Grapplepalooza: Grappling, tournament-style

JOE caught up with former pro MMA fighter Barry Oglesby to talk about MMA in Ireland and this weekend's grappling tournament in Dublin, Grapplepalooza.

By Fergus Ryan

If there is such a thing as a fighting life then Barry Oglesby lives it. A former pro MMA fighter, Tae Kwon Do black belt, BJJ purple belt, founder and head coach at Kyuzo MMA and BJJ gym, strength and conditioning coach at three secondary schools and colour commentator for Cage Contender on Setanta and Sky Sports are among some of the roles Barry fills during his ‘day job’.

Being so ingrained in the sport Barry is a good man to ask about the general health of Irish MMA. “18 to 24 months ago I would have been concerned about the future for MMA in Ireland. There were shows with high production levels getting good crowds with very average fighters headlining. I reckoned this could only go on for so long before the crowd numbers would begin to fall off.”

Having said all that Barry is very positive on how the sport of MMA has evolved positively over the last number of years. He now believes there are quality shows with quality fights being provided all over the country.

“I’m not just saying this because I’m involved with this promotion but Cage Contender really up-ed the stakes for Irish MMA. It isn’t perfect but it has made a massive contribution to getting Irish shows up to where they are today. Cage Contender isn’t the only good promotion though, Battlezone has really developed into a great show and the first Man of War show had really high production value. There’s lots of good shows now and there supported by a good network of clubs, lead by the bigger clubs with fighters on the international circuit like Straight Blast Gym, Team Ryano and Elite Fighting Revolution. As a result Irish MMA fans are getting to see some really good fights.”

Barry’s idea for Grapplepalooza started on an internet forum thread where a debate was raging to see who the forum thought was Ireland’s best grappler. “I get a bit irritated when I see a fighter that trains maybe three times a week get to headline an MMA show. Yet there are guys that train twice a day four, five times a week in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and no-gi submission grappling with nowhere to showcase their abilities. I thought wouldn’t it be great to have grappling tournament that would not only show who is the best grappler but also demonstrate how high the bar is set to be considered elite at this aspect of the MMA game.”

Listed among the invited Elite level grapplers are the likes of Darragh O'Connaill of Ribeiro Jiu Jiu Jitsu Dublin, Sebastien Torres of Team Torres- Cia Paulista Newry, Wayne Fagan of Team Ryano/BJJ Revolution Dublin, Tom King and Arek Sternalski both of SBG Dublin.

Interestingly, Polish fighter Arek Sternalski qualifies under the three-year residency rule that Barry felt he had to implement. “The tournament is about showcasing the talent that is active and trains in Ireland. So, you have to be born on the island or have lived here for 3 years to qualify. I was afraid a club might jet in an elite level grappler from abroad, which would serve as no benefit to the local game if he won and disappeared with the title.”

Taking place this Saturday (22 October) in Whitehall Colmcille GAA Club, Collins Avenue, Dublin 9 the tournament features a daytime competition across a number of weight and ability categories. 4 successful competitors from the daytime competition will join 12 invited grapplers for the Elite level tournament in the evening. The winner of the Elite tournament will not just be crowned Ireland’s best grappler but also scoop a €1,000 prize for their endeavours.

The daytime competition begins at 10am and spectators can watch for free. The evening Elite Tournament begins at 7.30pm. Doors open at 7pm and the admission price is €20.00.

Check out this clip of Barry from his fighting career. You can see some slick jiu Jitsu in passing guard, transitioning to mount and slapping on a fight finishing submission.

If you’re looking to train like a fighter without having to step in the ring, contact Barry through http://www.fightcampireland.com/ to train like a fighter in groups, in a personal session or through an online program.