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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Filipino jiu-jitsu artists dominate SJJIF Japan tourney

Filipino jiu-jitsu artists dominate SJJIF Japan tourney

Published Sep 25, 2025 02:55 pm

At A Glance

  • Filipino athletes won three gold medals in the Sports Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (SJJIF) World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2025 and No-Gi Championship in Chiba, Japan over the weekend.
Filipino athletes won three gold medals in the Sports Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (SJJIF) World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2025 and No-Gi Championship in Chiba, Japan over the weekend.
Joson Tessa and Jeon Dela Cruz stood at the forefront of the Filipinos' exceptional showing in the tournament, with the former taking two medals and the latter adding one after their convincing victories.
Tessa beat Aina Fugisawa of Evox BJJ on points to clinch the gold in the Gi Female Gray Kid 5 Light Feather.
She then annexed the Nogi Female Gray Kid 5 Light Feather by beating Sawka Lilly of Hi Grade Jiujitsu on points for a twin-kill.
Tessa’s double gold victories was well complemented by Jeon De La Cruz who subdued Tomura Eishin of Carpe Diem Yokohama to take the gold in the Gi Male Gray Kid 3 Rooster.
But the day definitely belonged to Callum Roberts in arguably the largest jiu-jitsu tournament ever held in Asia as he triumphed in three categories to underscore the Philippines’ huge progress in the sport.
Roberts turned back Nakamura Goki of Infight Japan via straight arm lock in the Gi Ultra Heavyweight Male Blue (Adults 18) class.
Roberts then flashed his exceptional skills on the mat as he overpowered Nakahara Gustavo of Carlos Toyota BJJ via back take Colla Choke in the Gi Open Weight Male Blue (Adults).
As if that was not enough, Roberts, a member of the national team, a Gi and No-Gi World Champion and an Absolute Champion too, also dominated the No-Gi Ultra Heavyweight Male Blue (Adults 18), stamping his class over Pchelnikov Nikita of ZR Team Blagoveshcensk with a vicious arm triangle.
“We are thrilled to announce our monumental achievement as we emerged as the OVERALL CHAMPIONS in both GI and NO GI categories at the largest Jiujitsu tournament ever held in Asia!” said Alvin Aguilar of DEFTAC in his Facebook post.
“With over 300 teams and 5,000 entries participating from all corners of the globe, our kids team came out on top, showcasing the incredible talent and hard work of our athletes,” added Aguilar.
DEFTAC-Six Blades Jiujitsu Kids Team thus emerged as the overall champions at the 2025 ASJJF World Championships with 10 gold medals, 10 silvers and 13 bronze medals while Impacto BJJ placed second with 10 golds, five silvers and eight bronze medals.
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