07/08/2026
Last Sunday was a remarkable day for BMA, as the BMA Kickboxing Academy, hosted a significant black belt grading prior to this Four weeks previous , 17 students pretested for their black belts under the guidance of Salerno Ilija, and on this day, they pre tested under his and Darragh Geoghegan . On the grading day, all athletes showcased their skills by testing for 1st° to 3rd° black degree belts at the Leixlip BMA Academy.
I'm thrilled to share that 14 out of the 15 final candidates successfully completed their grading! This achievement is a testament to their resilience, technical prowess, and tactical ability. However, what stood out most was their humility throughout the rigorous eight-hour assessment. They were challenged physically and mentally, tested on various aspects of kickboxing and martial arts.
The grading took place under the watchful eyes of Assistant Chief Instructor Salerno, Black Belt Darragh Geoghegan, and Chief Instructor Roy Baker as lead instructor. Alongside , 12 other black belt instructors who lent their support throughout the day. It was heartwarming to see families and partners present, cheering on their loved ones. All of them have been part of the BMA community for over eight years, with some training for more than 20 years. This long-standing commitment speaks volumes about the sustainability and culture within the BMA group of schools in Ireland.
Achieving a black belt is not merely about the belt itself; it’s a journey filled with hard work, perseverance, and unwavering support from family and friends. Each individual who succeeded should take immense pride in their accomplishment, and it’s a moment to cherish for everyone involved.
A huge thank you to all who participated, especially those who joined us the following day for the BMA Black Belt barbecue. This event marked the beginning of a new journey for our new black belts in martial arts and kickboxing.
Together, we celebrate these achievements, embracing the spirit of resilience and community. Here’s to our black belts and the families who have supported them every step of the way! 🥋✨