Pictured Left to Right: David Curtin, Gavin O’Sullivan, Daniel Curtin, Armands Balams, Alvis Balams, Lucio “Lagarto” Rodrigues, Francis Galvin, Gary Coffey, Mikel Mato, Luke Clapham, Lee O’Loughlin and Ryan O’Loughlin.A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world champion was in Tralee recently to visit an old friend and to see members of a local Jiu Jitsu Club receive their belt promotions.
A well known figure in the sport, Lucio Lagarto first visited Tralee in 2006 to train local enthusiast Francis Galvin, after they first met in 2005 at the world famous Gracie Barra Gym in Rio De Janeiro, where Francis was based during an extended four month training camp.
Over the next few years, Lagarto paid a number of lengthy visits to Tralee where he and Francis often trained together for up to nine hours per day.
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In 2008, the bond of student and instructor was further cemented when Francis journeyed back to Brazil with friend and fellow club member, well-known local artist, Mikel Mato, to further train.
Eventually competing with Lagarto in his corner and culminating in a memorable gold medal against a number of extremely tough Brazilian opponents.
On Saturday May 23rd, after a long day’s training under Lucio’s watchful eye, Francis received his 3rd degree black belt at his club with, Alvis Balams getting his 2nd degree black belt, Armands Balams his 1st degree black belt, while Tom Patton and Gary Coffey were promoted to the rank of black belt.
Others promoted on the night were long term club stalwart Mikel Mato who received his brown belt, Luke Clapham received his purple belt, while Lee O’Loughlin and Daniel Guerin received their blue belts.
Ryan O’Loughlin received a yellow belt, not yet being of age to hold the rank of blue belt, while Gavin O’Sullivan and David Curtin received stripes on their belts.
