Members of Bermuda's Open Mat Bermuda - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, traveled to Anaheim, L.A. to compete in the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) 2019 Nogi World Championships.
A squad of seven competitors took to the mats during the four day, Single-Elimination event, which attracted over 2000 entrants from all over the world.
Open Mat Bermuda coach, and Bermuda Police Service officer, Aaron Dyer fought his way through the brackets in the Purple Belt, Master Three 185lb Class, eventually bringing home a hard-earned Silver Medal. Dyer cements his place in history as the first Bermudian-born athlete to Medal at an IBJJF World Championship.
Another Bermuda Police Service officer, and Open Mat Bermuda coach, Chris Regan, managed to earn a Bronze Medal in the Black Belt, Master Three 202lb Class, whilst Tom Gregory and Lonnie Bascome, along with two more BPS representatives, Rob Noddings and Milton Hill, fought tough matches in their respective Divisions, narrowly missing out on podium places.
The Final Day of the tournament saw Bermuda's Jason McAlpine take Gold in the Blue Belt Master Three 175lb Division, before taking on all comers in the Open-Weight Class, and Wrestling his way to the top of the podium for the second time that day. McAlpine brings double Gold Medals back to the island, and secures himself the position as the International number one ranked athlete in his Class.
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