Open Mat Bermuda brought home five medals from the Pan International Jiu-Jitsu Championship, which concluded in Kissimmee, Florida, on Sunday.

James Adams won silver in the master two blue belt super heavyweight division, while Natalie Angeli secured second position in the master three white belt middleweight.

Bronze medals were picked up by Georgie Martin (master one white belt, middle heavyweight), Lennie Scudder (master two purple belt, ultra heavyweight) and Lonnie Bascome (master three brown belt lightweight).

At the six-day event, the Bermudian fighters came up against competitors from Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and the United States, with coach Chris Regan commending the athletes for their great display at the biggest Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament in the Americas.

“I’m very pleased with everyone who stepped out on the mat to compete and gave their very best,” Regan said.

“That’s all that I expect from each and every member of our academy, whether it’s showing up to train or travelling abroad to compete.

“To have multiple medal-winners at a competition as prestigious as this speaks volumes to the hard work and dedication our members contribute to themselves and, more importantly, one another.

“Our small island team continues to make waves on the international scene and it’s a very rewarding feeling.’’

Adams was delighted to make up for the disappointment of getting injured at the same competition in 2023.

“I’m extremely grateful to my coaches and the entire Open Mat Bermuda team,’’ he said. “BJJ looks like an individual performance out on the mat, but it truly is a representation of the entire team.

“I also want to acknowledge the team members who didn’t come out to compete this time. They still showed up to train hard week in, week out, helping prepare the competition team as much as possible.

“Two years ago in this competition, I dislocated my shoulder in the first match which was a disappointing end. To come back, have four great matches and bring home a silver medal this time around meant a lot to me.

“It’s also a wonderful feeling to represent Bermuda on one of the biggest international stages for the sport. I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to many more.”

Heading to Florida with a few niggles made it difficult for Scudder for perform at his best.

“As a new purple belt carrying a couple of injuries, I had to step into the heaviest division after being unable to cut weight,” he said.

“Despite that, the training at Open Mat Bermuda clearly prepares you for high-level competition, regardless of the circumstances.

“I’m proud of my performance having defeated a former repeated champion. But I couldn’t play my usual game due to injury, narrowly losing out on points in my last match to finish third.”

Representing the club for the first time overseas, Martin was delighted to secure a medal.

“I feel completely honoured to have represented Open Mat Bermuda at Pan International Jiu-Jitsu Championship,” he said.

“I only joined Open Mat Bermuda in December, so had no thought of international competition.

“Training under the guidance of our very respected and loved coaches, Chris Regan and Aaron Dyer, I was inspired to step out onto the mat. I feel blessed to achieve a bronze medal.’’

Angeli was content with her position at an event in which she got to learn more about the sport.

“It would have been nice to get a better result but it was a huge learning experience,” she said. “It was a really great opportunity to watch some truly inspirational athletes compete.”

For Bascome, it was tough competing in Florida after he lost his grandmother on Saturday.

“I dedicate this third-place finish to my grandmother, who passed away while we were out in Florida representing Bermuda.

“I'm so proud of my team-mates supporting me and without them, I couldn’t have found the strength to fight through.”