A group of Donegal competitors claimed a haul of medals at the annual European Jiu Jitsu Championships held in Barcelona last weekend.
Four of these fighters train out of Rilion Gracie Ireland headquarters in Letterkenny under head coach Brian ‘Barney’ Coyle from Ramelton and one out of Rilion Gracie Ireland Donegal town under coach Bryan Gorman.
Among the gold medal winners was Tony Davidson took gold in the blue belt master 2 featherweight division. Tony is the well-known chef who run’s Fisk in Downings and this was his second time to claim gold at European level.
Valentin Ciobanu took gold in the blue belt master 3 lightweight division.
Ardara-based Igors Dedovs took gold in the brown belt master 2 featherweight division Ramelton-based Bernie Coyle, the only female competitor of the group, secured silver in her blue belt bracket.
Her husband Brian Barney Coyle head coach took Bronze in Black belt master 2 light feather division.
Speaking after the event Barney stated: “This past weekend, we had five Rilion Gracie Ireland competitors take home five European medals at the IBJJF International European masters that took place in Barcelona. I’m very happy with everyone’s performance over the two day event and it is nice to see that we can take home medals at this level as there were competitors from all over the globe at this event.”
He added that anyone looking to start their journey in Jiu-jitsu for self-defence or the sporting element to get in touch as new members are always welcome.
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