From the moment I could walk, Kenpo has been a part of my life. Although I officially began training at the age of three or four, the art surrounded me long before that. Taught and lived by my parents, who are both instructors and one of the reasons I first stepped onto the mat. Even as a child, I wandered around demonstrating techniques I didn’t yet realise I was learning, already drawn to the oath of trust, loyalty and frienship that runs in Loreto College Kenpo Karate and the discipline, expression, and energy of Kenpo.
I train at Loreto College Kenpo Karate under my instructors, Senior Master of the Art Alan Corrigan, who has an incredible Kenpo journey of his own, alongside Master of the Art Freda Roberts, Master of the Art Dermot O’Reilly and Senior Professor Jonathan Tully. With that, SMA Alan Corrigan is easily one of my biggest inspirations, but if anyone were to top that, it remains that my greatest inspiration will always been my mum; Master of the Art Freda Roberts, an exceptional martial artist whose passion and leadership have driven generations of Loreto College Kenpo women to excel. Her example continues to shape my journey, my discipline, and the pride I take in representing the art.
My Kenpo journeys took its first milestone were I earned my first grade, yellow belt, in 2011, grading alongside two of Loretos well established black belts and two of my closest friends, Head Instructor Sorcha Grendon and Associate Instructor Aoife Sheridan, who also graded for their blue and orange belt that same night. 14 Years later I tested for my black belt under a strict panel of 12 Loreto College Kenpo Black Belts, a milestone built on years of dedication, perseverance, and what I describe as a genuine love/hate relationship for what I do. Personally it was never about the rank around my waist. For me Kenpo was about absorbing the material, understatnding it, being able to execute it and pass the knowledge onto the next person. A black belt is nothing more than a belt that goes around your waist. It’s what you do with that determines its strength and power. Throughout my journey, I’ve competed in National, European, and International competitions while also attending many seminars, some of which were held in Ireland, United States, Holland, Spain, Italy and England, along with several other countries. I’ve achieved countless accomplishments across a wide array of divisions growing up. In addition to that, represented Loreto College Kenpo Karate in demonstrations for many years has always been a highlight of my journey, always proud to perform alongside the people who helped shape me.
But Kenpo has given me far more than skill or rank, it has given me a family. I’ve built strong bonds with training partners, instructors, and friends who have watched me grow both on and off the mat. These are the people who push me to be my best, celebrate my achievements, and stand with me through every challenge. They support me unconditionally, not only in my karate journey but in my life outside the club, always encouraging me to reach higher and believe in myself.
Today, I pass on the art that raised me by teaching our younger junior and higher ranked senior students, just as it was shared with me. This remains to be the most meaningful parts of my journey. Through teaching, training, competing, and connecting, Kenpo has become more than an art to me; it is a community, a lifelong passion, and a family that continues to lift me up every step of the way.