Club: Merville Jiu-Jitsu / Grove Jiu-Jitsu – County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Belt: Black – 1st degree
I’d like to be considered for a second term in for the role of Regional Development Director for Northern Ireland, as I consider the challenge to get full recognition for BJJ in the region as a ‘work in progress’.
During the Past four years:
- I’ve developed solid contacts within Sport NI, the regional Sports Council, and its key players to ensure BJJ is fully recognised as an equal partner with many other sports
- I’ve worked with the Education Authority in N.I. to develop BJJ as a serious curriculum choice for GCSE Physical Education students across Northern Ireland.
- We were the first part of the UK to achieve this status and dozens of students have now managed to use this pathway in their educational qualifications.
- I’ve developed very close connections with the NSPCC and other key safeguarding providers in N.I. Something that is essential to ensure that our sport remains at the forefront of guarding against predatory behaviour in all clubs across the region. I’ve organised free UKBJJA safeguarding courses for all member clubs over several years and those who chose to participate are now much better prepared to identify and report any suspicious behaviours for the safety of every singe member in our region.
- I’ve genuinely had my eyes opened to the complexity involved in understanding how a National Governing Body operates …I enjoy good relations with all my fellow directors, and have a thorough understanding of the current development issues and challenges across the entire UK.
- I’ve the majority of member clubs in person over the past 4 years and had many confidential discussions with club coaches and members to understand their individual challenges and issues, in an attempt to ensure there’s a common minimum standard of operation so all member clubs can fully enjoy the protection of National Governing Body membership.
But I’d be the first to admit it’s not all been plain sailing. Some member clubs choose not to engage with any initiatives that have been offered and that continues to be a challenge . Educating every club that the Governing Body exists to represent and develop your individual club interests has sometimes led to misunderstanding. UKBJJA does not allocate grants or have a magic wand… and sometimes expectations of support are just unrealistic. It’s a fine balance between not interfering and ensuring minimum standards are met, and I am 99% sure I’ve got it right so far. The biggest challenge ahead is uniting the local BJJ community and honestly, that is not an easy job. There’s a lot of competing interests and egos at play all the time, so treading the right path is not always easy.
In the past 4 years, I can 100% say I’ve set aside any allegiance to any particular club or affiliation for the betterment of all. I’ve parted company with friends of many years because I’ve had to make a call on certain behaviours, and those decisions were not well received, but they were the right decisions for the development of Jiu-Jitsu in N.I. The role demands impartiality, and that’s what I will continue to deliver if elected for another term. It’s up to you to make that call now and vote for what you want in the next term
Qualifications/ relevant professional experience
- 4 Years on UKBJJA Board as N.I. Development Director
- Occupation: Senior Project Manager in manufacturing
Social Media
Facebook – Merville Ju-Jitsu Club