Borderlands takes bronze at the BJJ British Open

This weekend, student and assistant coach Andrew Lloyd made the trip to the prestigious BJJ British Open, stepping onto the mats to test his skills against the best in the UK and bringing home a well-deserved bronze medal.

Andrew’s First British Championship

The BJJ British Open is one of the toughest and most competitive events on the UK calendar, making it a major milestone for any grappler. This was Andrew’s very first time competing at the British. Stepping into an arena of that scale takes serious composure, and Andrew handled the pressure like a seasoned veteran, showcasing the technical sharp-mindedness he brings to the gym every week.

A razor-thin referee's decision

Andrew put on a brilliant display of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a standout fight that he controlled for the vast majority of the match. He dictated the pace and kept his opponent under constant pressure.

When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard showed just how grueling the battle was—a 9-9 tie on points, with both competitors locked at one advantage each. With nothing separating them on paper, the match went to a referee's decision.

In an incredibly tight call, the officials gave the nod to his opponent, ending Andrew's run just short of the final, but securing him a spot on the podium with a bronze medal.

We are incredibly proud of Andy for his amazing effort; he is a great example and inspiration to us all.

Team support on the mats

No achievement happens in isolation, and Andrew had a strong Borderlands contingent in his corner throughout the day. Head Coach Owain, Coach Mel, and fellow student Dom all made the trip to provide mat-side coaching, strategy, and support.

The podium finish is a testament to Andrew's hard work, dedication, and the high standard of training happening at the academy. Massive congratulations to Andrew on a fantastic debut on the national stage—we can't wait to see what's next.

Want to get involved with Borderlands Grappling?

We run kids, women's, and mixed Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes in the center of Ludlow every week. Beginners are welcome and you only need suitable workout clothing and a bottle of water to get started.

You can give it a try with a free trial. You can find all the information you need below.

BOOK A FREE TRIAL