PHILIPSBURG – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructor Melissa Bardfield returned from the IBJJF Pan American Jiu-Jitsu championships in Irvine, California, with two bronze medals. Bardfield earned a bronze medal in the Black Belt Master lightweight division.
She also competed in the absolute (open weight) category and earned a place on the podium again receiving a second bronze medal.
Bardfield represented Team Renzo Gracie St. Maarten alongside Blue Belt athlete Wesley Hendriks. Both Bardfield and Hendriks also completed a Referee certification seminar.
Plans are underway for an inter-island tournament in May, and the team is also planning to compete in the World Championships in Long Beach, California, from June 1-3.
For more information on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense classes for all ages visit www.sxmbjj.com.
