Bermudian athletes from the OpenMat Bermuda academy have made their mark on the international stage, securing a hard-earned medal haul at the Grappling Industries TORONTO tournament in Canada.
The two-day event, held at the historic Kerr Hall Gymnasium at Toronto Metropolitan University, saw over 1,500 competitors battle it out in a round-robin format. For the travelling Bermuda contingent, the weekend was a showcase of grit and technical prowess across both the junior and adult divisions.
The highlight of the weekend came from Thea Dyer, who continues to establish herself as a rising star in the junior ranks. Competing in the Gi Kids Yellow/Orange belt (12-13 years) division at -115 lbs, Dyer navigated a tough bracket to secure a Silver Medal. Her performance follows a rigorous training block and reinforces her status as one of the island’s top young Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prospects.
In the adult categories, Ryan Hopkins delivered a standout performance in the No Gi Intermediate (Blue Belt) -200 lbs division. Hopkins displayed exceptional resilience, advancing through the brackets to reach the semi-finals. Despite a narrow defeat in the final four, Hopkins rebounded emphatically in the third-place play-off to secure the Bronze Medal, capping off a weekend where his technical growth was on full display.
Adding to the family success, Ashley Dyer secured a dual medal haul in the competitive blue belt divisions. Competing in the Adult Female -155 lbs category, she earned a Silver Medal in the Gi discipline before returning to the mats to claim Bronze in the No Gi Intermediate bracket. Her performance underscored the depth of talent within the Bermuda squad, contributing significantly to the team's overall standing.
The tournament also provided valuable international experience for the academy’s developing athletes. In the Gi Kids Grey belt (8-9 years) -75 lbs category, Nahla Ndiaye secured a morale-boosting victory. Making her international debut at the grey belt level, Ndiaye’s single win in a crowded division marked a successful step up in competition. Joining her in making a debut was Stian Du Preez, who competed in the 65 lbs division, showing the heart and skill that suggests a bright future on the competition scene.
Meanwhile, Elijah Richardson represented Bermuda in the Gi Adult Male Blue Belt -185 lbs division. Richardson claimed a gritty victory in the round-robin stage, demonstrating the competitive drive that has elevated him through the ranks at home. While he ultimately missed out on the podium spots, his performance in a division known for its immense technical depth was a testament to the high-level preparation at the OpenMat facility.
The success in Toronto continues a strong run for OpenMat Bermuda. Academy founder Aaron Dyer praised the team’s supportive culture, noting that the event was "a statement about the strength of our programme." The academy has increasingly looked to the high-volume match experience provided by the Toronto circuit to drive the international growth of its athletes.
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