Leah goes in search of eastern promise

Leah goes in search of eastern promise

22 April 2015

A SAINTFIELD mum is going for gold at one of the world’s most prestigious martial arts competitions.

Leah McCourt jets off today for Abu Dhabi where she will be taking part in the World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championships.

She’s the first Irishwoman to qualify for the event, which is regarded as the blue riband of martial arts competition — and she’s going all out to win.

“I’ve put the work in and I believe I can do well,” she said.

A total of 4,000 competitors from 86 countries are heading for Abu Dhabi. Twenty two year-old Leah qualified after winning a major competition in Dublin, which she followed up by winning the European title on Rome a fortnight ago— a fantastic achievement in itself.

Leah has got to the top of her sport thanks to her dedication and a gruelling training regime. She trains twice a day six times a week at Fight Academy Ireland near Belfast, mixing judo, wrestling, boxing, Jiu jitsu and other martial arts training with fitness and conditioning work.

When she’s not training she’s looking after her four year-old daughter, Isabella, and holding down a  fill-time job as a fund-raising co-ordinator with MENCAP, the charity which helps children and adults with learning difficulties.

Her career in martial arts was sparked by an interest in judo which she developed along with her sister, Jayne.

She’s now a black belt and has represented Northern Ireland at international level

Leah admits that she never seems to stop, but she wouldn’’t change it for the world. She describes herself as a workaholic and always needs something to keep her busy.

“I love living a hectic lifestyle and would hate to live a normal life with no goals to focus on. That would be my worst nightmare.”

Anyone wishing to support Leah can contact her at leahmccourt6@hotmail.com