There's a new BJJ Black Belt at Kyuzo!

Congratulations to Padraig Mannion, who became Kyuzo's 14th Black Belt on Saturday. It is a long journey to Black Belt, but worth it!

The path started for Padraig about 9 years ago when he first stepped on to the mats to just try something new. I don't think he had any designs on becoming a Black Belt on his first day. No one ever does. But I do remember him being more determined than the average person, and asking a lot more questions than the normal person.

So if curiosity is one of the keys to success in Jiu Jitsu, then he definitely had that. I still find him really inquisitive about why things work, when to use certain techniques, and how various parts of the game fit together. He was actually the same in training last night, his first session wearing the new belt, so that's good to see!

Along with Padraig, I promoted 4 new Purple Belts, and 5 new Blue Belts.

Blue belts were awarded to Rob Sot, Alex Wynne, Alexis Butler, James Murnaghan, and "Trombone" James Doherty.

The Blue Belt in BJJ is given when you've mastered the fundamentals of the art. At Blue, you're now familiar with the principles of all of the most common positions, how to attack with them, and how to escape from them. Crucially, you can do it live against resisting partners!

Purple Belts went to Dylan "Brother" Morrison, Keith Geoghegan, Mark Leech, and "Posh" James Graham. (we've a lot of Jameseses so they get names)

Purple belts need to be at a high performance level among their peer group (ie, an adult purple belt is expected to be at an Adult level, a Masters Purple (in his/her 30s or 40s) is expected to be at Masters level). To get a purple belt, you should now be studying and developing a guard and passing game with advanced level technique. You should be a student of the art and how to do it better! The guys all ace those criteria. Purple belts are difficult to get and take dedication and skill. So congratulations to the recipients on Saturday!

Finally congrats to all of the awards recipients:

Members Competitor of the Year Lee Heery
Coaches Competitor of the Year Lee Heery

Members Young Grappler of the Year Reuben Oglesby
Coaches Young Grappler of the Year Reuben Oglesby

Members Club Person of the Year Sean King
Coaches Club Person of the Year Brian Tavey

Members Most Improved of the Year "Trombone" James Doherty
Coaches Most Improved of the Year Cian O'Connor

Shafty of the Year Award "Posh" James Graham

We had a brilliant day on the mats. Great craic and with brilliant people all contributing to the positive vibes!

Thanks to all who gave the guys hell! And well done once again to everyone who was promoted!

See you on the mat,

Barry