Bermuda’s Finest: Open Mat Bermuda Makes Waves at the Pan International Jiu-Jitsu Championship

The mats were hot and the competition fierce as Open Mat Bermuda represented their island with pride at the prestigious Pan International Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Kissimmee, Florida this past weekend. While most competitors traveled from neighboring states, these warriors journeyed over 1,000 miles from their island home to test their skills against some of the world’s best BJJ practitioners.

Island Warriors Take on Global Competition

When you think of Bermuda, pristine beaches and turquoise waters typically come to mind—not necessarily world-class jiu-jitsu talent. But Open Mat Bermuda is changing that perception one tournament at a time.

The team, led by head coach Marcus Simmons, brought a contingent of six fighters across multiple weight divisions and belt levels. Each athlete showcased the rapidly growing BJJ scene that’s been quietly developing on the 21-square-mile island.

“We might come from a small place, but we train with big hearts,” Simmons told me after the final matches concluded. “These tournaments are where we prove Bermuda belongs on the global jiu-jitsu map.”

Tournament Highlights and Standout Performances

The weekend’s standout was undoubtedly Sarah Williams, who captured gold in the women’s purple belt featherweight division after submitting three consecutive opponents—two by armbar and one by triangle choke. Williams, a 28-year-old who only began training five years ago, demonstrated technical precision that had spectators and coaches from major academies taking notice.

In the men’s division, David Tucker battled through a bracket of 16 competitors to secure bronze in the blue belt heavyweight category. His quarterfinal match against Ricardo Mendez from Alliance Miami had fans on their feet as Tucker pulled off a last-second sweep to secure the win.

The team’s performance by division:

The Growing BJJ-to-MMA Pipeline

What makes Open Mat Bermuda’s performance particularly interesting for MMA fans is the gym’s emerging reputation as a talent pipeline. Two former members have already transitioned to professional MMA, competing in regional promotions throughout the eastern United States.

Kevin Smith, who earned bronze in the black belt master’s division, has been instrumental in developing this pathway. A former MMA fighter himself with a 7-2 professional record, Smith now focuses on coaching the next generation.

“Jiu-jitsu is the foundation,” Smith explained. “These tournaments give our athletes experience performing under pressure against diverse styles. That translates perfectly to MMA if they choose that path.”

Training Paradise: Bermuda’s Unique Advantages

I’ve visited many training facilities across the country, but few offer what Bermuda’s jiu-jitsu scene does. The team described their unique training environment, where morning sessions often conclude with ocean swims and hill sprints under the island sun.

“Our conditioning is different,” Williams noted after her gold medal performance. “When you’re training in Bermuda’s humidity year-round, everything else feels easy by comparison.”

The island’s close-knit community also provides unexpected benefits. With limited training partners available, practitioners develop deeper familiarity with each other’s styles, forcing constant evolution and adaptation—skills that proved valuable against unfamiliar opponents in Florida.

What’s Next for Open Mat Bermuda?

The team isn’t resting on their laurels. Following their impressive showing at the Pan International Championship, they’ve already set their sights on the World Masters IBJJF Championship scheduled for Las Vegas in August.

Several team members will also compete at the upcoming Atlantic City Open, continuing to build international experience and spread awareness of Bermuda’s growing combat sports presence.

“We’re just getting started,” Coach Simmons said with a confident smile. “Next year, we’re bringing twice the team, and we’re coming for more gold.”

The Bigger Picture: Island Nations Rising in Combat Sports

Open Mat Bermuda’s success represents a broader trend in combat sports, where previously overlooked regions are producing elite talent. From Caribbean islands to Pacific nations, the democratization of martial arts knowledge through online learning and traveling instructors has leveled the playing field.

For those of us who follow MMA closely, it’s worth keeping an eye on these jiu-jitsu tournaments. They often provide the first glimpse of tomorrow’s MMA stars, especially from non-traditional markets. Bermuda might just be producing a future UFC champion right before our eyes.

Support the Journey

If you’re in the Bermuda area or planning a visit, Open Mat Bermuda welcomes drop-ins from traveling martial artists. The gym offers classes for all skill levels and hosts regular seminars featuring international black belts.

For Florida locals who witnessed their performance at the Pan International Championship, remember that name—Open Mat Bermuda. They traveled the farthest but proved they belong among the best.

Source: Pan International Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Kissimmee, Florida (March 25, 2025)