International Budo Federation
Northern Ireland
IBFNI News
News
April 2010
Well done to Ross Burns, Ian Gault and John Freeman for achieving Blue belt at a recent Sombo Grading in Holywood
MArch 2010
Karl St John fought to Blue Belt and Ross Burns to Green Belt and Edward Lusk to Orange belt at the Recent NIJF Judo Grading
January 2010
Kerry Stewart Became the Youngest and latest Jujitsu Black belt in Northern Ireland
May 2009 (22.5.09)
John Freeman, Ross Burns and Ian Gault Were successfull in attaining their orange belts following a recent grading in Holywood. All demonstrated excellent development under their coach Gary Clarke
April 2009
On the Day Holywood Martial Arts Club attended NDSAC Awards ceremony following a Sports team of the year nomination they were saddened to hear of the death of Sensi Lawrence McCormick 6th Dan Jujitsu. Lawrence was the backbone of the RUC Jujitsu Club from the 1980's and more recently as a member of the PSNI Judo and Martial Arts Club. Lawrence loved jujitsu and had no time for the politics that divide martial artists. He practiced with a variety of clubs teaching different jujitsu styles and contributed to the development of many individuals within the Martial Arts. For the last 15 years he was a central figure within the IBF in Northern Ireland. He was very popular amongst the children encouraging hundreds along the martial arts path. Whilst studying Aikido with Jack Shanks he became interested in the Japanese control and restraint techniques- taihojutsu. His persistence in wanting to learn more about Taihojutsu led to the formation of the first Taihojutsu club in Northern Ireland. He was awarded his blackbelt in Taihojutsu by Brian Eustace before also gaining an IBF taihojutsu blackbelt. He also qualified as a British Judo Association personal safety advisor. At almost 60 years of age he undertook an arduous combat sombo blackbelt grading, and became the oldest martial artists to pass this exam. He was also the oldest competitor in the Scottish Sombo championships. Lawrence seldom ventured out of Northern Ireland, but loved attending the IBF Summer Camp at St Marys Bay, Kent where he felt at home with his friends from the IBF. He enjoyed Sittingbourne so much that at one stage he seriously considered moving there. Some people are still recovering from the effects of the alcohol he provided during his trips. He was awarded his 6th Dan in Jujitsu on retiring after almost 30years dedication to the Art which he loved. Lawrence died on 24April 2009 at the Northern Ireland Hospice following a battle with cancer. He will be a sad loss to his friends within the IBF.
Well Done to John Freeman who won a bronze medal in the U 100KG at 2009 British Sombo. Also well done to Ross who gave an impressive first performance
Chloe St John, Angela Lusk, Kerry Stewart, Kieran Stewart, Edward Lusk and Calum McCreedy passed their first grading in Sombo Wrestling.
March 2009
During a NIJF grading Karl St John was awarded 5th Kyu, Gary Clarke 6th Kyu and Ross 8th Kyu - well done
January 2009
Karl St John and Edward Lusk became the youngest two IBF Jujitsu Blackbelts. Karl and Edward have 24 years training between them, but are only 16 and 17 years old. Unlike some other Jujitsu styles which devalue blackbelts by giving them out for financial gain, IBF Jujitsu grades must demonstrate knowledge, service and maturity Karl and Edward's achievement reflects many years of devotion and perserverance before achieving this status. Well done!!
December 2008
Coach Stephen Brown was awarded 2nd Dan Taihojutsu and 1 Dan Jujitsu. Colin Hanna, Matt McCabe, Nigel Hyndman and Neil Patton were awarded 1 dan Taihojutsu. These are the First Black Belt Gradings in several years, congratulations to everyone who stuck with the programme.
June 2008
Following their success in the British Sombo, Gary Clarke and Keith Simpson received 1 degree blackbelts in sombo wrestling through examination, the first time ever in Northern Ireland.
March 2008
Chris St John, Keith Simpson and Gary Clarke Collected Medals at British Sombo Championships, Matt McCabe and Michael also put in impressive performances.
February 2008
Karl St John was successful in Northern Ireland Cadet Judo Squad selection