On August 24 and 25, a small group of the Nexus Martial Arts & Fitness Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Team braved the hurricane to compete in the first ever International Jiu Jitsu Boston Open Championships.

The competitors racked up an impressive medal count, including five gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze medal.

Nexus student Marcio Silva won both his weight division and the Absolute, or open weight class, division. Nexus student John Murphy earned the bronze medal in the Absolute division, despite being one of the lightest competitors in the division.

Although the majority of the students in the Nexus youth and adults programs are not competitors, owner and chief instructor Stephen Whittier has been very pleased with his competitors’ successes.

“The team’s had a great year,” he said. “To see everyone winning in the highest level grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments is really gratifying and I’m so proud of them.”