Conor McCarthy uses the discipline and training in Ju-Jitsu to help him be a better wrestler. He's managed to overcome size and weight limitations on his way to what he hopes is a state championship.
Beginning wrestling studying Brazilian Ju-Jitsu West Seattle High School senior wrestler Conor McCarthy hopes to end his high school career by making it to the State Wrestling Championship.
McCarthy started wrestling late in high school, beginning his first year as a Junior. He ended his first year of wrestling as a finalist in the West Seattle Metro Championship and was one place away from making it into State.
A year and a half before he began wrestling in high school he studied Brazilian Ju-Jitsu at Seattle Gracie Barra. At five foot five and 130 pounds, he was the smallest and youngest person at Gracie Barra. He said he never thought about it too much.
McCarthy said he loves the challenge. “It’s tough, but I got used to it. Overcame size and strength difference,” he said.
He goes to Ju-Jitsu four to five days a week when he is not wrestling. The discipline of in a martial art is something he said he has not gotten anywhere else besides wrestling.
Ju-Jitsu is something McCarthy plans on doing for a long time. “I plan on doing it for the rest of my life,” McCarthy said. “I really want to get my black-belt and be an instructor somewhere.”
He is currently a second stripe blue-belt in Brazillian Ju-Jitsu and hopes to earn his black-belt in the next couple of years.
This year he was undefeated in the Seattle Metro League, earning a tenth place State ranking in the 3A high division. He has competed in the 130 and currently the 125-weight class.
Last weekend at the West Seattle Metro Championship McCarthy placed third in his weight class, ensuring a spot at Regionals next weekend.
