Carlow martial arts master honoured for 50 years of dedication
Brian Whelan with students and members of the Carlow Martial Arts Sanctuary
A CARLOW martial arts instructor has been honoured for his remarkable 50-year dedication to the discipline.
Mr Brian Whelan, founder and head coach of the Carlow Martial Arts Sanctuary, was presented with a plaque in recognition of his lifetime commitment to martial arts at a recent ceremony.
The presentation took place at the club’s training facility in Gaelscoil Eoghain Uí Thuairisc on Tullow Road, where Mr Whelan teaches Wing Chun Kung Fu and street self-defence.
“Our club is the Carlow Martial Arts Sanctuary and it was set up in the early 2000s in Carlow town by Brian, who is the head coach and is being presented with a plaque in honour of his 50 years of dedication to martial arts,” said club member Anthony Corcoran.
The presentation was a surprise to Mr Whelan, having happened just before training ended for the evening on Tuesday 24 October.
Mr Whelan founded the Carlow Martial Arts Sanctuary in 2002, and since then the club has become a cornerstone of martial arts in Carlow town. Classes run every Tuesday evening, with separate sessions for children from 6.00–7.15pm and adults from 7.30–9.00pm.
The Wing Chun Kung Fu expert has been a lifelong ambassador for martial arts, with achievements including competing at national, European, and world championship level for more than two decades, and serving as a referee at national, European, and international tournaments.
He received a 6th Dan Black Belt in Karate from Japanese Master Sagagami seven years ago and has earned his 10th Scroll in Wing Chun Kung Fu. In 2004, he was inducted into the American Black Belt Hall of Fame for his contribution to martial arts.
Over the years, Mr Whelan has promoted martial arts by teaching children in schools and students in colleges, coaching and mentoring both youth and adult classes, hosting seminars across Ireland and the UK, and supporting the martial arts community through coaching and refereeing.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Sifu Brian Whelan (sifu is a title for teacher or master) for his unwavering commitment, leadership, and the invaluable skills he has shared with generations of students,” said Mr Corcoran.
