A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu association composed of competitors from Journey Jiu Jitsu of Carrollton and Bushido MMA of Portsmouth won the North American Grappling Association’s world championship.

The two-day tournament, held April 23-24 in Morristown, New Jersey, drew 145 gyms from the United States, Australia, Kazakhstan, Mexico, the Philippines, Brazil, Turkey, Cuba, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Canada and Ukraine.

Twenty competitors from Journey and Bushido’s association – named Six Blades – won first place as a team, taking home a belt. They also took home 13 gold, 23 silver and eight bronze medals. Six Blades’ competitors ranged in age from children as young as 5 to adults in their 40s.

“Everyone did their best and you could see that on the mat,” said Colleen Merullo, one of Journey Jiu Jitsu’s instructors.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, according to Journey’s website, is a form of self-defense characterized by simple, instinctive responses against common attacks.

The North American Grappling Association, or NAGA, hosts grappling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments for children and adults across the world. Competitors complete in divisions by age, weight class and skill level.