Northern Ireland Karate Academy was formed in June 2002 by Sensei Cathy McAleer in Epsorta Health Club, Holywood. The club grew in strength and relocated to bigger premises at Queens Leisure complex and a second club at Stormont Pavillion. The club has many members, with a mixture of both adults and children and we are always looking to expand and open at more clubs.

The club is totally cross community and has students from all areas of Belfast, Bangor, Newtownards, Antrim, Carrickfergus and Lisburn. The students range from 5 years of age to adults and beginner to black belts. The club is a traditional Wado Ryu club and also highly involved in sport karate and compete all over UK and the World, within the club we also have 18 students who currently are in the Northern Ireland Team and represent Northern Ireland at a European and World Level.

This May 2015 we had a team travelling to Latvia to compete in the "World karate Championships" (WKC) and representing Northern Ireland at this event. The team ranges from 10 year to adults and many are defending current titles. The Academy had huge success. Throughout 2015 we have entered local, National and International events.

As a club we have achieved a lot at every local event and are seen and known as the top Club and in Northern Ireland. Cathy Mc Aleer, World Karate Champion & European Full COntact Kickboxing Champion is National Coach for NIKA. The clubs are based at Queens Leisure Complex, Holywood and Stormont Pavilion. As National Coach for Northern Ireland for past six years. I pass my experience onto my students. the club currently have a number of World, European & Local champions :