Biography
About Stephen Farrell
Sensei Stephen first started karate in 1984, at the old Millfield Gymnasium in Belfast at the tender age of 19. After several months, he was asked by Sensei Andy McAvoy to join his Bangor dojo to train alongside the senior grades even though he was a beginner. The Bangor dojo was under the K.U.I. (Karate Union of Ireland) at that time, under Sensei Tommy McGrane (RIP). In those days there was a close link with the K.U.G.B. and Stephen attended regular training courses in England, especially the renowned University of Lancaster summer camp and Crystal Palace, under Sensei Eneoda (RIP).
Having completed his studies in Belfast, Stephen moved to Newcastle-Upon-Tyne to attend University. There he studied and trained at the University club as well as Eldon Square club which had regular guest instructors.
After his time at University he returned to Belfast where he continued his training with the Bangor club. Having attained black belt in England, Stephen regularly cross trained in other martial arts including Tae Kwon Do, Mu Gen Do kick boxing, Muay Thai, JuJitsu and full contact karate.
In 2010, Stephen was transferred to Moscow, Russia, with work for 3 years. During this time Stephen regularly trained in the Olympic Stadium with the Russian Traditional Karate Federation under the instruction of Vladislav Eloyan and Sensei Masoe Kawasoe.
On his return to Northern Ireland in 2013, Stephen started the Lisburn club with 3 students. Through hard work and dedication the club now boasts 138 members of all ages, grades, abilities and gender. It really is a family orientated club, with parents training alongside their children.
Stephen has continually competed at all levels including Regional, National and International level, achieving many accolades and medals for both Kata and Kumite. He now at the age of 60, still competes at Veterans level both here, across the water and on European stages.
The club is affiliated to HDKI International with Scott Langley as the Chief Technical Director. Stephen Farrell is the Technical Director for HDKI Northern Ireland.
Stephen is also a licensed Instructor, Examiner and Referee as well as having the additional qualifications
· Access NI Disclosure
· Safe Guarding Children in Sport
· Designated Child Protection Officer qualified
· Sports First Aid
· Public Liability Insurance
