
Cork's new World Champion James Dwyer made us proud; winning all
his fights in one of the largest black belt events, as well as being
selected to fight in every team match. James was battered and bruised
before he even began his final fight! Immediately into the second round
of his final a blow to his left eye left him bleeding; later requiring
hospital attention and stitches. In a prime example of a true champion
he showed sheer determination and true fighting spirit, and, despite
injury, went on to become the ITF Middle Weight Sparring Champion.
It was an amazing tournament, officiated by Choi Jung Hwa, son of the
founder of TaeKwon-Do, Choi Hong Hi, and was made even more
special by being held in Korea the birth place of TaeKwon-Do.
Success for James Dwyer
at the Choi Jung Hwa, ITF Taekwon-Do World Championships, South Korea.
Pictured left to right
James Dwyer, Mr. Burke
Pictured left to right
James Dwyer, Mr. Burke
The gold is back in Cork; well done James!
Coach of the Year 2010
Pictured left to right
Leonard Coughlan, Mr. Ken Leahy
CMAP award to Mr. Ken Leahy from Turners Cross
The presentation of the 2010 Cork Martial Arts
Promotions
"Coach of the Year" award to Mr. Ken Leahy instructor
of the Turners Cross Taekwon-Do Academy took place
in the Duchesse room of the Imperial Hotel, Cork City
on the 23rd of December.
1st Bushido Cork Munster Open
12th June 2011
To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Bushido Martial Arts Cork we
would like to invite you to the 1st Bushido Cork Munster Open on
June 12th in Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork.
We have sections for Novices, Intermediates and Advanced so
people are able to compete with those of a similar level.
We have light and semi contact sections.
We also have a Men's Open weight
with a minimum cash prize of €300
Women's Open Weight
with a minimum cash prize of €100.
Registration is 9.30 to 10.30
Online registration will be online soon on www.entr.ie
Entry Fees
Juniors 1 section €15 2 sections €25 3 sections €30
Adults 1 section €20 2 sections €30 3 sections €35
Open Weight €25
Family Price: no family will pay more than €60
Notes
A person who is over 16 may compete in u17 and Adult.
A person can fight Novice and Intermediate or Intermediate and Advanced. You cannot compete in
Novice and Advanced.
If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact Colin O'Shaughnessy
on 0871326600
