Taekwondo for kids & adults · 15 centres
Not just kicks
and punches.
A future built with confidence.
The easiest way to give your child more confidence than any school ever could. Classes across Tipperary, Laois, Kilkenny, Kildare and Waterford, taught by Garda-vetted black belts.
- €8 a class, pay as you go
- CDK & Kukkiwon certified
- 9th Dan grand master
Today
- 15centres across Ireland
- 5counties: Tipperary, Laois, Kilkenny, Kildare and Waterford
- 9thDan grand master teaching in Ireland every year
- €8a class, pay as you go
Why taekwondo
What your child really takes home
Kicks and punches are the fun part. What lasts is the confidence to stand up straight, speak up and keep going when it gets hard.
Confidence
Every new belt is proof they can set a goal and reach it.
Discipline
Focus, listening and respect, on the mat and at home.
Fitness
Strength, speed and flexibility without it feeling like exercise.
Friends
A club where everyone knows their name and cheers them on.
Self-defence
Real skills, taught safely, with the judgement to avoid trouble.
Who we are
True taekwondo, taught the traditional way
World Taekwondo Association Ireland was founded by Grand Master Sheamus O'Neill, who is still its owner, master and head examiner. We promote the martial art and sport of taekwondo throughout Ireland, with high-quality training for every age and level, from complete beginners to black belts.
- Affiliated with the World Taekwondo ChungDoKwan Federation and Kukkiwon HQ, Korea
- Competing at the W.T.A International, the WTCF Championships in Korea, and in the UK and France
- Training in Korea every year, with international seminars and instructor courses
- Grand Master Shin, 9th Dan, gives a seminar in Nenagh every year
The journey
From first class to black belt
Train every week at your local centre, test at a grading when your instructor says you're ready, and earn every belt. All our black belts are accredited with both ChungDoKwan and Kukkiwon. Not one has ever skipped a rank.
- White
- Yellow
- Green
- Blue
- Red
- Black
Our philosophy
Taekwondo transforms lives
Five principles guide every class, in every centre.
Everyone is treated with respect, whatever their age, gender, background or level. Everyone should feel welcome and valued.
Hard work and discipline bring success. Our training challenges every student to push themselves and reach their goals.
Clubmates support and motivate each other. We build camaraderie, teamwork and encouragement.
We pursue excellence in training, competition, teaching and leadership, and hold the highest standards.
Not only physical skill: mental and emotional resilience, self-confidence and a sense of purpose.
Prices
Simple prices. No hidden costs.
Pay as you go, per class. Families of three or more get a discount on membership and gradings.
Juniors under 12s
- Standard classFrom your first class right up to black belt. Where you build the skills for your next grading or competition.€8/class
- MembershipYearly. Families of three or more get a discount.€25/year
- GradingDiscounts for families.€26
- Sunday classNenagh HQ only. A longer class to spar, do poomsae and meet students from other clubs.€10/class
Adults 12 and over
- Standard classFrom introduction level to black belt and beyond.€8/class
- Private lessonsTraining built around you, with Grand Master Sheamus at HQ, at a time that suits you.€40
- MembershipYearly. Families of three or more get a discount.€25/year
- GradingDiscounts for families.€26
- Sunday classNenagh HQ only. Spar, poomsae, we do everything on a Sunday.€10/class
15 centres
There's a class near you
Pick your nearest centre to see class times, the instructor and directions.
- Nenagh HQCo. Tipperary
- BallingarryCo. Tipperary
- BallyroanCo. Laois
- CashelCo. Tipperary
- ClonmelCo. Tipperary
- FreshfordCo. Kilkenny
- GortnahoeCo. Tipperary
- InistiogeCo. Kilkenny
- KilcommonCo. Tipperary
- NaasCo. Kildare
- RathdowneyCo. Laois
- RowerCo. Kilkenny
- TemplemoreCo. Tipperary
- ThurlesCo. Tipperary
- WaterfordCo. Waterford
What's on
Gradings & competitions
Gradings run in Nenagh and Kilkenny through the year, and we host the Ireland Taekwondo Open every October with fighters from across Ireland, the UK and France.
Questions
Parents ask us
What age can my child start taekwondo?
We run junior classes for children under 12 and adult and youth classes for 12 and over. Message your local instructor and they'll tell you the youngest age they take.
How much do taekwondo classes cost?
Classes are €8 each, paid as you go, with no hidden costs. Yearly membership is €25 per student, gradings are €26, and the longer Sunday class at Nenagh HQ is €10. Families of three or more get a discount.
What do I need for my first class?
Just wear comfortable clothes like a t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms and bring a bottle of water. Taekwondo is trained barefoot. Your instructor will tell you about a uniform (dobok) once you've decided to keep going.
Are your instructors qualified and Garda vetted?
Yes. All of our instructors are Garda vetted and hold black belt (Dan) grades with both ChungDoKwan and Kukkiwon, earned through hard work. Nobody has ever skipped a rank.
What is ChungDoKwan (CDK)?
ChungDoKwan, founded in Korea in 1944, is one of the original schools of taekwondo. We are affiliated with the World Taekwondo ChungDoKwan Federation, and our Grand Master Sheamus O'Neill is its International Secretary.
Is your taekwondo recognised by Kukkiwon?
Yes. We are affiliated with Kukkiwon, World Taekwondo headquarters in Seoul, and our black belts are accredited with both Kukkiwon and ChungDoKwan.