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 !!

Huge congratulations to everyone who passed their belt assessment today. All that training showed — excellent job, every one of you.

Hoping that our dear Natascia Argia Bertoletti, General Secretary for Wjjf-Wjjko 1976, had a fantastic birthday today. 🎁

Natascia Bertoletti: The Dedicated General Secretary of WJJF-WJJKO 1976

Natascia Argia Bertoletti stands as a key figure in the international martial arts community, serving as General Secretary of the World Ju-Jitsu Federation / World Ju-Jitsu Kobudo Organisation (WJJF-WJJKO).
A member of the influential Bertoletti family, she plays a vital role in sustaining and expanding one of the world's largest and longest-running
Ju-Jitsu organizations, founded in 1976.

A Legacy of Passion and Leadership

Natascia has emerged as a central pillar of the federation's day-to-day operations and long-term vision. Described by colleagues as one of the "most hard-working" members of the Bertoletti team, she handles organizational
responsibilities with dedication and professionalism. Her role includes
coordinating international events and conventions, managing secretarial duties, supporting national federations, and heading up major events, such as, on this occasion, the co-ordination of the important 50th anniversary
Congress.

Looking Ahead

Under the continued guidance of the Bertoletti family, with Natascia Argia Bertoletti as a driving force in the General Secretariat, the WJJF-WJJKO 1976 remains a vibrant, growing organization. It emphasizes not just technical
proficiency, but also the core values of respect, loyalty, and personal development that have sustained it for nearly five decades.

Wow! What a result. 💪💪 Well done Shihan Lyle Gawley & the whole crew at Fermanagh Ju Jitsu - Lisnaskea, Fermanagh Schools and Self Defence. 👏 👏 👏

I met Aimee from last Wednesday now that we have a final figure for our fundraiser.
We had lots of donations coming in after our event on 1st August so our final amount is a massive £3250.
Thanks again to everyone involved in the Cuilcagh hike and roll, fundraising and sharing awareness and info.
...

I’m incredibly proud of my wife, Anne. For over two decades she’s been the quiet strength behind so much of what we’ve built together in World Ju-Jitsu and at The Dojo. Her dedication, organisational skill, and genuine care for people have made a lasting difference.

Anne Toney has played a major role within World Ju-Jitsu in Ireland, since 2001, & works closely with head quarters in Italy to co-ordinate WJJF-WJJKO 1976 matters.

Background and The Dojo

Based in Ballymena, in the North of Ireland, Anne Toney co-manages The Dojo, the headquarters for WJJF Ireland. This martial arts and fitness centre serves as the central hub for training, events, and organisational activities.

From this base, she and her husband, (So-shin David Toney) co-founded the Dojo Juniors, a children’s charity to give back to their local community, promoting the personal development aspect of martial arts. With a background in Youth & Community work, Anne was well positioned to take on the role of Trustee, and continues to play an active role in the Dojo’s day-to-day operations.

Her previous training in an Advertising and Graphics Bureau means she is responsible for many promotional campaigns for the Federation.

In the early years, Anne acted as Registrar for the Governing Body in N. Ireland. During this time, she obtained funding for Coaching Programmes & First Aid courses from Sports Council. She also secured a large grant towards funding the first ever Federation Congress in Ireland. Soke Clark’s speech, at this event, credited Anne as being the reason WJJF had brought the Congress to Ireland.

Administrative leadership, event support and community building:
Co-organiser for the Conventions/ Congresses held in Ireland, and supports grading events, seminars, fundraising events and celebrations.
Regularly participates in international conventions, for example Spain, Israel and Italy.

Advocacy and social initiatives:
In 2020 - represented The Dojo in signing the White Ribbon Charter, committing to action against violence against women.
Sits on the Board for the international committee, ‘Females in Martial Arts’, which aims to encourage equality of opportunity.
Advocates for inclusivity of practitioners of varying abilities.

While So-shin David Toney receives much of the spotlight for technical development and international representation, Anne Toney is widely appreciated as the steady, behind-the-scenes (and sometimes front-and-centre) supporter who helps keep the organisation in Ireland running smoothly.

Her long-term dedication to the Federation has helped strengthen its presence in Ireland and its connections worldwide.

(*Pictured here with mentor & good friend Professor Helen Travis, Director of Coaching, GB)