Donegal man Josie Murray was honoured by the Glenties Municipal District of Donegal County Council at a special reception in Dungloe Public Services Centre yesterday, Tuesday May 9th.
This special reception, hosted by Cathaoirleach Cllr. Terence Slowey, was held in recognition of Josie’s outstanding achievements in Martial Arts and the contribution he has made to Martial Arts in Donegal, in Ireland and at an international level.
Josie is a grand master in Martial Arts from Keadue, Burtonport, who has represented Donegal and Ireland at the highest level in his sport and has won 9 World Gold Medals, 4 Silver Medals and 1 Bronze medal in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 2001 to 2016.
Josie Murray with his family at the special reception for Josie Murray in recognition of his achievement and contribution to Martial Arts in Donegal, Ireland and Internationally from left Dylan Murray, Stacey Lee Murray, Mrs. Murray, Michael Murray, Cahntel Louise Murray, Josie Murray, Cahrlene Murray, Dean Murray, Therese Murray, Margaret Murray, Majella Boyle Murray, Pauline Murray and Michael Boyle. Photo Clive Wasson
These, and his many achievements were celebrated at the event yesterday, where he was joined by friends, colleagues and family, including his Mother Mrs. Murray, son Dean and wife Therese.
Josie started his Jiu-Jitsu training in Burtonport with Josie Kyles in Atemi Jiu-Jitsu. He then went to England and trained with the British Jiu-Jitsu Governing Body and quickly received his First Dan Black Belt under Richard Morris 10th Dan.
Josie founded the Donegal Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Donegal Cobra Kai Kickboxing Club.
The first Irish Cup was held 20 years ago and Josie has won it 5 times.
Josie runs his own club in Letterkenny and Derry and also teaches children with autism and other disabilities and raises funds for many charities. Many students and teachers from all around the world come to train with Josie every year. Josie travels all over Ireland, Europe and America to give seminars and teaches his own style of Jiu-Jitsu called Empty Force Jiu-Jitsu.
Josie is known all over the world for his dedication to his Art and has appeared on the front cover of 7 Martial Arts magazines and was Top Teacher within the United Nations of Jiu-Jitsu for 16 years. He has won the Donegal Sport Star Awards 3 times and was the first Donegal man to be inducted into the 14th Annual USA International Black Belt Hall of Fame.
Josie also starred in a movie in L.A. California “Kill Factor” with Director Leo Fong, student and personal friend of Bruce Lee.
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