History of International Kenpo Karate Academy – Celbridge.

The International Kenpo Karate Academy was founded by Edward and Martina Downey in the town of Celbridge, Co Kildare in the year 1988. The academy was officially opened by Kenpo Grand Master Ed Parker 10^th degree Black Belt. The Academy was initially based for the first four years in Celbridge Mill Sport’s Centre and in 1992 moved to it’s own purpose built Martial Arts Academy within the Mill Community Centre complex in Celbridge. Edward Downey was tested and promoted to 3^rd Degree Black Belt by Grand Master Ed Parker in 1988 in the city of Pasadena, California and since that period he has studied Kenpo extensively training under some of the world’s most respected and qualified Kenpo Instructors.

In 1992 Mr. Downey closed down his old Kenpo club "Sarsfield Kenpo Karate Club" in Dublin and dedicated his efforts to developing his full time academy in Celbridge. Two of his Sarsfield black belts Richard and John Burgess then moved to continue their studies with Professor Downey in the International Kenpo Karate Academy in Celbridge. Since the establishment of the International Kenpo Karate Academy its black Belt graduate students have established affiliated schools throughout Ireland in the following locations:

Edward Downey has been a respected student of Kenpo for the past thirty years and as a Kenpo instructor is renowned internationally for his teaching ability and Kenpo skills. Professor Downey has instructed Kenpo in the following countries: France, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Greece, England, Jersey, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The International Kenpo Karate Academy has continuously worked to promote and develop the Ed Parker’s system Kenpo throughout Europe and the world and Professor Downey has dedicated his life’s work to this aim. The International Kenpo Karate Academy in Celbridge hosts regular visits by prominent world-renowned Kenpo instructors and Professor Downey travels extensively to attend, participate, and support the Kenpo community throughout the world. If you would like to study Kenpo with Professor Downey you are welcome visit and train in the International Kenpo Karate Academy in Celbridge. Alternatively Professor Downey is available to travel to your school to teach and instruct the Ed Parkers system of Kenpo Karate to you and your students.