Instructors

Sensei Kevin Shortall 6th Dan JSKA

Chief Instructor

Chief Instructor for the club is Sensei Kevin Shortall. Sensei Shortall is the Japan Shotokan Karate Associations representative in Ireland. He has trained in traditional karate for over 30 years and has had the opportunity to train with some of the best shotokan masters from Japan and the rest of the world. He continues to regularly invite top-level Sensei's to Ireland to teach both himself and his students. This includes Nagaki Sensei, Chief Instructor of the JSKA. Sensei is also proud to have hosted Abe Sensei, founder of the JSKA at his dojo in Kilkenny on a number of occasions.
Apart from being a senior grade in Karate, Sensei Shortall is also a qualified personal trainer and pilates instructor. He is also a qualified ‘Youth Fitness Trainer’.

Sensei Tom Walsh 3rd Dan JSKA

Assistant Instructor/Senior Student

Sensei Walsh was a founder member of UCD karate club in 1974. He trained initially with the KUGB/KUI. He has years of experience in traditional shotokan karate-do and has been a member of the Budo Martial Arts Centre since its inception.
Latterly for the past 25 years Sensei Walsh has trained with a number of western and Japanese sensei. He has also trained in Iaido and kyujutsu.

Bernard Bracken 3rd Dan JSKA

Assistant Instructor/Senior Student

Sensei Bracken started karate back in 1994 and trained for a number of years in Wado Ryu Karate attaining the rank of 4th Kyu. Sensei Bracken resumed his karate training with the Budo Martial Arts Centre after settling in Kilkenny as he was particularly impressed with the traditional ethos of the club. He currently holds the rank of Nidan. Sensei Bracken is also a qualified fitness instructor.