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 organizer 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 Defense 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. He currently holds the rank of 9th degree Black Belt.