Maurice received his 10th Degree Black Belt from the American Kenpo International also had the great honour to be awarded & received his Judan 10th Degree Masters Certificate from the Kenpo International Yudanshakai from Mr. Al Tracy. Also the American Kenpo Karate Association Mr. Tom Saviano.
1958:
Joined the Spartan Wrestling Club, Werburgh Street, Christchurch Dublin 8.
1960:
While in Technical School in Mount Street he started boxing under the tuition of Mr. Ollie O’Neill & Mr. McCann.
1961:
He secured a place on the National Boxing Team travelling to London to box the English champion. He lost on points but gained great experience fighting older more experienced fighters. Was coached by the famous Jim ‘Lugs’ Brannigan a member of the Garda Siochana.
1963:
Began his training at Fitzwilliam Square Kenpo Karate club with Mr. John McSweeney.
1965:
Received his Black Belt “Shodan” From Mr. John McSweeney, sanctioned by Mr. Ed Parker & Board.
1967:
He set up his own club in Harcourt Street with Mr. Noel Halpin. Their creed was hard work and strong performance in order to earn your grade.
1967:
Performed numerous demonstrations in the art to promote Harcourt Street.
1968:
Went to live in Jersey C.I. and opened the first club in Europe also teaching the local police force.
1968/70:
Travelled back and forth Ireland for competitions and gradings.
1970:
Returning to Ireland for good and set up the famous Baggot Street Club.
1970:
Left the Jersey Club in the good hands of two fine instructors, Don Cassidy & John Jacklin. Maurice returned regular for grading and demonstrations.
1971:
Made numerous television appearances for RTE doing feats of power on granite rocks with his Martial Arts.
1972:
He appeared on national television RTE breaking ‘¼ ton of concrete slabs’ broke with a sledgehammer. Assisted by Jack Skelton, Shay Paget, Ritchie Connor, Barney Coleman and Dave O’Hanlon used the sledgehammer.
1973:
Graded Mr. Shay Paget for his Black Belt at High Street Kenpo School.
1974:
He met Mr. Ed Parker when he came to Ireland with Tom ‘the bear’ Kelly & George Quinosis as guests of Fitzwilliam Square Kenpo Club. A dinner dance & demonstration were held at the Burlington Hotel run by John Conway. Everyone in KENPO KARATE attended to see the Mr. Parker in action.
1974:
Was a guest of Mr. Parkers at Fitzwilliam Square for special Black Belt class?
1974:
Received his 3rd Degree I.K.K.A. Certificate sanctioned by Mr. Parker.
1974:
Organised and travelled to Jersey with the ‘R.I.K.K.F.’ squad to demonstrate for the Battle of the Flowers and Jersey Television
1974:
Travelled to London to coach his Black Belt Barney Coleman who was selected to fight for the Irish National Kenpo Team in ‘Crystal Palace’ London. He was the only one who won his fight. Team were: Jim Rice, Ambrose Moloney, Joe Teeling, Eugene Healy, and Ray Murduff.
1973/74/75/77/79/80.
Organised and ran the Kenpo Karate Demonstration Awards
1975:
Featured in the Sunday World with Yvonne Costello Miss Ireland who took Karate lessons from him.
1976:
I.K.C.B. C/ships he was Referee & Judge.
1976:
Received the fighter of the year I.K.K.F. Award
1976:
Refereed/Judged at the 1st all Ireland Kenpo Karate Championships, Mansion House.
1977:
On panel who selected the I.K.C.B. squad after their training & winning fights over two months to fight for the national team in Essen, Germany.
Team were: Mick Travers, Fran Nangle, Jim Byrne, Pat Saul, Robert Molloy, Pat Carey and Barney Coleman. Mr. Maurice Mahon and Mr. Tommy McGrane were Manager & Coach.
1977:
Travelled to Japan with Des Tracy to representing the I.K.C.B. at the world Championships. Refereed and Judged in the Budakan in Tokyo. As a result Ireland was recognised by the International Amateur Karate Federation and could begin to compete in International competitions.
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