John McSweeney introduced Kenpo to Ireland after arriving here from America to study economic geography in Trinity College.

Mr McSweeney received his Black Belt in the original Kenpo syllabus with Ed Parker. Mr McSweeney opened the first Kenpo Karate club in Ireland and Europe in 40 Upper Fitzwilliam Street on 26th February 1963.

The first four Kenpo Black Belts in Ireland and Europe were Tommy Jordan, Maurice Mahon,

John Conway and Jim Rice. Maurice then opened his own Kenpo Karate Club in Baggot Street Dublin.