Martial arts going from strength to strength

The mats for both Judo and Mixed Martial Arts across north Antrim are literally buzzing with excitement and success for both the Causeway Judo club and AVT MMA.

In the recent City of Culture Judo and Wrestling competition the club took home a haul of medals with 10 gold, 10 silver and 15 bronze medals across the various disciplines of judo, freestyle wrestling and submission grappling.

The clubs can now proudly boast having Ulster Champions along with British, Northern Irish and Commonwealth medallists amongst them.

There was also a great family celebration from the day with brother and sister Farrah and Jensen both taking a gold medal in the junior judo event.

The competition was of an exceptional standard from junior to senior level with entrants coming from across Europe to test themselves in the event which was staged as part of the city’s cultural celebrations.

Head coach Alan Ashcroft said: “I’m immensely proud of everyone that entered this competition. The hard work and dedication in training has paid off and by no means was this event easy. Under the banner of AVT MMA; the Causeway Judo club and the Causeway Giants wrestling club were exemplary in their approach to competition, but ultimately in the respect they showed their opponents.”

Causeway Judo had another recent success with Paul McToal achieving his 1st Dan Black Belt in Judo by completing a line up.

The members of the club are going to be entering the Northwest Open in November.