Omagh Ju-Jitsu celebrates a season of success

IT'S been a fantastic few weeks for Omagh Ju-Jitsu, with plenty of achievements to celebrate as students proudly earned their new belts.

The good news began even before the local grading, when two adult students represented the club at their first National Grading in Belfast on November 29 As higher belts must attend these advanced examinations, Edel Mallon, a valued helper in the junior class, successfully graded for her blue belt, while Conor Sloan took on the challenge of his brown belt. Remarkably, at just 16 years old, Conor was the youngest in the room, taking part in his first national grading alongside senior adult students. Having moved from the junior to adult class at just 14, he has spent two years working hard for this milestone - a brilliant achievement.

The celebrations continued at the Omagh grading on December 8, led by national coach David Toney, 9th Dan WJJF-Ireland. An impressive 40 junior and 10 senior students stepped up, put their skills to the test, and every single student passed under the watchful eye of the national coach - a real testament to their dedication and training.

Looking ahead to 2025, WJJF Ireland will launch a Junior Leader Programme, and Omagh Ju-Jitsu plans to send three junior students to take part, helping to shape the next generation of coaches.

Closer to home, club coach Sensei Michal Varga, 4th Dan, is also planning a women-only self-defence workshop in the new year. Designed for young girls and women, the workshop will focus on how to react confidently in difficult or uncomfortable situations, using the Empower Self Defence System developed by the WJJF Ireland National Coach.

As always, following the grading, Omagh Ju-Jitsu will be recruiting new members from January for both junior and adult classes. Anyone interested in learning self-defence, improving fitness, and making new friends is welcome to get in touch via Facebook: Omagh Ju-Jitsu and Self Defence.

Congratulations to everyone who earned a new belt - well deserved after a year of hard work. Now it’s time for a well-earned Christmas break.

Merry Christmas from everyone at Omagh Ju-Jitsu!