History of USKF Ireland
Early beginnings
Prior to the USKFI coming into existence Sensei Michael Sherlock and Sensei David Royle trained in the 1980s and 90s in the Corduff resource centre (morning and evenings) and St. Saviour's in Dorset street.
Being part of the now defunct Karate Union of Ireland (KUI), they represented Ireland internationally with distinction (both as individuals and in teams) in Monaco, Cyprus, Germany, Japan and medaled in the European Championships in Monaco.
Still competing Sensei David Royle decided to open his own club in Corduff Blanchardstown, Dublin. Being simpler times marketing consisted of word of mouth and flyers however word spread and it opened its doors in the year 1992 with over 70 people turning up at the opening night in Corduff resource centre.
It was strongly felt by both by Sensei Sherlock and Sensei Royle that a higher standard of karate could be provided to Shotokan students in Ireland. Their vision was for a more professionally run club that would provide more regular gradings and structure but also provide exposure to higher levels of expertise abroad which would in turn further elevate the standards of their students.
Founded in 2002
This new vision of a more professional organisation with a more structured and international outlook soon gained support from the KUGB (the largest organisation in the UK) and saw the Lucan Dojo being founded in 2001 by Sensei Michael Sherlock and the USKFI organisation being subsequently launched in 2002.
Since 2002 the USKFI has gained affiliation at National (Onakai), Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB), European (ESKA) and World level (WSKA). The USKFI is the only organisation in Ireland that is affiliated with both ESKA and WSKA.
Our students are always placed at the heart of the USKFI and they have enjoyed competition success at both home in our National championships and abroad with many winning Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at World and European ESKA and WSKA competitions as well as in the KUGB circuit in the UK.
The number of clubs continues to grow with a number in the Dublin area and surrounding counties of Wicklow, Meath, Cavan, Kildare and Laois.
In 2022 the USKFI celebrated its 20th year and continues to grow and develop Shotokan Karate in Ireland
