Like many parents Pats Karate journey started when he took his son Laurie to train under the guidance of Sensei Jason Netherton at their local Gym.

Coming to the end of his Rugby paying days and with a young family Pat found the inclusiveness, respect and etiquette of the dojo an inspiring environment to learn a new skill. Soon all four members of the Farnan family (mum, dad and two kids) were training under sensei Netherton with Hasha Karate and later with Ippon Karate Academy. All four members of the Farnan family have progressed through the belts to gain a black belt. Pats wife and daughter are presently second dan whilst Pat and his son Laurie have recently competed 3^rd dan.

As the Ippon karate Academy grew Pat and his son Laurie have had the chance to assist Sensei Phil Grote with teaching at the Ippon Karate Academy Dojo situated at St Mary’s School Radcliffe. Pat enjoys introducing new families to Karate and seeing the development and self confidence that learning Karate gives to people of all ages and abilities.

The Ippon karate Academy has enabled Pat and his family to train with national and international Karate stars such as George Best, Ronnie Christopher, Dave Ward and John Marsh with frequent seminars. Also there are opportunities to compete for those that wish to at well organised competitions suitable for all ages and abilities.

Ippon Karate Academy’s affiliation with CIKA has provided enhanced opportunities to train with some of the worlds best Karate instructors like Junior Leferve . There are frequent seminars with renowned international champions both male and female such as Christina Kavakopoulou, Rebecca Ferrer and Michael Dasoul.

Under the guidance of Sensei Netherton Pat continues to train, learn and teach Karate with both his own family and his Karate family.