My Greystones: Ken Wheatley

It’s hard to imagine anyone would ever want to pick a fight with someone as joyful and friendly as Ken Wheatley. If such a foolish person did exist though, it wouldn’t take long before they were on their back. Deeply regretting their decision to pick a fight with Ken Wheatley.
That’s because Ken Wheatley is a Master, a 7th degree blackbelt and President of the Irish Taekwon-Do Association. So, this is a man who could break every bone in your body without ever breaking a sweat.
Not that Taekwon-Do is all about breaking bones. This celebrated Korean martial art is, of course, all about keeping the peace rather than any Bruce Lee, sand-in-the-face revenge fantasy. The name Taekwon-Do comes from two ancient Korean terms – Taekwon, as in ‘centre, soul and inner sanctum’, and Do, as in ‘to batter’. We reckon.
Having taught Taekwon-Do in Greystones for 35 years now, Master Ken Wheatley has built up a reputation as one of the finest in the country, and has instilled confidence and incredible skills in many a young Greystonian. And some not-so-young too. Which may explain why Ken’s Taekwon-Do School is the only one in County Wicklow that’s recognised by the Irish Martial Arts Commision for ITF Taekwon-Do.
If you’re interested in joining this long-established Taekwon-Do class, they have a special 60th birthday offer this month – a free uniform to all new membership applications. There are 10 age-specific classes per week – including the ITF Kids Development course for 3 to 8-year olds – and all instructors and assistants have Garda Vetting, and comply with the Code of Ethics for Young People in martial arts.
You can find out more by emailing [email protected], calling 0872547347 or hitting the logo below to visit their official website.