Jason McAlpine Wins Two Medals In Las Vegas
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Jason McAlpine claimed gold and silver medals representing OpenMat Bermuda at the recent World IBJJF Jui-Jitsu No-Gi Championship in Las Vegas.
McAlpine was among nine competitors representing the island’s first Brazilian Jui-Jitsu academy at the top international tournament.
The 48-year-old won the men’s masters middleweight division and finished runner-up in the men’s open weight division.
It was the first time he was competing at brown belt.
Aaron Dyer, the founder of OpenMat who competed in the men’s heavyweight black belt division, told Bernews: “Jason is a natural. He pulled through against some top guys.”
Dyer also praised Christopher Regan [men’s ultra-heavyweight, black belt] and Sydney Mason [women’s middleweight division, blue belt] for reaching the second round in their divisions.
“We would have liked to have won more medals, but we’re pleased with the outcome,” he added.
“There’s always room for improvement, and it was a good measuring stick for us.”
Also competing for OpenMat Bermuda were Reina Maypa [women’s lightweight, blue belt], Greg Maybury [men’s masters lightweight, blue belt], James Adams [men’s masters ultra-heavyweight, blue belt], Thomas Gregory [men’s masters super-heavyweight, purple belt] and Lonnie Bascome [men’s masters lightweight, brown belt].
OpenMat Bermuda will send adult and junior athletes to compete at the Grappling Industries Toronto Gi and No Gi Round-Robin Tournament in Toronto next month.
