Cory Burton (left) enjoys a gold medal performance at the Grappling Industries Brazilian jiu-jitsu event in Vancouver with Island Top Team instructor Rob Biernacki. (Island Top Team)

By Dan Marshall

Grappling for Gold

Nanaimo-based Island Top Team takes home three medals in Vancouver event

Jul 22, 2024 | 2:58 PM

NANAIMO — Nanaimo Top Team had four athletes attend the Grappling Industries Brazilian jiu-jitsu event in Vancouver on July 20.

The group had an impressive medal haul with three gold and two silver medals across all competitions. Cory Burton, who is also the ITT kids program instructor, won gold in his no gi expert masters division.

Head instructor Rob Biernacki was especially proud of Burton’s performance.

“Cory is the heart of the club and everyone has been rooting for him, so the entire club is thrilled to see him reach this milestone. We continue to be the only club in the central island area to produce athletes capable of winning at the brown/black belt or expert division level regionally, let alone internationally.”

Both Sarah Kolybaba and Breanne Dyck went up in rank and weight to win in their respective categories via armbar submission.

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Kolybaba won her no gi purple belt masters division while Dyck took the no gi blue belt masters category.

Biernacki was thrilled with results especially moving into an elevated weight class.

“Stepping up in experience as well and coming through in the clutch is a huge testament to their dedication and it showcased their progress.”

It was a double silver medal performance for Anthony McPhail at the Grappling Industries tournament.

He won his blue belt gi adult category and then stepped into the men’s adult absolute, which permits all weights and ranks into one division.

McPhail beat his first opponents on his way to the second place finish.

Coach Biernacki called it a statement performance.

“Making it to the finals showed he has immense potential going forward. Finishing so well in an open weight and rank division as a blue belt is a massive accomplishment and we are all pumped to see his progress continue.”

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