Mayo Karate Academy celebrates major success at International Open
(Back row left to right): Sean Creighton, Natasha Reddington, Oliver Laszczewski, Timur Cerkasins. (Front row left to right): Tobias Laszczewski, Adam Hanahoe, Ivan Cerkasins, Doireann Lumsden. Credit: Mayo Karate Academy.
Athletes from the Mayo Karate Academy returned from the recent North East International Karate Open in Sunderland with an impressive haul of 11 medals after competing against more than 700 athletes from across the UK and Ireland.
Nine athletes from the academy made their way onto the podium, with Adam Hanahoe claiming a gold and two bronze medals.
Gold medals were also taken home by Doireann Lumsden, Laura Skeffington and Ivan Cerkasins.
Brayden King, Matthew Skeffington, Aileen Charlois and Natasha Reddington each took silver, while Tobias Laszczewski claimed bronze to complete the academy’s medal haul.
The competition marked an important milestone for Oliver Laszczewski, Sean Creighton, Aileen Charlois and Laura Skeffington as they all made their international debuts.
Timur Cerkasins and Ruben Howsam also put in strong performances, narrowly missing out on a place on the podium.
The Mayo Karate Academy team was coached by founder and chief instructor Aaron McLoughlin, who also serves as an Ireland Team National Coach, with support from Children’s Liaison Officer Ann Hanahoe.
The latest results show how much the karate academy has grown since it was set up just four years ago, with students now competing at both national and international levels.
Several of their athletes have gone on to represent Ireland at European and World Championships, as well as international open competitions.
However, Ann said competition is only one part of what the academy aims to offer young people.
“The Academy’s programmes are specifically designed to be age-appropriate, helping children develop confidence, discipline, respect, focus, resilience, teamwork and valuable life skills,” she said.
“Karate is about much more than winning medals. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves, learn how to deal with setbacks, set goals and develop the confidence to achieve them.”
She added that karate provides a positive and structured environment where children can be active, make new friends and become part of a supportive community.
Inclusion is also an important part of the academy’s programme, with classes on offer that cater to children with additional needs.
Ann said that karate is not about creating barriers - it is about creating opportunities.
Earlier this year, six of their students competed at the first Irish Global Inclusive Karate Championships, highlighting that karate really is a sport for everyone.
With the Irish International Open, National League events and All-Ireland Championships coming up, the academy is now preparing to return to training in September.
Free trial sessions are being offered across three dates for children aged five and above who are interested in joining, with classes designed to cater for beginners through to experienced competitors.
Classes will take place at Claremorris GAA Sports Complex on Monday, September 7th, from 7pm to 8pm; Foxford Leisure Centre on Tuesday, September 8th, from 6pm to 7pm; and Bohola Community Centre on Wednesday, September 9th, from 6pm to 7pm.
More information can be found on the Mayo Karate Academy’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
