Costello BJJ at SW Grappling 3: Six on the Mats, Five Medals Home

On Saturday 28 March 2026, six Costello BJJ athletes travelled down to Plymouth Life Centre to compete at SW Grappling 3. They came home with three golds, a silver and a bronze. We could not be prouder of the squad.

Costello BJJ team at SW Grappling 3, Plymouth Life Centre

The event: SW Grappling 3, Plymouth Life Centre

SW Grappling has quickly become one of the most welcoming competitions in the South West, and SW Grappling 3 lived up to the reputation. Round-robin divisions mean everyone gets a minimum of two matches, the refereeing is relaxed but fair, and the whole day is built to help grapplers get real competition experience in a supportive environment.

Matches were contested under IBJJF rules, with English terminology and a bit of leniency on edge-of-mat resets. Exactly the kind of environment we love sending competitors to.

The results

Here’s how the squad got on.

Dylan, Gold

Dylan took gold in his division. A brilliant result and a massive well done from everyone at the gym.

Steve, Gold

Steve also took gold. Anyone who’s rolled with Steve at training will know how he earns it: relentless pressure, sharp hand-fighting, and the kind of conditioning that wears opponents down across a long day of round-robin matches.

Steve working from the top in his gi division at SW Grappling 3

Steve locking up a triangle attack at SW Grappling 3

Tyler, Gold

Tyler took gold. A seriously impressive run through his bracket, with the kind of focus and composure on the mats you’d expect from a much more experienced competitor.

Tyler working a dominant position during his SW Grappling 3 match

Tyler celebrating with a teammate after winning gold

Will, Silver

Will brought home silver after a strong run through his bracket. Will’s BJJ has come on massively over the last few months, and you could see it on the mats at Plymouth. A silver medal he should be genuinely proud of.

Will working from the top during his SW Grappling 3 match

Referee raising Will's hand after a win at SW Grappling 3

Elis, Bronze

Elis rounded out the medal haul with bronze. Competing is hard. Competing and medalling is harder. A brilliant day’s work.

Oscar

Oscar was the sixth member of the squad out on the mats, and he put in a brilliant shift. Technical, composed, and dangerous off his back. Stepping onto a competition mat takes real guts, and Oscar did it with style. Huge respect.

Oscar working for a submission at SW Grappling 3

Oscar playing guard against an opponent at SW Grappling 3

What this means for the gym

Six competitors. Five medals. Three of them gold.

That’s not luck. That’s what happens when people show up to training consistently, roll hard with good training partners, listen to feedback, and treat every class as reps in the bank. Every one of these athletes has been drilled, swept, submitted and pushed by their teammates on the daily, and the rest of the gym deserves a huge share of the credit for these results.

Thinking about competing yourself?

One of the best-kept secrets of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Exeter is this: most people who start competing wish they’d done it sooner. It accelerates your BJJ like nothing else.

If you’ve been on the fence, come and talk to us. No pressure to compete if it’s not for you, but full support if it is. Get in touch or drop into the gym at 4 Cofton Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter to book a trial.

Massive congratulations again to Dylan, Steve, Tyler, Will, Elis and Oscar. Back on the mats Tuesday. 💪