Our children’s program is focused on instilling Confidence, Discipline and Respect in a positive friendly environment through system of tip awards and a belt graduation structure.

Our Teenage Cadet Syllabus is both challenging and rewarding. Whether your goal is achieving your black belt or competing as national or international competitor the experience of training in Celbridge Kenpo Karate Academy will last a lifetime. Our classes are both fun and enjoyable while improving your physical and mental fitness.

Whether your goal is to get in shape, reducing stress, improve your confidence or learn to protect yourself; then becoming a member of Celbridge Kenpo Karate Academy will help you achieve these goals and more.

Celbridge Kenpo Karate Academy was established in 1988 by Eddie and Martina Downey. The academy was officially opened by the late Kenpo Grand Master Ed Parker 10th degree Black Belt. The Academy was initially based for the first four years in Celbridge Mill Sport’s Centre and in 1992 we moved to our own purpose built Martial Arts Academy within the Mill Community Centre complex in Celbridge.

Eddie Downey was tested and promoted to 3rd 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 Master Downey closed down his old Kenpo club "Sarsfield Kenpo Karate Club" in Dublin which had operated from 1981 to 1992 and then dedicated his efforts to developing his full-time academy in Celbridge. At this point two of his Sarsfield black belts Richard and John Burgess moved to continue their studies with Master Downey in the Celbridge Kenpo Karate Academy.

Since the establishment of the Celbridge Kenpo Karate Academy it’s black Belt graduate students have established 43 affiliated schools throughout Ireland and Europe.

in 1973 Eddie Downey began his Kenpo career in Dublin’s famous Fitzwilliam Street Kenpo Academy under the late Professor John Conway and later with Professor Maurice Mahon in Baggot Street, Dublin. During his Kenpo studies Master Downey became a close personal friend of the late pioneer of Kenpo Grandmaster Ed Parker, having known him since 1974.

Master Downey was the principal organiser of Ed Parker's numerous visits to Ireland and in 1981 after testing for his 1st degree Black Belt Master Downey began training directly under the supervision of Grandmaster Ed Parker. He subsequently achieved his 2nd degree black belt from Grand Master Parker in 1985 and his 3rd degree black belt in 1988. Grandmaster Parker then appointed Master Downey as a representative for his association in Ireland.

During the 1970s Master Downey had a very successful tournament career in Ireland taking first place in the all-Ireland Kenpo Karate Championships. Master Downey was a regular member of the Irish National Team for many years and represented his country at European and World Championships. He also competed and officiated at Ed Parker's Long Beach International Karate Championships for fifteen years. Master Downey is one the world’s leading experts in the Advanced Kenpo Karate System and over the past forty-five years has established an international reputation for his teaching skills and Kenpo Self Defence proficiency.

Master Downey has instructed Kenpo in the following countries: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Jersey, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United States. Master Downey has united Kenpo students in Europe under the European Kenpo Karate Association (EKKA) and travels extensively throughout Europe teaching and developing the Kenpo system.

Master Downey is the international director of the Advanced Kenpo Training System (AKTS) and works closely with Master John Sepulveda to promote the association.

If you would like to study Kenpo with Master Downey you are welcome visit and train in the Celbridge Kenpo Karate Academy, alternatively Master Downey is available to travel to your school to teach and instruct Advanced Kenpo Karate System to you and your students.

Since the establishment of the Academy in 1988 many of the worlds most respected Kenpo Masters have visited and taught in Celbridge.