British and Irish title wins for Lee

LOCAL Brazillian Jiu Jitsu expert Lee Rooney, who trains and competes out of Gracie Barra Northern Ireland (GBNI) recently competed in the British BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) Open.

Lee was fighting in the Masters, White, Feather (Under 70kg) division and fought a strong competitor in Max Polak (Carlson Gracie Team) in the quarter-finals. The match started fairly evenly but Lee stuck to his game plan, eventually winning 15-0.

Next up was the semi-finals against Rian Perry (Gracie Garcia). The match was very tactical but as the fight progressed Lee’s relentless pressure and technique helped close out the fight winning 7-0.

In the final Lee was up against Phil Hornby (Gracie Barra Newcastle). After a hard fought five minutes, scores were even and the Referee gave the decision to Lee for his control, aggression and work-rate for submissions.

It has been a very busy month for Lee with competitions but he has now won both the Irish and British BJJ Open Championships taking Gold in the Masters, White, Feather (Under 70kg) Divisions.

In the semi-final he fought a tough competitor in Wojciech Tomaszewski (PB Cork). After a hard fought five minutes, scores were even and the referee gave the decision to Lee for his control, aggression and work-rate for submissions.

In the final against Stephen Moran (BJJ Rev) the match started fairly evenly, but during the final Lee’s relentless pressure and technique helped to gradually develop a 10-0 lead.

With 10 seconds remaining at the end of the round Lee caught his opponent in an Ezekiel Choke from the guard position, submitting his opponent to take Gold and is now the Masters, White, Feather (Under 70kg) Irish BJJ Open Champion.

Lee would also like to take this opportunity to thank all his Instructors and Team Mates for the tough training and good preparation for the recent Competitions.