Irish Martial Arts Awards 2026

On January 24 2026, The Irish Martial Arts Commission (IMAC) hosted the inaugural Irish Martial Arts Awards, recognising excellence across Ireland’s martial arts community—from elite athletes and coaches to volunteers and grassroots practitioners.

The awards ceremony took place at the Lucan Spa Hotel, and brought together more than 150 attendees representing a broad range of martial arts disciplines. Guests included athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers from across the country, alongside senior representatives from Irish sport, including Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, and Peter Sherrard, CEO of the Olympic Federation of Ireland.

 Among the recipients on the night were Robert Cassells, a 40-year kickboxing veteran and former world champion, who received the Outstanding Dedication Award; Kenneth Wheatley, veteran Taekwondo teacher, honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award; and Brian Murphy, black belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner and Emerald Cup competitor, who received the Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award for his pioneering achievements as an athlete with cerebral palsy.

The ceremony highlighted the breadth of contribution made by the martial arts community in Ireland—celebrating innovation in coach education, sustained volunteer commitment, community engagement, and international sporting success. Collectively, the awards reflected the diversity, professionalism and shared values that underpin martial arts nationwide.

Speaking at the event, MC Liam Moggen said: “This evening is not about trophies or titles. It is about recognising the dedication, discipline and shared spirit that define martial arts in Ireland—from early mornings in cold gyms to the lifelong lessons of respect, resilience and community that stay with practitioners long after competition ends.”

IMAC intends for the Irish Martial Arts Awards to become a landmark annual event, strengthening collaboration across styles and organisations, recognising excellence at every level, and supporting the continued growth of martial arts in Ireland through athlete development, coach education, inclusion and community impact. Find IMAC online at www.imac.ie

FULL LIST OF THOSE RECOGNISED:

Outstanding Dedication: 40-year kickboxing veteran, World and WAKO Pro champion, and elite coach Robert Cassells

Lifetime Achievement: Veteran Taekwondo teacher and long-time community builder Kenneth Wheatley, Greystones Taekwon-Do

Outstanding Volunteer: Wushu Ireland Treasurer, Membership and Vetting Officer Aidan Canavan, Wing Tsun

Coach of the Year: Elite Korean Kickboxing coach and holistic athlete developer Nicholas “Nico” Duffy

Community Impact Award: Veteran karate sensei, schools instructor, and Cork community leader Barry O’Regan

Outstanding Contribution to Martial Arts: Head Instructor of Takemusu Aikido Society and international Aikido ambassador Raman Bekarevich

Innovation and Coaching Award: Architect of modern Taekwondo coach education pathways Adrian Byrne

Diversity and Inclusion Champion: Black belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, Emerald Cup competitor, and Cerebral Palsy trailblazer Brian Murphy

Outstanding Official Award: President of Wushu Ireland and governing-body leader Eddie Walsh

Outstanding Junior Athlete: Multiple WAKO World Champion, national title holder, and martial arts role model Abbie Wade

Outstanding Senior Athlete: Internationally decorated Wado-Ryu karateka and multi-time national champion Brian Keating

Club of the Year: National-champion, non-profit Kendo powerhouse Kendo Kobukai Dublin

IMAC Executive Award: Editor of Irish Fighter Magazine and long-standing martial arts media contributor Robert Corwell

We look forward to celebrating excellence and recognising the outstanding individuals who shape martial arts in Ireland again in 2027. Details on how to nominate athletes and practitioners will appear here closer to the date.