Andrew finally strikes gold in Denmark
LOCAL Martial Arts Instructor Andrew McGahon displayed true grit and determination when making a piece of local martial arts history at the weekend by becoming the first person in the north east region to win a prestigious IBJJF Gold Medal when he took first place at the IBJJF Copenhagen NoGI International Open in Denmark.
Andrew, who teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the Dundalk Team Torres Club, weighed in 2kg under the prescribed weight thereby providing his opponents with a slight weight advantage.
In the semi-finals Andrew faced off against Swedish MMA fighter Danny Persen, the first 90 seconds of the fight was marked with intense continuous scrambles as each fighter fought for supremacy though a serious of takedowns and sweeps, with neither fighter in a position to capitalise and score.
Both fighters were put back up standing where Andrew stuffed his opponents takedown attempts with considerable ease and replied by successfully executing a takedown of his own, pining his opponent to score his first two points.
The score-line ultimately finished 6-2 in Andrews favour and tantalisingly moved Andrew one step closer to that coveted IBJJF Gold medal.
In the showdown for the finals Andrew faced Greek Athanasios Nasis who made repeated attempts at takedown, all to no avail. Andrew waited his moment and pounced taking his opponent down to score 2 points. Andrew knew that a 2 point lead was tenuous so with renewed vigour he galvanised himself into action and scored a further two points, extending his lead to 4-0.
As the fight approached the dy- ing seconds, Andrew could sense his opponents increasing desperation as he shot in for a takedown but Abdrew forced his opponent to submit and cede victory in what was an exhilarating finish befitting of a final and which made the victory all the more sweeter.
Speaking after the event Andrew credited not only his instructors and team mates for his success but also the people of Dundalk, particularly his family, whose words of motivation and well wishes helped inspire him on to deliver what he believes was his best competition performance to date.
Andrew invites anyone interested in learning the gentle art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to call down to the club and try out a class, where they will find that the club has classes suitable for all abilities and fitness levels.
More details can be found on their facebook page DundalkTorres.