Beyond Technique —
Building Character.

Martin Bannon is the founder and Chief Instructor of Tallaght Martial Arts and Blessington Martial Arts, where he has been coaching for 35 years as part of a 46-year career in martial arts. A decorated international competitor, he represented Ireland in Kickboxing at European and World Championships for over three decades.

Dave is the Head Coach of Tallaght Martial Arts and TMA Kombat martial arts (Ratoath). A former multi-time World and European kickboxing champion, Dave spent over two decades as the Irish national coach, leading the nation to historic competitive success. He holds a 7th Dan Black Belt in Kickboxing and a master’s degree in performance analysis and coaching science. Recognised for his leadership, Dave serves as the vice president of Kickboxing Ireland, a WAKO European board member, and chairman of the WAKO World coaching committee. He combines elite athletic experience with professional expertise in sports management, governance, and athlete safeguarding.

Stephen "Ste" Jones is a highly accomplished martial arts athlete and international coach with a proven track record of success at both the senior and masters levels. After securing multiple national and international senior titles, Ste transitioned to the Masters Circuit, where he has dominated global competition to claim prestigious European and World Masters titles.

Gar Ryan is one of Ireland's top senior male athletes, bringing world-class competitive experience and structured engineering precision to our coaching team. Gar has won multiple-time Senior Irish National and international titles and is a WAKO European Championships Gold Medallist. He was the sole Irish kickboxing athlete to qualify for the World Games in China.

A 2nd Dan Black Belt and certified Level 1 Coach at Tallaght Martial Arts, my journey into combat sports began after watching my children train and compete at the European and World Championship levels. Inspired by their dedication, I stepped onto the mats myself—rekindling a lifelong passion for fast-paced, competitive sport that first started when I played championship-winning camogie for Wicklow.

Through hard work and grit, I earned my Black Belt, mastered self-defence, and continued pushing my limits to achieve my 2nd Dan. Today, I am deeply committed to giving back to the community that gave my family so much. As an active competition referee and coach, I train the next generation of world champions, guide older adults on their fitness journeys, and empower members through martial arts.

Jodie Browne is one of Ireland's top senior female athletes. A hardworking athlete, she brings dedication, competitive experience and structured precision to our coaching team. Jodie has won multiple Senior Irish National and international titles. She is a 3-time WAKO World Champion and 3-time WAKO European gold medallist. She was the sole fighter to qualify for the 2023 World Combat Games, where she won gold, and she also qualified for the 2023 European Olympic Games, where she took home a bronze medal.

Gavin has an extensive background across ring and tatami sports, having trained, fought and coached in Points Fighting, Light Contact, Kick Light, Full Contact and K1, complemented by a background in Kenpo Karate focused on functional self-defence. Gavin holds a Kickboxing Black Belt.

Following a career-ending injury in 2021, I stepped away from competition and returned to my passion: coaching. Today, I take great pride in coaching at TMA and supporting my two sons as they represent both the club and Ireland on the international stage.

Tallaght Martial Arts offers an incredible support structure for both member development and coach progression. It provides a welcoming, highly structured environment tailored to adults and children of all abilities, including neurodivergent athletes and those overcoming unique personal challenges.