Keelan Gannon

Keelan began karate lessons in Sligo when he was 8, achieving his 1st dan at 16 and his 2nd dan at 18. With encouragement from his Sensei he began teaching kids classes and stumbled upon his passion.​

In 2020, Keelan qualified as a PE and Biology teacher from DCU, however he chose to pursue his passion in karate teaching.

After many years of teaching for different groups in Sligo, Keelan set up Ealaín Karate Dojo in 2021 and has been a full time instructor ever since.

In November 2021, Keelan completed the month long trainee instructor internship at the HDKI Hombu Dojo HQ in Dublin.

Keelan is now an instructor at the Hombu Dojo in Dublin, where he teaches and trains with the HDKI founder Scott Langley, 7th dan.

In September 2022 at the first HDKI International Seminar and Cup, he passed his 3rd dan under a panel of Guy Brueder (Canada) 8th Dan, Ricardo Gallina (Mexico) 7th Dan and Scott Langley (Ireland) 7th Dan. At the same event he won the senior male kumite event becoming the first HDKI International Male Kumite Champion. 

Keelan is the current HDKI National Male Kata Champion, winning gold in May 2024.​

Keelan teaches in the Strandhill Dojo on Fridays and Saturdays.

Outside of karate, Keelan holds a keen interest in music and is currently working on new projects with his band.