Master Galligan

Martial Art History

Master Des Galligan began his martial art training in the Art of Judo in 1978. His Instructor was Mr. Denis McMahon. It was part of scout's activities in the Holy Family Parish Boy Scouts. Classes were held once a week and he enjoyed his Judo.

Then in 1979 Master Galligan began training in Wado Ryu Karate under instructor Mr. Mike O'Brien 2nd Dan. Master Galligan trained up to Blue Belt (5 Kyu). While training in Wado Ryu Karate Master Galligan also trained for Marathon Running. Running Miles everyday. He left Wado Ryu Karate in 1981 to concentrate on running.

Then in 1983, while in America to run the Boston Marathon he went to a Tang Soo Do Korean Karate demonstration by Richard Byrnes 8th Dan. He was very impressed by the demonstration and decided to take up Tang Soo Do when he went home.

When Master Galligan returned from America, he found out that there wasn't any Tang Soo Do Clubs in Ireland so he began training in Tae Kwon Do Korean Martial Arts because the Kicking Techniques were the same as Tang Soo Do. Also at that time "Chuck Norris was making it big in the Movies with his Karate. Chuck Norris trained and studied Tang Soo Do. This was all Master Galligan needed to hear.

     

Master Galligan demonstrating a flying side kick

Master Galligan trained in Tae Kwon Do with the All Ireland Tae Kwon Do Association (A.I.T.A). His instructors were Mr Christy Ryan 3rd Dan and Mr. Paddy Moloney 3rd Dan. During his time with the A.I.T.A Master Galligan won several Tournaments. Unfortunately the club broke up.

Master Galligan then joined the Republic of Ireland Tae Kwon Do (R.I.T.A), under Mr William Keane 3rd Dan and Master Frankie Barrett 7th Dan. Master Barrett was the Irish Team coach for over a decade. Winning medals at World Championships etc. Master Galligan stayed with the R.I.T.A between 1984 - 1989. Master Galligan graded for Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do in 1989. He trained and studied with Master Anthony Phelon 8th Dan and Master Robert Howard 8th Dan. Master Galligan also had the privilege of training with the Founder of the I.T.F Tae Kwon Do, General Choi Hong Hi, Grandmaster Kee Rhee Ha 9th Dan, Grandmaster Hee Il Cho 9th Dan and Grand Master Park Jung Tae.

During his time studying Tae Kwon Do Master Galligan studied Shotokan Karate and Kick-Boxing under Master Tommy Lawler 7th Dan. Master Galligan used to travel to Waterford with a friend when they could to train with Master Lawler. Master Galligan trained up to 2nd Dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate in 1991.

During 1990, while training for the World Tae Kwon Do Championships Master Galligan broke his wrist in 2 places putting him out of training for several months. He competed a lot with the R.I.T.A. and won many Tournaments.

In 1990, Master Galligan read an article on Tang Soo Do under Master Robert Hedges. Master Hedges teaches in England. Master Galligan then went to England and joined his association. Master Hedges assistant Master Tony Johnson sent over Black Belts Instructors and they have been friends ever since.

Master Galligan then joined Grandmaster Jae Joon Jim 10th Degree Black Belt in 1990. Grandmaster Kim was also instructor to Grandmaster Chuck Norris. Grandmaster Kim is the number 1 authority in Tang Soo Do in the world. Master Galligan has studied with Grandmaster Kim for over 15 years. Master Galligan has travelled to England and America to train with Grandmaster Kim and has brought Grandmaster Kim to Ireland on several occasions for gradings and Seminars. Master Galligan 6th Degree Black Belt has received all his Black Belt Certification from Grandmaster Kim. Testing under his guidance and watchful eye.

Master Galligan competed at the 1997 and the 1999 World Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do Championships in Florida. Master Galligan has also received plaques and trophies for his Fighting Spirit and Commitment to World Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do Federation.