St. Pauls Karate Club

Happy Easter

[CLUB STATEMENT RE: DUBLIN RIOTS]

Hi all,

Hoping you’re all doing okay and keeping safe after the saddening incidents in Dublin last night.

Our instructors team want to acknowledge the frightening acts of hate and violence which took place last night, are not those aligned with the values of our club, our members, or karate-do.

Firstly, we’re hoping for the recovery and safety of those injured & hurt yesterday during yesterday incidents. We’ll wish them a speedy recovery.

Second, we know many of you now may be feeling concerned for the safety of yourselves and your loved ones. We are here for you. Senseis Andy, Tom & I have always been incredibly proud of the wonderful diversity of our students & club members over the last 20+ years, and we want to ensure everyone will always feel our dojo is a welcome, safe and encouraging space for us all to learn and grow, together.

The karate community across the world is steered by our shared values, written in the Dojo Kun:
1. Seek perfection of character.
2. Be faithful.
3. Endeavour.
4. Respect others.
5. Refrain from violence.

It’s saddening to see and hear stories of these values not being well reflected in certain parts of the city last night, but we know this is not a reflection of our club and our incredible members. We hope you all feel the same.

In our dojo, the only creed and colour we are ever concerned with are the ones around your waist. Your belt, or your ‘obi’. Even so, the colour of your belt is only ever a sign of the steps you’ve taken along a journey in self development, but this journey never ends. The colour of a belt will never represent the wonderful characters and personalities behind each and every one of you. What the different colours in our club do represent though; is the amazing diversity of cultures and experiences we bring to the dojo each night, as we share, and learn, and grow, together.

Please take some time and space for yourselves over this weekend to decompress as you need following the saddening events. Let myself, or any of our instructors know if you’d like to talk, or explore how your karate can help you feel more confident in your own safety, both physically and spiritually.

We’ll look forward to seeing you all together again next week when you’re all ready.

We are here for you.

Yours in Karate-Do,
Your Senseis,
Andy, Tom & Rory 🥋

SKIF Ireland

Always a pleasure to host one of Ireland's greatest, Ray Payne Kyoshi at St. Paul's this past week alongside many of our friends from across SKIF Ireland.

Many thanks to Ray Payne Sensei & Jacqui O'Shea Sensei for a wonderful seminar on all things kihon, kata & kumite!

Looking forward to the next one already! 👊 🥋

OSS!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/skifireland/permalink/1418319918590710/

Happy Easter it all our club members. It’s been a while, but looking forward to training together soon. Stay safe everyone.