Our Club
We are committed to promoting martial arts excellence through classes, events, and tutorials. Our mission is to inspire and empower individuals to reach their martial arts goals and lead a healthy lifestyle. Come and be a part of our dynamic martial arts community!
Discover the Dynamic Spirit of Celtic Dragon KBX
Meet the dedicated instructors who inspire passion and skill at our club.
John Fitzgerald
Head Coach
Bio-Sensei John Fitzgerald 4th Dan K1ckboxing, 1st Dan Kombatan
Starting as a student nearly 20 years ago after a brief career in the Irish Naval service, John started with Waterford Martial arts under Sensei John McGrath and Grandmaster Massan Ghorbani 10th Dan. During this time John studied a variety of arts including Kickboxing, Hapkido, Jiu Jitsu and Satori Do Karate. Later Kombatan was introduced into the mix and John was honoured to be taught by Master Oliver Garduce 6th Dan and Master Jesi Pablo 10th Dan.
2008 saw the first Kickboxing Dan belt achieved and 2010 the first Kombatan Black belt.
John was selected to set up the Boston dojo under John McGrath and spent time developing his skills with other US based martial arts masters such as Andre Dodeco and Rob Massan.
Since 2010, John had set up his own Martial Arts school in New Ross under Celtic Dragon Martial arts and fitness, the first full time dojo of its kind teaching a myriad of styles including K1, kickboxing, weapon and open hand forms, Kombatan, fighters class and a wealth of Cardio and strength and conditioning classes. Over the Celtic Dragon timeline, John had coached 2 world champions (1 full contact kickboxing and 1 forms) and achieved world silver himself, as well as numerous bronze and silver medals for the team. Multiple Irish titles followed, a Celtic and a European champion with the team constantly performing well on the main stages.
Rising costs saw a minimising of the school and a change of name to Anonymous Kickboxing as John took a step back to concentrate on personal matters but kept the classes running with High belts instructors taking the lead.
That soon turned into KBX Kickboxing under the ownership of the late Wayne Smith ( father of 2 of the clubs black belt instructors) and with his passing brought the teaming up of John and Master Marvin Ponde.
This now ushers in the new era of Johns commitment to his arts.
With One Art Community Arts, John and Master Ponde are continuing their coaching journey bringing those that want to come. Dedicated to sharing our knowledge to build the best humans we can build and assist in the community to bring a better understanding and appreciation of our Art and what we are offering to our students.
Lee Kiely
Head Coach
Lee started his martial arts journey at the age of 43 when his interest was sparked while training at home with his daughter (Summer). He finds that helping to coach the kids really improves his own understanding of martial arts. He had the good fortune to travel with the Irish team to Vienna in 2024 to coach our Irish contenders at the ISKA world championship with great success, bringing back titles and medals. This year, he and Summer will grade to earn their blackbelts together and don’t want to stop there.
Our Talented Club Members
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Check Out Our Upcoming Kickboxing Events
Hear from our members who share their passion and success stories at Celtic Dragon KBX.
“Joining Celtic Dragon KBX transformed my fitness and confidence—highly recommend their expert coaching!”
Emily
Fitness Enthusiast
“The trainers at Celtic Dragon KBX deliver top-notch instruction with great energy and care.”
Marcus
Youth Kickboxing Coach
“From beginner to advanced, this club offers an unmatched experience in a supportive environment.”
Sophie
Event Coordinator