Open Mat Bermuda is heading home from Dallas with a haul of medals.

The local Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy was represented by a contingent of nine athletes at the Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship in Texas last week and came away from the event with five medals, including two golds.

Team coach Chris Regan led by example as he claimed gold in the black belt super heavyweight division, while also standing tall on the podium was former footballer Lonnie Bascome, who secured gold in the brown belt lightweight division.

Jason McAlpine was the only team member to earn multiple trips to the podium as he captured a pair of bronze medals in the brown belt middleweight and brown belt open weight divisions, while team-mate Reina Maypa secured bronze in the blue belt lightweight division.

“The team's performance was exceptional, not only meeting but exceeding expectations,” coach Regan told The Royal Gazette.

“They rose to the occasion despite facing formidable competition, demonstrating growth and resilience.

“This wasn’t the team's first time at this event, but their performance showed marked improvement, reflecting hard work and determination.”

Bascome, the most decorated Bermudian-born jiu-jitsu athlete, was delighted to have come away with a gold medal in his second appearance at the event.

“I am just over the moon to see this result and I credit all to Open Mat Bermuda founder, Aaron Dyer, and my training partners because it shows we have a really good programme that rivals the best in the world,” Bascome said.

“This was my second bite of the apple and to be able to capture gold this time around at brown belt was a testament of commitment and dedication to the sport over the years.”

Bascome also found the time for to praise the other medal winners on the squad.

“To see Reina Maypa have a podium finish for the first time made the team so proud as she has been one of the hardest working people day in and day out and deserved it the most,” he added.

“Jason McAlpine once again gave a great performance, securing two bronzes in his division and in the open weight class at brown belt, which is no easy feat. He is a true warrior.

“Our coach Chris Regan, who sacrifices so much for everybody at Open Mat Bermuda in making everyone better, captured the gold himself after hard-fought matches and just continued to demonstrate great leadership in how to get it done on the big stage.

“This competition in particular meant a lot to me and the team and I have been training and sacrificing a lot for months to prepare for it.

“For some, entering this prestigious tournament for the first time, despite the outcome gives them a renewed fighting spirit to be even better, and that's great to see.”

Former Bermuda and Somerset Cup Match cricketer Greg Maybury Jr, Open Mat Bermuda founder Aaron Dyer, James Adams, Ryan Hopkins and Ramazan Ramazanov were the remaining members of the team.