Jiu Jitsu Academy shine in worlds

“It’s good for kids’ self confidence, and their self-defence, and it keeps the fitness up and it’s good for mental health.”

So says Aaron Johnston, owner and coach of Kilnamanagh based South Side Jiu Jitsu Academy.

The Academy, which has been in existence for “the last nine to ten years”, enjoyed tremendous success recently at the World Championships held in Wolverhampton, UK.

“We had 13 students, kids and teenagers, competing at the World Championships last weekend [July 14].

“We got a World Champion, a silver and seven bronze,” said Aaron.

Tadhg Smith (13) from Castle Park, Tymon, Tallaght won gold in the 13 – 14 year-old category, in the yellow belt division.

Also, Tadhg’s sister, Anna (10), won the silver medal in the 10-11 year-old category, in the grey/black belt division.

Furthermore, seven students from the academy won bronze medals at the competition.

Prior to the World Championships, students from the academy competed at the Motorsport Irish Open in June.

“We compete roughly every three months,” said Aaron.

While the academy is now taking a break until the August bank holiday weekend, they are on the lookout for new members.

In September students of the academy will return to competition at the Shamrock Cup, which is to be held in the Sport Ireland Campus, Abbotstown.

Making new connections is another benefit of jiu-jitsu, according to Aaron.

“The kids talk to different kids at competitions.

“There are familiar faces at the competitions in Ireland.

“When they are competing abroad the kids get to meet different nationalities and get to keep in contact that way,” said Aaron.

Aaron has been involved in boxing and martial arts since he was a child.

“When I was 9, I began with Kempo, which is a form of karate and I got a black belt in that.

“Then I did boxing and kick boxing.

“To complete the circle I did jiu jitsu, as I was lacking in the ground game,” said Aaron.

While boxing is done standing up, jiu jitsu involves mostly groundwork, according to Aaron.

“When the bout goes to the ground, it involves submissions, which is a form of grappling and chokes,” said Aaron.

He quickly fell in love with the sport and has been involved with it for the last “ten or eleven years”.

Aaron himself has been a student under Jorge Santos, who is the head coach of JS Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is based in Parnell Street, for over ten years.

South Side Jiu Jitsu Academy, which is based at Kilnamanagh Community Centre, has 60 to 80 members, according to Aaron.

Training for all members, including children and teenagers, takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while adults also train on Sundays.

“The children’s beginners class begins at 5.30 pm and the class for adults is from 7.30 pm onwards,” added Aaron.

To join the academy there are membership fees for children, teens and adults and those who wish to find out further details can contact Aaron on 085 8440870 or at southside bjja@gmail.com or via the academy’s Facebook and Instagram pages.