Meet the Instructors
With almost 50 years of combined Martial Arts knowledge — our instructors are the backbone of Total Kickboxing.
Master Liam Whelan
Founder & Head Instructor — Kyoshi LiamAfter nearly five decades practising and teaching martial arts, Liam Whelan opened Total Kickboxing in Sandyford, Co. Dublin — realising a long-held dream to build a club entirely around his own vision, experience, and teaching philosophy.
A 7th Degree Black Belt, Kyoshi Liam has coached fighters at national and international level, produced numerous champions and Black Belts, and built one of Ireland's most respected Kickboxing organisations. He holds a Level 2 Martial Arts Coaching Certificate, Youth Development, Code of Ethics, Refereeing and Judging certifications, and is a Qualified Physical Training Instructor with over 15 years in the fitness industry.
Liam has represented Ireland on numerous occasions — winning Gold at the Intercontinental Self-Defence Championships (2003), Silver at the World Martial Arts Games in Barcelona and the WPKA European Championships in Scotland (2004), and Bronze in the Weapons Division at the 2008 World Martial Arts Games. He was inducted into the WOMAA Hall of Fame and received a Certificate of Recognition from President Michael D. Higgins following the World Martial Arts Games in Citywest in 2013.
Total Kickboxing is built on almost 50 years of knowledge — combining traditional Martial Arts values with modern training methods, and teaching Light Contact, Full Contact, K-1 Style, Low-Kick, Fitness, and realistic Street Self-Defence.
Sensei Bobby Kennedy
Instructor — Total KickboxingSensei Bobby Kennedy is a 4th Degree Black Belt and a valued member of the Total Kickboxing instructor team. Trained under the guidance of Master Liam Whelan, Bobby brings dedication, technical skill, and a genuine passion for the sport to every class he teaches.
Bobby is committed to helping students of all levels develop their technique, fitness, and confidence in a safe and structured environment. Whether working with complete beginners or experienced students, his patient and encouraging coaching style makes him a favourite among members.
Full instructor profile coming soon.
Sensei John O'Brien
Instructor — Total KickboxingSensei John O'Brien is a 3rd Degree Black Belt and an integral part of the Total Kickboxing instructor team. With a strong technical foundation developed through years of dedicated training, John brings energy, discipline, and attention to detail to his coaching.
John works closely with students across all levels — from beginners stepping on the mat for the first time to more experienced members refining their skills. His ability to break down techniques clearly and build confidence in students reflects the Total Kickboxing ethos of structured, purposeful training.
Full instructor profile coming soon.
Our Instructors
The dedicated Senseis who teach, coach, and support every student at Total Kickboxing.
Kenny Barry
Sensei — Total Kickboxing 3rd Degree Black Belt
Aaron Condon
Sensei — Total Kickboxing 2nd Degree Black Belt
Alison Devine
Sensei — Total Kickboxing 2nd Degree Black Belt
Damien Condon
Sensei — Total Kickboxing 2nd Degree Black Belt
Leigh Farrington
Sensei — Total Kickboxing 2nd Degree Black Belt
David Cusack
Sensei — Total Kickboxing 1st Degree Black Belt
Shannon O'Reilly
Sensei — Total Kickboxing 1st Degree Black BeltMaster Liam's Certifications & Credentials
Level 2 Coaching
National Martial Arts Coaching Certification — Level Two.
Physical Training Instructor
Qualified Physical Training Instructor with over 15 years experience in the fitness industry.
Youth Development
Qualified in Youth Development and Child Protection for sport.
Refereeing & Judging
Certified Referee and Judge for competitive Kickboxing events.
Code of Ethics
Certified in Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children in Sport.
Fully Garda Vetted
Fully Garda vetted in accordance with Irish child protection requirements.
Strength, Fitness & Conditioning
Liam has also built a successful career in the fitness industry, where he worked for over 15 years as a Physical Training Instructor. During this time, he designed personalised fitness, strength training, and bodybuilding programmes tailored to individuals of all abilities. He also taught a variety of popular group fitness classes, including Keep Fit, Aerobics, and Circuit Training, helping hundreds of people improve their health, fitness, confidence, and overall physical performance.
This extensive background in fitness, strength and conditioning has played a major role in Liam's approach to teaching kickboxing. His ability to combine traditional martial arts with modern training methods allows students to develop not only excellent technique but also the strength, fitness, flexibility, and endurance needed to perform at their best.
Today, as Head Instructor of Total Kickboxing Ireland and a 7th Degree Black Belt, Liam continues to use his decades of coaching and instructional experience to help students of all ages and abilities reach their full potential, both in martial arts and in life.
"For Liam Whelan, Martial Arts has never been just about fighting. It is about discipline, respect, confidence, self-belief, and giving people skills that will stay with them for life."
Train with the Best.
Classes every Monday and Thursday — 7:45 to 9:15 pm. All levels welcome.