Sifu Keith Fanning

Sifu Keith Fanning

Sifu Keith’s love of Martial Arts sees him with a mixed background that started with Kung Fu at the age of four under his Father Sibo Jon Fanning who sadly passed away in 2013.

Along with Sifu Keith’s love for Kung Fu, he studied other Martial Arts training to be a more rounded martial artist, currently holding a Brown Belt in traditional Jiu Jitsu and the rank of Kru in Muay Thai. He also trained in Full Contact Kickboxing for three years before moving to London, England in 1996 to train full time in Kung Fu with Sibo Fanning.

In April 2006, Sifu Keith journeyed back to London to take part in a breaking exam which saw him pass with flying colours and be awarded the ‘Iron Palm Medallion’. This level had not been reached by anyone since 1973.

Sifu Keith’s love for Hard Chi Gung (Block Breaking) has seen him bring the first Irish Team of breakers to Orlando FL. in 2007 for the USBA/WBA world breaking championships. Then in 2008, he went back to the U.S.A with a team of nine and took home 15 trophies including two 1st places. Again in 2009, he took a seven man team and, this time took home thirteen trophies, in 2015 he made a return to the US open with his training partner Mac, they managed an impressive 2 firsts 3 seconds and 1 third place trophies. In 2016 he brought the Blue Dragon team to the first USBA/WBA European tournament in London, taking home 3 European championships and a big haul of medals and trophies

At present, Sifu Keith holds an 8th Duan Master Grade in Blue Dragon Iron Fist Kung Fu and was also recently promoted to international representative for the IWUF (international wushu federation) for Ireland. In 2015 he was promoted to local director for Ireland by the USBA/WBA. Among his other certificates he also holds a teaching certificate in Chi Gung issued by GM Chu.

Sifu Keith owns and runs his Fitness and Martial Arts Centre called Blue Dragon Fitness which is based in Balbriggan, North County Dublin. Sifu Keith also works closely with local charities and youth groups to provide a safe training environment. BDIF aims to provide Martial Arts based fitness and Martial Arts training for the whole family.