Five members from the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Team Malta recently competed in the Rome Open competition and European No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu championships, both staged in Italy and organised by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

The outcome was an outstand-ing success for the Maltese as they returned home with six medals, one of which was gold.

Keith Darmanin, Brown Belt competitor and coach at BJJ Team Malta under the tutelage of Rogerio Olegario, placed third in his weight division.

Darmanin was also a bronze medal winner in the open weight category at the European No-Gi Championships, delivering an excellent performance which reflected the high level of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on our shores.

Michelle Zarb also returned home with two bronze medals.

She placed third in the Rome Open and repeated the feat at the Europeans No-Gi in her weight division.

Zarb was only stopped from making further progress in the tournament by the current world champion who was in her half of the draw.

Neville Thomas produced an encouraging performance with a bronze medal in Rome.

However, the most prestigious result of all was obtained by Gordon Carter, who was making his debut on the international scene.

Despite his lack of experience at this level, Carter won his weight division in style as he dominated his opponents while displaying impressive and skilful moves during the tournament bouts.