Bascome And McAlpine Earn Black Belts
Open Mat Bermuda athletes Lonnie Bascome and Jason McAlpine have been promoted to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts.
Bascome, a lightweight competitor, and McAlpine, who competes at middleweight, have each won multiple medals at overseas tournaments in recent years.
Aaron Dyer, the gym’s founder, said the pair were awarded their belts “after eight years of relentless dedication, countless hours on the mats, and a journey marked by discipline, resilience, and competitive spirit.”
He added: “Both athletes began their BJJ paths with the same simple goal – show up, learn, and get better every day.
“What followed was nearly a decade of early mornings, late nights, injuries, setbacks, comebacks, and steady growth.
“They tested themselves in competition, pushed through plateaus, and became leaders within the academy, setting the standard for work ethic and humility.
“Jason is known for his technical precision, calm pressure, and ability to break down complex concepts for newer students.
“Lonnie brings an intense competitive drive, sharp timing, and a willingness to take on any challenge placed in front of him.
“Together, they’ve helped shape the culture of the room – supportive, hardworking, and always striving for excellence.”
Open Mat Bermuda now has four black belts, contributing to six black belts held by local athletes overall.
“That number alone speaks volumes about how demanding, rare, and hard-earned this achievement truly is,” Dyer said.
“In a sport where black belts are never given, only earned through years of consistent effort, Jason and Lonnie now stand among the very few who have reached this level.
“Earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not just a rank; it’s a testament to character.
“Jason and Lonnie have proven that consistency beats talent, effort compounds over time, and true mastery is built one round at a time.
“We’re proud to celebrate their achievement and excited to see the next chapter of their journey unfold.”
