Armstrong making big impact in martial arts world

Jack Armstrong is a recipient in the 2023 Mayo Sports Stars Awards for Martial Arts.

Little could Armstrong have known just how big an impact he would make in the world of martial arts last year when the young man from Ballina claimed the gold medal at the International Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Federation’s Pan Pacific Championships.

The Pan Pacific Championships are the most prestigious in the Oceanic region, as fighters come from all the world to compete. Jack, who had been living in Geelong, Australia, for just over two months, enjoyed great success at the event, taking home the gold medal in the GI (kimino) Purple Medium Heavy 88kg. In addition, he also won another two medals at the event – in the GI Purple Absolute open weight class (bronze) and No-Gi Purple Medium Heavy 85kg (silver).

Ranked as one of the best purple belts in Ireland, the 26-year-old had competed in some of the biggest shows in Ireland and England before making the decision to travel Down Under and compete against the best fighters from the Pacific region. Afterwards, he dedicated the win to his grandmother, who is battling illness.

Representing Straight Blast Gym (SBG) Ireland at the event, Jack defeated Eduardo Aguiar Rossi in the male purple 88kg event for his biggest success to date which helped seal his place among the best purple belts in Australia.

Now back home in Ireland, Jack is looking to build on the win by performing in regional shows