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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider DEFTAC honors global champions

DEFTAC honors global champions

Published May 19, 2025 01:55 pm

DEFTAC, Southeast Asia’s pioneering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts group, recently recognized its roster of world and Asian champions in a ceremony at Hilton Hotel.

The world champions include Brielle Bartolome, Thiago Bartolome, Claudia Lepiten, Cheska Lepiten, Tessa Joson, Ali Joson, Tomas Joson, Ethan Ramos, Uno Ordona, Julian Santos, Franco del Pilar, Aielle Aguilar, Basti Dela Cruz, Althea Brion, Princess Reuma, and Yani Lopez.

The Asian titlists, meanwhile, are Alex Lee, Fierre Afan, Andrea Ocampo, Charlie Ratcliff, Annie Parungao, Lucas Aguilar, Miguel Gutierrez, Lucas Holganza, Joaquin Marte, Ella Olaso, Yani Lopez, and Abby Balisme.

“From humble beginnings to world-class achievements, we have stood together —disciplining bodies, sharpening minds, and building the strongest bonds of brotherhood,” DEFTAC founder Alvin Aguilar said.

“Thirty years on, we are not just celebrating our past — we are igniting the future,” Aguilar added. 

The organization also honored its founding members, dedicated coaches and outstanding chapters.

High on the list of founding members who were honored and presented each with symbolic ring representing their affiliation and achievements were Alvin Lee, Joel Yaptinchay, Pichon Garcia, among others. 

Lee is a 2nd-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Chapter Head of DEFTAC Victoria Sports in Quezon City, while Yaptinchay is also a 2nd-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Chapter Head of DEFTAC La Union.

Garcia, on the other hand, is a 3rd-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Chapter Head of DEFTAC Daang Hari in Las Piñas.

The other founding members who were honored were Joel Lepiten (1st-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt), Jerome Lepiten (Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Founder of Little Foot Kids Jiu-Jitsu), Richard Lasprilla (2nd-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Chapter Head of DEFTAC Verde Pasig) and Chief Alvin Aguilar (4th-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Founder and Head Coach of DEFTAC).

Garcia and Yaptinchay delivered heartfelt messages reflecting on DEFTAC’s humble beginnings and growth over the past three decades.

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