World Ju-Jitsu Federation - Ireland

Huge congratulations to Master Kevin McCloskey on the success of Carrickfergus Ju Jitsu Club, reaching a grand old age of 40 today.
To sustain his dedication and professionalism for this long, is an achievement in itself, and the success of CJJC is certainly testament to the efforts Sensei Kevin has made throughout his martial arts career to remain current and updated in all his skills and continue to be an excellent mentor for his students.
Congratulations to all club members on this milestone anniversary - you’ve chosen well & we know it will be a club that will carry you on into the next decade, and until you reach your goals.
Wishing the club every success going forward 🙌

𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐬 𝐉𝐮 𝐉𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐮 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 - 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟔 - 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟒𝟎 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

Forty years is more than a milestone. It is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of a community brought together by a shared passion.

As Carrickfergus Ju Jitsu Club celebrates its 40th anniversary, I look back with immense pride on a journey that began in 1986. What started as a small group of committed martial artists has grown into a thriving club that has touched the lives of countless people across generations.

For four decades, the club has been more than just a place to train. It has been a place where confidence has been built, challenges overcome, and lifelong friendships formed. It is where nervous beginners found belief in themselves, where students discovered inner strength they never knew they possessed, and where instructors dedicated countless hours to passing on not only techniques, but values that would last a lifetime.

The story of Carrickfergus Ju Jitsu Club is written in the achievements of its members. It is found in every grading earned through hard work, every obstacle overcome through determination, and every instructor who gave their time and knowledge to help others succeed. It lives in the memories of former members who still carry the lessons of respect, discipline, humility, and resilience with them long after leaving the mat.

Throughout forty years, the club has welcomed people of all ages and backgrounds through its doors. Some arrived seeking self-defence skills, others fitness or friendship. Many found far more. They found a second family.

The strength of the club has never been measured solely by certificates, trophies, or grades, but by the character of the people who have been part of its journey. Generations of members have supported one another through triumphs and challenges alike, creating a legacy that extends well beyond the walls of the dojo.

Today, as we honour the past, we also celebrate the individuals who made this remarkable achievement possible: the founders whose vision started it all, the instructors whose commitment sustained it, the volunteers who worked behind the scenes, and the students whose enthusiasm kept the spirit of the club alive year after year.

Forty years later, the values that inspired the club's beginnings remain as strong as ever. Respect. Courage. Discipline. Friendship. Community.

As we celebrate this special anniversary, we remember those who walked this path before us, take pride in those who carry the tradition forward today, and look with excitement to the generations still to come.

The story of Carrickfergus Ju Jitsu Club is not merely a story of martial arts. It is a story of people. Of achievement. Of friendship. Of lives changed for the better.

And now, forty years on, a new generation is carrying that tradition forward.

To everyone who has ever trained at Carrickfergus Ju Jitsu Club — students, instructors, families and friends — this anniversary belongs to you.

Thank you for the memories.
Thank you for the friendships.
Thank you for the dedication.

And most of all, thank you for being part of the Carrickfergus Ju Jitsu family.

40 years. Thousands of memories. Generations of students. One family.

🥋𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐬 𝐉𝐮 𝐉𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐮 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛🥋 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟔–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 — 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝟒𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 !!