TCI Jiu Jitsu Athletes Shine on International Stage with Strong Pan Ams Showing

Turks and Caicos Islands’ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes continue to make their mark on the global stage, delivering an impressive performance at the prestigious Pan American Championships hosted by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

Alex Yablong (far right ) on the 3rd-place podium

Four competitors represented TCI at the elite tournament, one of only four major events on the IBJJF calendar, alongside the European Championships, Brasileiros, and World Championships, and emerged with a remarkable 50% podium rate.

Podium Finishes Highlight TCI Strength

Leading the charge was Alex Yablong, competing in the Master 2 Lightweight Black Belt division. Yablong secured a bronze medal, adding to his growing list of accolades after capturing gold earlier this year at the European Championships.

Veteran competitor Shaun McCormack also delivered a standout performance, earning silver in the Master 4 Super Heavyweight division, showcasing both experience and resilience against a competitive international field.

Valuable Experience for Emerging Athletes

While David Galluzzi (M2 Middleweight Brown Belt) and Michael Sankar (M2 Heavyweight Purple Belt) were eliminated in the qualifying rounds, their participation at such a high level underscores the continued development of TCI’s talent pipeline.

Competing at the Pan Ams provides invaluable exposure, particularly given the depth and quality of athletes present at IBJJF major tournaments.

David Galluzzi (kneeling) during his event

Saunders Impresses in Grapple Worlds Debut

Meanwhile, TCI’s own Norman Saunders delivered a sensational performance abroad, capturing victory at his Grapple Worlds debut in the United Kingdom.

Saunders, currently completing his law studies, stunned opponents with a 15-second submission victory on March 28, marking one of the fastest finishes of the event and signaling his emergence as a force to watch.

 Norman Saunders celebrates his victory

Building a Global Presence

In just five years, TCI Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has established a growing presence on the international scene, largely driven by athlete commitment and self-funding, with limited external support.

The program has received some assistance from the TCI Sports Commission through athlete development funding, but much of the burden continues to fall on competitors themselves.

Looking ahead, the academy has announced plans to support young athletes by covering lodging costs for upcoming competitions, including Jiu Jitsu Con and the World Masters in Las Vegas, an important step toward expanding opportunities for the next generation.

Call for Sponsorship

As the sport continues to grow locally, the team is actively seeking sponsorship to further elevate TCI’s presence on the global stage.

Support for athletes and the broader competition program would significantly enhance training, travel, and participation opportunities, ensuring that Turks and Caicos remains competitive among the world’s best in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Interested sponsors are encouraged to connect with the program to play a role in shaping the future of the sport in the islands.