Team Ireland with Soke Sadaaki Sakagami, President of Itosu-Ryu Karatedo International Federation (IKIF)
IKKI Competed in the 2017 Itosu-Kai Karatedo International Federation (IKIF) karate championships in Shanghai, China. Kata took place on the 18/8/2017 and Kumite on the 19/8/2017. IKKI team Ireland led by team manager Leo Mulvany (IKKI Chief Instructor) and kata coaches Marie Dolphin, John Dolphin and kumite coach, Shane Dolphin, had outstanding success with 20 competitors taking 20 medals in all, 4 gold, 9 silver and 7 bronze making this the most successful IKIF international for Ballinasloe based Itosu-Kai Karatedo Ireland. IKKI have competed in 5 IKIF internationals to date: Tokyo in 2002, Los Angeles in 2005, Kuala Lumpur in 2009, Osaka in 2013, Shanghai in 2017 and forthcoming 2021 IKIF international will be in Denmark.
Back Row: Laura Nee, Jean Kennedy, Niamh Costello, Philip Costello, Eimear Porter, Karen Dolphin, Tommy Nee. Front: David Feury, Shane Dolphin (IKKI National Assist. Kumite Coach), Pamela Nee, Tony Dolphin (President IKKI), Soke Sadaaki Sakagami (President, Itosu-Ryu Karatedo International Federation, IKIF), Leo Mulvany (Chief Instructor Itosu-Kai Karatedo Ireland, IKKI), Laura Costello, Marie Dolphin (IKKI National Kata Coach), Niall Costello, John Dolphin (Assist. National Kata Coach), Una Flynn, Jade Goldbey & Leon Hiddleston.
Standing L->R: Niall Costello, Laura Nee, Eimear Porter, Pamela Nee, Shane Dolphin, David Feury, Una Flynn, Karen Dolphin, Jean Kennedy, Tommy Nee. Sitting: Tony Dolphin, Leo Mulvany, Marie Dolphin & John Dolphin. Kneeling: Niamh Costello, Laura Costello, Philip Costello & Sean Armstrong Foley. (missing from photo but in top photo, Jade Goldbey & Leon Hiddleston).
Results: Laura Costello - bronze/kumite, Eimear Porter - gold kata/silver kumite, Jade Goldbey - bronze kata, Una Flynn - bronze kumite, David Feury - silver team kumite, Karen Dolphin - bronze kata, Shane Dolphin - silver kumite/silver team kumite/bronze kata, Pamela Nee - gold kata/silver kumite, Laura Nee - bronze kata, Marie Dolphin - gold kata/silver kumite, John Dolphin - silver team kumite/bronze kumite, Tony Dolphin - silver team kumite, Leo Mulvany - gold kumite/silver team kumite.
Congratulations to all competitors, coaches in Shanghai and at home, IKKI dojo instructors, parents and family for their continued support and success.