Just Karate Interview with Sensei Dermot O’Keeffe
We are privileged at Just Karate to
have Dermot O’Keeffe Sensei for our monthly interview; Sensei O’Keeffe 5th Dan is a seasoned competitor
in both kata and kumite and has represented his country at the highest level
for many years and is a senior Sensei in the JKS Ireland.
I will pass you over now to John
Kelly (interviewer) and Sensei O’Keeffe for an insight into this inspirational
Irish karate ka.
Q1-JK: Sensei O’Keeffe, Where and what
year did you start your karate journey and under what Sensei?
A: I started training in feb 1979. My
Sensei was Philip mcCarthy.
Q2-JK: Was Shotokan karate your first
style or have you tried others?
A: Yes, Shotokan
was my first style. I have tried other styles, but only for extra training,
mainly with friends from different styles. You could say we were comparing
notes. It was great experience, but Shotokan has always been the style for me
Q3-JK: What year did you join the JKS and
why?
A: I joined the JKS in 2005. At the
time, I was running my own independent dojo,when I came across the JKS website.
It seemed to tick all the right boxes for someone looking to affiliate to a Japanese
organisation, but the deal clincher was the chance to train with Kagawa Sensei.
I have always been a huge fan of him.
Q4-JK: You have trained under many
memorable Sensei both Japanese and European, Could you give us your most
memorable experiences with each?
A: That’s a difficult one, there have
been so many. I fondly remember classes with Sensei’s Enoeda, Kanazawa, Sherry,
Kagawa, Kawasoe. The list goes on. Enoeda Sensei’s kumite classes were always
high energy and full on. He liked a good fight. I remember training on a course
with Tatsuo Suzuki Sensei (Wado Ryu). He demonstrated tai sabaki and no matter
what technique was thrown , he easily avoided whilst finishing with perfect
kime. I remember thinking, If I could be half as good as that, I would be very
happy. He was excellent to train under.
Q5-JK: How has karate changed over the years
as you see it since you started and what are the main differences?
A: I don’t
think karate is as hard as it used to
be. What I mean is, when I started training, beginners just got beaten up by
the senior grades. You might say we were target practice for them. I can vividly remember training in St
Saviours Karate club. The normal class were tough enough, but squad training
was a different matter altogether. You didn't get picked for the Irish team
unless you could fight. This part of karate has changed, and rightly so. People
train in karate for different reasons now ,to improve fitness and general well
being. Lots of proffessional people train nowadays and cannot afford to be out
of work through injury or be sporting black eyes on a regular basis. I think
nowadays, the instructor must be careful to manage the dojo porperly and cater
for all levels.
Q6-JK: You have won the JKS world veteran
kata championships on three occasions, this was a great achievement, can you
tell us about this and where it was?
A: Winning my Kata titles are some of
my proudest achievments. The first win was in the Okinawa Budokan in 2007. The
2nd was in Tokyo in Yoyogi stadium. This competition was basically
the all Japan championships. This was a tough competition because the event was
made up mostly of japanese. The 3rd win was in JKS World Cup in Scotland. They all ment a lot to me. I
just appreciate being able to continue to compete for as long as possible.
Q7-JK: What other memorable events have
you competed or been involved in?
A: I competed in many ESKA and WSKA
championships. One competition I will always remember is the 1990 JKA Shoto Cup. This was when I first saw
Kagawa Sensei in action. He was absolutely fantastic to watch. A great
experience.
Q8-JK: What are your thoughts on karate as
an Olympic sport?
A: I think Sport karate is here to
stay and becoming an Olympic sport is the next step. I would like the Kata rules to be run on more
traditional lines. I think modern sport kata allows the individual to much
licence. It has become more about dynamic movement and less about correct
technique.
Q9-JK: You have a full time dojo in Swords
Dublin, When did you open this and what are the main benefits in having your
own venue?
A: I opened my full-time dojo in late 2011. The main benefits to me are having a dojo to train
in whenever I want. I don’t have to worry about cancelling training because the
school hall is not available at short notice. The main advantage is the I can
structure all my classes into different age groups.
Q10-JK: What are your main likes and dislikes
with karate in Ireland today?
A: I think Irish karate is great. We
have some really talented instructors in this country. A resource that is under
used. I dislike that there are so many groups and that we could not all work
together for the benefit of all.
Q11-JK: What was the best advice you were
given in all your years training?
A: The best advice I was given was
from my old Sensei Martin Cromwell. He said
“always show respect, be true to yourself. NOW GO TRAINING”
Q12-JK: You have instructed in many counties.
Which was your favourite and why?
A: I don’t really have a favourite.
Everywhere I have taught, I have been treated really well. It is always a
pleasure to be invited to teach in other dojo.
For more info on Dermot O'Keeffe Sensei or Hokubo Dojo
go to
Face Book: http://www.facebook.com/hokubu.dojo?fref=ts
Sensei O’Keeffe it was an honour and a
privilege and I would like to thank you for agreeing to do this interview for our
new sensei interview profile
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