Today we celebrate 10 years as proud members of the Aliance Jiu Jitsu Association.
Back in 2010, we were aspiring blue belts, hungry to learn Jiu Jitsu, we were full of energy but felt lacking direction. That is why we sought to join a Jiu Jitsu association, So that we could learn from those much more experienced than us.
Immediately, Alliance came to mind, as at that time (and still) they were one of the most successful teams in the sport.
We got in touch with Jacaré, and got the ball rolling.
Soon after, we scheduled our first Alliance training camp, with one of the legends of the sport, Bruno Malfacine. Immediately, we knew we had made a great decision in joining the association, as Bruno brought his vast knowledge of the game and helped bring our Jiu Jitsu to a higher level. He gave us a huge boost, especially in the fundamentals of the sport.. which at that time, we badly needed. Ryan, Micky, and Morgan successfully completed the purple belt exam and were duly promoted by Bruno.
Following the camp, with huge support from the club members, Ryan and Morgan traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, USA to Alliance HQ, to learn more Jacaré and Lucas Lepri. We participated in the two week training camp for the pan-am championship with some of the best competitors in the US at that time, and completed ALLIANCE instructor training. This was another incredible experience, that give us enormous knowledge to bring back to our club, rising our level once again.
Pan-Am Training Camp Squad 
Smyth Bros with Lucas Lepri 
Smyth Brothers with Jacare 
Alliance Instructors Course
Since then we have been honoured to host regular training camps in our academy with some of the best in the game, such as; Michael Langhi, Lucas Lepri, Gabriel Goulart, Thomas Lisboa, Jacaré, Isaque Bahiense and the mighty Cobrinha.
It’s been an honour to maintain this relationship for a decade and bring such fantastic knowledge and experience to our students.
We take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to Jacaré, Fabio and Gigi, for the leadership, guidance and support throughout these years. Massive thanks to all the amazing, world class athletes that came to Sligo to teach us and greatly enhance the level of Jiu Jitsu in our country.
And of course, to all our students and our friends from around the country, who supported us in the many training camps and seminars we held, a huge thank you.
