Professor Edward Downey
<< Back
Professor Ed Downey - 7th Degree Black Belt – Ireland
In 1973 Ed Downey began his Kenpo career in Europe's first Kenpo Studio the Fitzwilliam Street Kenpo Academy in Dublin, Ireland. Mr. Downey's first instructor was Senior Professor John Conway a 7th degree Kenpo Black Belt ranked by Grand Master Ed Parker. The highlight of Mr. Downey's time in the Fitzwilliam Street Kenpo Studio was when Ed Parker visited Ireland in 1974. Mr. Parker’s visit was a very memorable occasion, his charisma and personality inspired Mr. Downey to go and study directly with him.
In 1981, Mr. Downey submitted my black belt thesis to Mr. Parker and was really surprised when he took time to read it and was delighted with his complimentary comments on its contents. Grandmaster Parker appointed Mr. Downey as regional representative for the IKKA in Ireland and Mr. Downey travelled with Grandmaster Parker throughout Ireland, England and Europe, assisting him at seminars and demonstrations. During this period, Mr. Downey was filmed on a number of television stations with him, including the Late Late Show in Ireland, BBC television in England and Greek television in Athens. In 1988, Mr. Downey proudly received a 3rd degree black belt from Mr. Parker. Also In 1988, Mr. Downey was delighted when Mr. Parker accepted his invitation to visit Celbridge to open his new Kenpo Academy.
In 1991, Mr. Downey began training with Professor John Sepulveda, a man of great character, talent and intellect. In 2002, Mr. Downey founded the European Kenpo Karate Association which now has forty schools spread across ten countries in Europe. Professor Sepulveda organises the International structure of the association under the title of the American Kenpo Training System and Mr. Downey is its European director.
In 2006, Mr. Downey’s 25th year as a black belt, he was promoted to 7th Degree Black Belt by Sigung Stephen LaBounty and Master John Sepulveda. Mr. Downey has been a professional teacher of Kenpo since 1992 and has trained forty-five of his students to black belt.
Mr. Downey travels extensively throughout Europe and the United States teaching seminars and promoting the Ed Parker Kenpo System. His Kenpo Academy is located in the Town of Celbridge, County Kildare, Ireland.
Senior Professor Edward Downey - 7th Degree Black Belt
President: - European Kenpo Karate Association - EKKA
European Director: - American Kenpo Training System - AKTS