35 Year journey for Karate Alumni
Four DCU alumni, Louis Tuttle (Business Studies ’92 & MBS ’97), Liam Murphy (Computer Applications ’93), Fran Meggs (Computer Applications ’94) and Neville Reilly (Electronic Engineering ’95) were all recently awarded their 6th dan black belts by the Japan Karate Association (JKA).
They are among only a handful of Irish karate practitioners to have ever received this recognition from the JKA.
Remarkably, they started their karate journey together in DCU over 35 years ago under the instruction of Joe Sweetman. Back then training was in St Aidan’s CBS hall on Collins Avenue before the DCU Sports Complex opening in 1993.
Over the years they have represented Ireland both competing and refereeing at an international level. Their interest in karate has also led them to spend time living, working and training in Japan with Neville spending 2 years in Saga prefecture as part of the FÁS Overseas Graduate Training Programme, and Liam spending a year in Ibaraki prefecture as part of the JET programme. Fran has also spent time working in Tokyo on various business projects.
They all continued their involvement with the DCU karate club as instructors and coaches until its demise due to Covid restrictions in 2020. However they have continued their karate training and development as senior members of JKA-Shotokan Ireland, a non-profit organisation affiliated directly with the Japan Karate Association in Tokyo, established to promote traditional Japanese karate in Ireland.
Neville: “It’s remarkable to think that we’re all still training together after over 35 years. Looking back, we’ve come a long way since those sessions in St. Aidan’s.”
Liam: “Is a testament to the impact that the DCU experience can have on students’ lives beyond the academic, in terms of making lifelong friends and connections.”
Louis: “This shows that when done correctly, karate is something you can practice and benefit from and at any age. It’s why we all look so youthful and healthy!”
Fran: “As well as our own training, it’s always very rewarding to be able to support others on their karate journey, wherever it takes them.”