Five Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitors from Checkmat DV8 Weston and Highbridge walked away with medals from an international open event.

Five Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitors from Checkmat DV8 Weston and Highbridge entered the recent IBJJF London International Open and walked away with medals in the various divisions.

The competitors were Chris Cook, Chris Whiting, Martyn Eyre, Glenn Cutter and club coach Ian Rossiter.

The IBJJF event held at Crystal Palace has been gaining popularity for a number of years and this year was the biggest turnout to date and competition was fierce.

Cook fought first and battled his way to winning a silver medal in the blue belt adult super heavyweight category.

Next up was Whiting, who took silver in the blue belt master ultra heavyweight division and a well-earned bronze in the open weight class.

Eyre stepped on to the mats and fought extremely well to take bronze in the purple medium heavyweight master two category.

Cutter, who is the head instructor at the Burnham and Highbridge Club, took gold in purple medium heavyweight master four and also silver in the open weight class which resulted with his instructor (Ian) promoting him to brown belt on the podium to the cheers of a pack arena.

Finally it was Rossiter’s turn, at almost 50 and as the club’s senior instructor he feels that as a black belt you should never sit on your laurels and lead by example to show your students that you are never too old to have a go and enjoy competing.

Ian took gold in the black belt master four heavyweight category and bronze in the open weight class.

For the team there will be no rest as they now focus for the British Nationals in London in June and the World Championships in Las Vegas in September.

The club always welcomes new beginners and the first lesson is completely free.

If you are interested and would like more information on the classes in Weston or Highbridge, please check out the club website www.bjjsomerset.co.uk