train with TONY
My Story – Finding Kung Fu
If you have a passion for martial arts, and a fascination for the more ‘spiritual’ side of martial arts, then training with Tony could well be for you.
As a young child I was mesmerised watching the TV show “Kung Fu’ with David Carradine, a few years on, and I saw my first Bruce Lee movie. That was it, I had to start learning that stuff. I was completely hooked. The grace. The focus. The intensity… the philosophical awareness… the wisdom to see deeper than the surface… the spiritual journey… the internal training… the physical prowess. All whilst remaining calm and collected… serving the call for justice, peace and helping those in need.
I spent the first 10 years of my martial journey looking for a system that could connect me to my childhood vision of martial arts training. I tried Karate, Kick Boxing, Tae Kwon do, at a number of schools, with some very accomplished Instructors. None of them were what I really yearned for.
So much ego, bravado, competitive needs to win… I wanted the inner journey, the peaceful warrior, the knowledge and understanding to be able to do more than fight, to not have to fight! With a steely look, or a caring smile, you can stop most fights before they even begin.
I began training Aikido and found something that was very close to what I was looking for, it was just a little too formal for me. Though the principles and philosophy were very much what I wanted.
Kung Fu Comes True
In 1998, a friend of mine recommended I train with his teacher, as we would likely get on well. I met Neil McCarthy of the UK Kung Fu School.
Neil became a friend for life. Neil’s commitment and discipline to training Kung Fu are remarkable The system of Kung Fu Neil passed on to me translates as ‘the way of perpetual physical and mental growth’… one that focuses on developing your unique abilities and drawing out what makes you great… in all aspects of your life… not just in your Kung Fu training.
This was what I had been looking for. Everything clicked together, all my previous training, my conceptual and philosophical nature, my passion for the healing arts, the mindset arts, my love for freedom to express… It all fell into one place – Kung Fu!
In 2004 after requests from friends I began teaching anyone who wanted to learn. Over time I have taught many students, and made many friends.
Most recently, at the age of 50, I have decided to step up this lifelong ‘hobby’, and make it something bigger to share with more people. Why? Because I feel passionate about sharing this powerful opportunity. To journey through a structured practice that helps you find the real you. The you beneath all the masks, the expectations, the bullshit of modern day noisy lives. A space that is literally about you, how you express your true self. How your unique ways in the world can be nurtured.
If any of my story or ramblings resonate with you, then get in touch.
If you live in Waterford, and if you are looking to train. Then get in touch and lets arrange a session!
Is training with Tony a fit for you?
You don’t fit if…
I want to learn how to fight.
I want an exercise class to get fit.
I want to learn some cool moves.
I want to stand up for myself in a fight.
I want to feel powerful.
I want to get in the ring and compete.
I want to feel good about myself.
I want to sound cool to others ‘cos I know Kung Fu.
You do Fit if…
I want to learn more about myself.
I want to discover more about my mind and body.
I want to learn how to move with ease.
I want to know how fights can be stopped (before they start).
I want to understand how my energy can be cultivated.
I want to measure myself through growth and development.
I want to grow my sense of self respect.
I want to explore the philosophical side of martial training.