Our Club Roots & Head Coach/Owner -
Stefan Moriarty

Welcome to Legends - Dún Laoghaire Martial Arts, where tradition meets innovation under the guidance of Mr. Stefan Moriarty, an esteemed Martial Arts Coach with expertise spanning Taekwondo, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Boxing and beyond.

With roots tracing back to 1989, Stefan's journey in Taekwondo began at a young age, solidifying his foundation in the WTF Taekwondo style in South Dublin. His dedication led him on a brave trip to Seoul, Korea in 1999, where he honed his skills and earned a 5th Degree Black Belt in WTF Taekwondo, testing his abilities against practitioners in the art's country of origin.

Expanding his repertoire, Stefan ventured to the USA in 2001 to immerse himself in Kickboxing and all aspects of Mixed Martial Arts, gaining a wealth of experience and victories that now enrich his teaching standards, results and accomplishments.

In 2007, Stefan established Legends Martial Arts (now known as Legends - Dún Laoghaire Martial Arts), pioneering one of the first full-time martial arts gyms in the area/surrounding areas, which has since flourished into a renowned, regional, national, european and world athlete producing, family-friendly club we know today. Stefan is not only a 5th Degree black belt in Taekwondo but a 5th degree Black Belt in the style of Kickboxing too. In addition to a lifetime of ongoing experiences in competition, training and coaching, Stefan is also a qualified and experienced referee, judge and promotor. Known for promoting top shows in kickboxing such as the award winning "K-1 Legacy" and the renowned Mixed Martial Arts Event - "Man of War", one of the first professional and biggest MMA events in Ireland.

In 2016, Stefan was a former Irish Team Coach in Italy at the Unified World Championships (all styles and associations). His team of three club members competed as part of the Irish Team and returned home with 9 World Championship Medals.

Stefans unique boxing style placing emphasis on footwork and counterpunching has become one of our most popular styles and has raised thousands throughout the years for charity through his boxing program.

His style and approach to striking as a whole has also drawn attention from clubs in America with regular visits from fighters from Minnesota and California to train with him.

2019, saw Legends - Dún Laoghaire Martial Arts' Head Coach, Stefan travel to Minnesota, USA. In particular Valhalla Combat Gym, where he taught Striking and MMA based seminars seeing attendees from budding Martial Artists to fighters and all in between, travel from near and far. All to learn from and absorb the fighting Irish knowledge of the very well regarded and experienced Irish Coach. Stefan was very welcomed by all at Valhalla and seminar participants and there is still a strong friendship between both clubs today.

In 2021, Stefan published an exciting new Martial Arts magazine series titled "The 5th Degree". Not only bringing back the physical magazine but bringing joy to readers with news, upcoming fights, interviews and more, inclusive of all Martial Arts from Traditional Martial Arts to Ring Sports and MMA. Martial Arts enthusiasts from all over the country of Ireland and Minnesota (USA) were invited to write and submit pieces for the magazine to ensure all styles had a chance to be included and recognised. We look forward to seeing new editions in the near future.

Stefan's links to Valhalla Combat go back to 2008 with James Clarke, who is a regular visitor to our club. Leading on from what started as an interest in grappling and turned into a journey training with many MMA and BJJ practioners including our resident BJJ coach for a period Mr. Tony Souza, 5th Degree Black Belt.

Minnesota Black Belt, James Clark, has been influencial in our grappling program and awarded Stefan his long overdue brown belt in Brazilian JiuJitsu in April 2025.

It's safe to say Mr. Moriarty has dedicated his life to all aspects of Martial Arts and is actively sharing his knowledge and skills with our members today.

Our programs cater to all ages (5yrs+) and fitness levels, including kids' classes in Kickboxing, Taekwondo, Mixed Martial Arts, along with specialised sessions in Weapons training, strength & mobility and fun atmospheric Nerf classes for ages 5 years old and up.

For teens and adults, we provide a diverse, variety-packed, flexible schedule inclusive of instructor led classes in Kickboxing, Taekwondo, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, and Weapons training - not to mention the extras, ranging from endurance and power circuit training, kettlebell workouts, punching bag classes and sparring to name a few.

Located on 56/57 Upper Georges Street, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, our expansive facilities feature two spacious training areas, a dedicated members-only gym section, toilet facilities, specific punching bag zone, a relaxation meditation room, Parents & Members Coffee Dock and recovery rooms including ice bath, sauna and more, ensuring a holistic approach to Martial Arts training and well-being.

Join us at Legends - Dún Laoghaire Martial Arts, where every participant is empowered to embark on their Martial Arts journey with confidence and camaraderie.