A DELEGATION from the Japanese embassy will be greeted by Irish martial arts experts and GAA stars at a seminar in the Tullamore Court Hotel in Co Offaly this weekend.
The event has been organised by Irish representatives from 11 distinct styles of martial arts, with all proceeds going to the Japanese tsunami relief fund.
One organiser, Darren Hand, said he was compelled to take action after seeing reports of the devastation in Japan. Mr Hand said martial art experts from Britain and throughout Ireland would be attending the seminar.
“The reaction from the Irish martial arts community has been overwhelming”, he added. “The lowest grade who is teaching here is a world champion, so that says a lot about the standard of the guys.”
Offaly resident and president of Japanese firm Freund Pharmatec Takashi Gushiken was amazed by the reaction of people in Tullamore following the disaster.
“It was really surprising to me, in a very positive way, that the people in Tullamore are standing up to show their support to the Japanese people who are suffering from the unthinkable disaster,” Mr Gushiken said.
He added that he had not been aware of the number of Irish people practising Japanese martial arts.
The GAA will be represented by hurlers Eddie Brennan and Shane Dooley from Kilkenny and Offaly respectively. Kildare footballer Dermot Earley and Offaly’s Niall McNamee have also given up their time to take part in the event. The players will be holding children’s competitions tomorrow.
The martial arts seminar will take place today and tomorrow with children’s events, displays, live entertainment, competitions, a Japanese tea ceremony and a benefit night.