30/07/2026
This Sunday marks a landmark occasion in the history of BMA Naas as the club prepares to present its very first Black Belt students.
BMA Naas, one of the clubs within Ilija Salerno’s BMA group alongside BMA Clondalkin and BMA Southside, has gone from strength to strength since opening its doors in September 2018.
Under the guidance of its first Coach, Karyna Nikitina, the foundations for success were established before Seamus Reynolds took over the reins in 2021, continuing to build and develop the club into what it is today.
Now, after years of commitment, hard work and perseverance, three students are ready to take on the biggest challenge of their martial arts journey to date:
🥋 Amy O’Connor
🥋 Roderick Conway
🥋 Phil Cole (who began his BMA journey in BMA Clondalkin before continuing his training with BMA Naas).
For Senior Coach Seamus, this is a particularly proud day, watching students he has coached and helped develop over the past number of years reach the stage where they are ready to test for their 1st Dan Black Belt.
The grading will be conducted under the watchful eye of BMA Chief Instructor Roy Baker, BMA Assistant Senior Instructor Ilija Salerno, and a panel of experienced 3rd Degree BMA Black Belts.
⏰ Start Time: 10:00am
⏳ Duration: Approximately 6 hours (yes… there will be breaks, don’t worry! 😄)
Family, friends and supporters are warmly invited to come along and cheer on all of the students.
📍 Venue:
BMA Leixlip Academy
Next to Leixlip Amenities Centre
Good luck Amy, Rodge and Phil. Years of dedication have brought you to this moment. Give it everything you’ve got.
A black belt is earned, never given. 🥋💪
