October and November were busy months for the club. Along with our regular training sessions every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday we also hosted and participated in several other events. In October we hosted Brown & Black Belt Training for JKS Ireland members from across the country. We also hosted Open Squad training for JKS Ireland members which is in preparation for the JKS World Karate Championships in Japan in 2024.

We sent a small squad of 15 club members to the JKS Ireland Interclub Competition held in Tallaght at the end of October. The squad did fantastic, showing off their karate skills and topping the medal table on the day with 7 Gold, 5 Silver and 4 Bronze medals coming home to Swords.

In November we hosted JKS Ireland Brown & Black Belt Training as well as Open Squad training for JKS Ireland members. These are important events, not just for training but also for maintaining the friendships which have developed amongst students from around Ireland.

Sophia Guildea and Amelia Miller were presented with their JKS Shodan Diploma from Japan by Dermot O Keeffe Sensei 7th Dan JKS at the November Brown & Black training session. These Diplomas are the results of the Dan Examination taken by the two girls in May 2023 under the watchful eye of Kagawa Shihan 9th Dan JKS, World Technical Director. At this exam, both girls had to demonstrate their skills and abilities in an examination of Kihon, Kata and Kumite which lasted approximately 45 minutes. The Club is very proud of its new Black Belt holders. The Club is looking for new members (Children, Young People & Adults). Contact Dermot on 087-8073885 for details on how to join. You can also contact us on Facebook: JKS Swords Karate Club or on Instagram: @jks_swords_karate_club. We wish all our members, supporters and their families a very Happy Christmas.