In this week’s edition of The Third Degree John Wilkie, Martial Arts Sensei from Letterkenny talks about his upcoming climb of Kilimanjaro, dealing with a rare neurological disorder which left him in intensive care for a time, and tackling illegal dumping in the local area.
Hi John, could you tell us a little about yourself, please?
l’m John Wilkie from Dromore, Letterkenny, I went to Lurgybrack school in the ‘70s. Long hot summers but school wasn’t a great place to be in those days. I moved into Ard O’Donnell in 1977 and went to the Tech vocational school. It was worse than primary school! I can’t really say school was enjoyable. But I loved geography, history, science, etc. I do believe I would have stayed at school if the environment had been better. I joined the Karate club in 1978, and got a job for summer in the local bacon factory. I trained as a pork butcher. Loved it – good times, earning my own money. Saved up for a 125cc trail bike. Awesome. I was the bee’s knees.
I started Karate at the then-Regional college, under Sensei Jimmy Gillen, a brown belt at the time. Jimmy was one tough cookie…years later I myself graded Jimmy to black belt …what an honour that was.
I have travelled the world teaching and competing: the 1994 European championships in Poland, the World Championships in 1995 in Sunderland, and the 1997 World Championships in California. We also travelled to Moscow in 1998 but didn’t compete that year. As a club, every summer we would go to the UK for a summer camp in Lancaster University to train with British Sensei. In the ‘90s we used to host the Northern Regional championships. There were people from all around the country competing…great times.
A few years ago you were diagnosed with Gullain-Barré Syndrome. How did that affect you?
Holy hell, 2015. Yes, I was diagnosed with GBS, a rare disorder. Your immune system mistakenly attacks your peripheral nervous system and leaves you paralysed. Not a great time. I realised I needed help, and the rest is history as they say.
Does it still affect you – is it something that can recur?
After 2015 there was a litany of health problems: eyes, lumps, pain and more pain. I got new hips in 2019. Today l’m in tip-top shape, walking, hiking, and full time at karate. Also climbing. I’ve climbed Mount Errigal, the Bluestacks, Muckish …it’s all go. Oh GBS can return all right, but hopefully not.
Has the experience changed your outlook at all?
My outlook is very positive …I’m in the Power of Now!
In June of this year, you plan to climb Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Irish Guide Dogs For The Blind. Why that charity in particular?
Yes, Kilimanjaro this year. It’s going be some challenge: nearly 20,000 feet. I wonder if I could get a chopper up? The Irish Guide Dogs Donegal branch is a great cause, helping people with visual impairment and kids with autism. It takes around €5 million to run the charity per year, and about €53,000 to train a dog.
What do you think martial arts training can offer a young person?I wrote a thesis about this a few years ago. It helped me in different ways – everything from stamina and strength to social skills and respect for others.
What has been your proudest moment?
There were two: receiving a Civic Reception from Donegal County Council, and also receiving a Donegal Sports star award in 2016.
Are there any other local issues you would like to draw attention to?
Traffic jams in Letterkenny!
Quick fire:
Favourite book or film? The 1960 H.G.Wells film The Time Machine, with Rod Taylor.
The perfect night? A meal for two, with my babe Marguerite.
What motivates you? I’m a volunteer with the Letterkenny Tidy Towns for 16 years. I live in the Glencar / Killylastin area, and it’s the worst place in Letterkenny for illegal dumping. I was out two weeks ago and collected 11.5 bags.
What angers you? People dumping rubbish.
You have €10,000 – what’s the one thing you’d most like to spend it on right now? I would love to go to Japan for a holiday, and do karate in The Japan Karate Association HQ.
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