Jessica O’Kelly from Loreto College Kenpo Karate, Ireland. She is an extremely talented kenpoist and was a Grand Champion for Kenpo kata in 2024. Below is her introduction she sent on:
‘Starting my karate journey at the age of five, I never imagined that nearly twenty-three years later I would be where I am today. Training under Grand Master Alan Corrigan and Masters of the Arts Freda Roberts and Dermot O’Reilly in Loreto College has given me opportunities I could never have anticipated from competitions, demonstrations, gradings, and invaluable life experiences. Their guidance has shaped me not only into the black belt I am, but also into the person I have become.
During the week, I work as a project administrative assistant in Ireland’s further education system, helping students pursue and achieve their educational goals. In Loreto College, I am both instructor and student, supporting others and myself as we work toward new grading ranks and competition titles.
At Loreto College, our core values—Trust, Loyalty, and Friendship are at the heart of everything we do. I strive to embody these values in every class, whether I’m helping a new junior student settle in or motivating our senior students as they prepare for a fight.
Beyond Loreto College, these values continue to guide me within the wider karate community.’