Manx athletes made a strong impression on the national stage last weekend, returning home with medals from the 2025 British Open Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships.
The event, held at Warwick University on December 13 and 14, is one of the longest-running and most prestigious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling competitions in the UK.
First established in 2011, the British Open attracts top competitors from across the country and is widely regarded as a highlight of the annual competition calendar.
Manx Jiu-Jitsu Team
TwentyTwelve JiuJitsu, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling academy based in the Isle of Man, entered nine athletes into the competition.
Despite being a small island-based club, the team delivered an impressive overall performance, securing two gold medals and three bronze medals.
Several standout performances contributed to the team’s success.
Team’s Success
Head coach Mark Franklin claimed gold in the featherweight division, winning his final match by submission in just 13 seconds.
Tom Spencer also enjoyed a successful weekend, taking gold in the ultra-heavyweight division and adding a bronze medal in the openweight category.
Further medals came from Liam Blakemore, who earned bronze in a highly competitive lightweight division, and James Sealey, who rounded off the weekend with a strong showing to secure bronze in the openweight division.
Head coach Thomas Gregory praised the athletes’ dedication and commitment, describing the results as a testament to years of hard work and sacrifice.
He added that representing the Isle of Man on such a prominent stage and achieving this level of success was “a huge credit to the island”.