Today we get to have an insight into the mind of Eugene, a judoka whose story embodies resilience, determination, and the true spirit of martial arts.

His journey hasn’t been straightforward — it’s been shaped by years of training, a deep love for grappling arts, a life‑changing health scare, and an inspiring comeback that led him all the way to earning his black belt.

Eugene trains with Causeway Judo at North Coast Grappling Gym in Ballymoney, under the guidance of Coach Marshall Craig. Although he first came to martial arts through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo also captured his heart nearly five years ago. From his very first class, he found something special on the tatami — a challenge, a community, and a passion that continues to drive him forward. Now approaching his 58th birthday, he stands as proof that age, setbacks, and adversity don’t define the limits of a person’s potential.

Earlier this year, Eugene faced one of the toughest moments of his life: a heart attack that forced him to confront the possibility that his time on the mats might be over. But with determination, support from his family and teammates, and a mindset rooted in steady progress, he found his way back — step by step, day by day. His return wasn’t just physical; it was emotional, mental, and deeply personal. And ultimately, it led him to a gold medal at the Alba Judo Veterans’ Competition and the final points needed to secure his 1st dan.

Eugene’s story is one of courage, patience, and belief — a reminder to every athlete that the journey is never linear, and that strength often shows itself most clearly in the moments when we choose to stand back up.

Let’s begin…

 

1. Tell us about yourself Eugene, where do you train, how long have you been in Judo and how old are you?

I train with Causeway Judo at North Coast Grappling Gym in Ballymoney and have been training for nearly five years with Coaches Marshall and Paul.  Before that I had been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for several years and started taking an interest in Judo as I wanted to learn more take-downs.  From my first class I fell in love with Judo and I have enjoying it ever since. I turn 58 in a couple of weeks time.

2. When did your heart attack happen, and how did those first days shape your mindset about ever returning to judo?

I suffered a heart attack on the 3rd of February 2024, it was a Saturday morning at 6am.  It was naturally a very traumatic time for me in the days and weeks afterwards.  When I was told I had suffered a heart attack, my immediate reaction was to think that my life as I knew it was over.

I was advised that I could never train to the same intensity again and for some time I honestly thought that I would never be on the mats again.  However as time went on and my recovery progressed, I found my mindset change and I decided I wouldn’t be giving up without a fight.  With encouragement from my wife, my family, my friends at Causeway Judo, North Coast Grappling, members of the NIJF and the martial arts community around me, I tentatively made my return to the mats a few months after falling ill, initially to watch and help the coaches where I could.

 

3. What was going through your mind the first time you stepped back onto the tatami after your recovery?

I was very apprehensive.  I was worried that I was doing the wrong thing, especially having been told I shouldn’t during my initial rehabilitation, but as soon as I stepped back on the mats I realised I had to do this: not only for my physical health, but for my mental health too.  I knew I needed to do something positive to deal with the trauma I was going through at that time.

4. What mindset or personal philosophy guided you through the comeback process?
   

I took each day as it came: ‘today I’ve had a good day, tomorrow will be better and day-by-day I’m going to take another step to getting back to where I was’.  It’s still a work in progress.

5. What moment made you believe you could genuinely return at black‑belt level?

I think it was when I scored my first points at a dan grading.  It was against some very tough competition, so after that my confidence started to return and I realised then that my Judo story wasn’t over.

6. What physical or mental strategies helped you rebuild confidence during training?

When I was feeling well enough, the steps I took to get active again were to go on short walks and do some gentle exercise and stretching.  In time, I started to do some newaza solo drills – I had to avoid contact at that time as I was on blood thinners.  I also tried to keep the positive mental attitude, that one day I would be back training properly and working towards my 1st dan.

In September this year, I travelled along with some Causeway Judo teammates to Scotland for the Alba Judo Veterans’ Competition, where I was humbled to win gold in my bracket, earning the last points needed for my black belt in the process.  It was a great weekend spent with fantastic people and one I’ll always remember.

7. How has your relationship with judo changed since the heart attack?

I have become more positive and feel grateful that I had judo to help me through the tough times when I was ill and recuperating.  The support I received from my judo family with my ‘comeback’ has made me really appreciate all the people on the mats who helped me return. I am very grateful to be part of this wonderful martial art and to the great people involved in it.

8. What doubts or setbacks did you face on the road back, and how did you push past them?

When I came back to competing, my first few times out were difficult for me.  I failed to score points and truthfully that made me feel a bit down.  I started comparing myself to others, my cardio took a long time to get back and I realised that my journey would be a lot different from others.  When I accepted this, I was able to start coming to terms with where I was.

I tentatively found my road back with the help of my family and teammates, I started helping coach class which gave me more encouragement when I seen the smiles on the faces in the gym.  This encouraged me to go for my Level One Coaching Qualification, which I achieved last year.

9. What message would you share with other older athletes recovering from serious health challenges who still dream of progressing in their sport?

No one is ever to ‘old’ to do something that they love: stay with it, build it up slowly, set small realistic goals and, most importantly, believe in yourself.  Be kind to yourself – it’s your journey.