by Evelyn Cullen
LAST Tuesday, Errigal College’s Transition Year class levelled up their self-defence skills by taking part in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training camp at the Rilion Gracie Ireland (RGI) training centre on the Cullion Road.
The class of 48 girls and boys were put through their paces in a two-hour session by Professor Brian ‘Barney’ Coyle, owner of the gym and a second degree black belt in the sport, and Ethan McCormack, one of the RGI coaches and a purple belt.
The students were taught vital moves from the martial art that’s known as “the art of folding clothes with people still in them”, such as escapes from being pinned to the floor or wall, open and closed guards, a passing guard as well as how to maintain the dominant position on their opponent.
“The main aim of Jiu Jitsu is to gain a better position. Sometimes that can be on top or on the bottom,” said their teacher, Mr Paddy Molloy, who also participated in the training camp, and has been training himself for two and a half years at the gym under Professor Coyle.
“Usually this can begin with a takedown or by pulling an opponent into your guard. There are tonnes of moves that I’m still getting my head around,” he added.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Mr Molloy said the students really enjoyed it, and are already asking when they can go again.
“They were particularly thrilled to get the chance to spar with Professor Coyle,” said Mr Molloy.
Did any of the students succeed in getting the upper position on their teacher?
“Some of them were keen to get a crack at me for sure,” said Mr Molloy “and some came very close, but I managed to hold my own thankfully,” he said, sounding relieved.
Professor Coyle said the students were very enthusiastic and it was fantastic to whet their appetite for the sport.
“It was a pleasure to have them in and great to introduce them to the sport. With the discipline involved Jiu Jitsu can be a valuable life-long skill,” he said.
As well as more Jiu Jitsu sessions, the class have a full schedule of other cool life-skill activities in the pipeline for the coming year including Drivers Education, First Aid training, the Gaisce Awards as well as a trip to Croke Park.
It’s going to be a busy year ahead indeed for the class of 48. And why not, that’s obviously ‘how they roll’.
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