Keelan Gannon

Keelan began practising karate in Sligo at just eight years old. His early dedication led him to achieve his 1st Dan black belt at 16 and his 2nd Dan by 18. Encouraged by his Sensei, he began assisting with children’s classes in his teens, an experience that sparked a lasting passion for teaching.

In 2020, Keelan graduated from Dublin City University with a degree in Physical Education and Biology. Although qualified as a secondary school teacher, he chose to follow his passion full time, dedicating himself to sharing the benefits of karate with others.

After teaching for different groups in Sligo, Keelan founded Ealaín Karate Dojo in 2021. His goal was to create a welcoming, high-quality training environment where students of all ages could develop confidence, focus and resilience through traditional karate.

Later that year, he completed a month-long instructor internship at the HDKI Hombu Dojo in Dublin, going on to spend three years teaching there under HDKI founder Scott Langley (7th Dan). This experience helped shape his professional approach to running a successful, student-centred dojo.

Keelan’s commitment to sharing karate extends beyond Ireland. In 2025, he travelled to Nairobi, Kenya, as a guest of HDKI Kenya, leading a four-day seminar comprising eight sessions for students and instructors of all ages. His visit included sessions at Strathmore University and a local primary school, and was recognised by the Kenya Karate Federation for its contribution to international karate development. He has also taught in England, Norway, Sweden, Northern Ireland and Spain.

In 2026, Keelan achieved his 4th Dan black belt at the HDKI International Seminar and Cup in Japan, further marking his progression as a karateka and instructor. At the same event, he won bronze in the Senior Male Kumite category and silver in Senior Male Team Kumite, representing Team Ireland. He was previously crowned the first-ever HDKI International Male Kumite Champion and is the current HDKI Ireland National Male Kata Champion, having won gold in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Today, Ealaín Karate Dojo has grown to over 250 students across five locations in Sligo. The opening of a full-time training facility in Strandhill in 2024 marked a major milestone in the development of the club. As head instructor, Keelan continues to lead with dedication, creating a positive, inclusive environment where students, from young beginners to adult learners, are supported to thrive both in and out of the dojo.