Mr. Ed Downey began his career in Kenpo in 1973 under the late Professor John Conway, a 7th degree I.K.K.A. Black Belt by Mr. Ed Parker. During the 1970s Mr. Downey had a successful tournament career in Ireland which included taking first place in the all Ireland Kenpo Karate Championships. Mr. Downey has been a regular member of the Irish National Team for many years and has represented his country at European and World Championships. In 1981, Mr. Downey tested for his 1st degree Black Belt and from this time onwards he began training directly under the supervision of Grand Master Parker. He subsequently achieved his second degree from Mr. Parker in 1985 and his third degree in 1988.

Mr. Downey became a close personal friend of Mr. Parker and having known Mr. Parker since 1975, he became the principal organizer for Mr. Parker's numerous visits to Ireland. Mr. Parker appointed Mr. Downey as a regional representative for the I.K.K.A. in Ireland and Mr. Downey held this position until his resignation from the I.K.K.A. in April 1996.

In 1990, when Mr. Parker suddenly passed on, Mr. Downey requested that Professor John Sepulveda become his Instructor and since then, Professor Sepulveda has visited Ireland on a regular basis to guide and train Mr. Downey and his students in Kenpo.

Currently, he and his students are members of the Ireland Kenpo and the AKTS.