Kids carry the fight for Clare BJJ

Four members of the Fightsports Clare team were in the medals at the weekend when the Brazilian jiujitsu club competed at the Kid’s First National Wrestling Tournament in the Pankration Kickboxing Academy in Limerick. The four were all competing for the first time.
Aifric Ni Ogain came second in her division after having to retire undefeated after four fights due to illness. Josh Boylan came third in the same division, winning most of his fights and losing only to Aifric and the division winner.
“Aifric and Josh tore through the divison,” said John Eustace, head trainer at Fightsports Clare. “Aifric has only been training for three months and Josh, at seven-years-old, was by far the youngest in the division. Both of them have really bright futures in the sport.”
Nine-year-old Benza Benko put on an amazing display, winning six of seven fights coming second in his division when losing a very close fight to a 13-year-old who went on to win the division.
“Ben is fearless and has been training hard with me for over a year now. He showed in his fights that technique can beat size and strength and that is what Brazilian jiujitsu is all about.”
Dillon Hayes placed third in this division, showing great takedowns and control from the back position.
Brandon Carr and Donnla Cunningham also competed and fought well but unfortunately results didn’t go their way. “Both Brandon and Donnla showed a lot of courage earlier on in the day when they were given the choice to change to smaller divisions and both chose to compete against the bigger kids. I’m very proud of them for not taking the easy route when the choice was given to them and I’m sure they will come back stronger after this experience.”
“I’m very proud of all the kids for their efforts today. It’s great for them to be able to put to use the techniques they have been learning in a competitive environment and for them to see how they can be used against anyone, regardless of their size.”
The team representing the club was, kids: Donnla Cunningham, Aifric Ni Ogain, Brandon Carr, Josh Boylan, Benza Benko, Dillon Hayes. Teens: Cian McDonnell, Robbie Greene, Mark Kozer.
Kids’ training resumes at the club in its new base in the community hall in Chapel Lane every Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm from December 13.
The team has moved from its previous base on the Kildysart Road to the community hall on Chapel Lane. Training will resume on December 13.