MANILA — Filipino jiu-jitsu fighters stamped their dominance on Asia’s grandest stage, emerging as overall champions in both Gi and No-Gi categories at the 2025 Sports Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (SJJIF) World Jiu-Jitsu Championship and No-Gi Championship held in Chiba, Japan.
Spearheaded by youngsters Joson Tessa and Jeon Dela Cruz, along with adult standout Callum Roberts, the Philippines collected a haul of medals that lifted DEFTAC-Six Blades Jiujitsu Kids Team to the top of the podium with 10 golds, 10 silvers, and 13 bronzes — outclassing more than 300 teams and 5,000 entries worldwide.
Tessa shone in the youth division with a double-gold performance, edging Aina Fugisawa of Evox BJJ in the Gi Female Gray Kid 5 Light Feather category before repeating the feat against Sawka Lilly of Hi Grade Jiu-jitsu in the No-Gi finals. Dela Cruz added another glittering finish, submitting Tomura Eishin of Carpe Diem Yokohama in the Gi Male Gray Kid 3 Rooster class.
Roberts, meanwhile, turned in a sensational triple-gold sweep in the adult brackets. He forced Nakamura Goki of Infight Japan to tap via straight arm lock in the Gi Ultra Heavyweight Male Blue (Adults 18), beat Nakahara Gustavo of Carlos Toyota BJJ with a back take Colla Choke in the Gi Open Weight, and capped his run with an arm triangle submission over Pchelnikov Nikita of ZR Team Blagoveshcensk in the No-Gi Ultra Heavyweight.
“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,” Aguilar added.
Trailing the Filipinos in the team race were Impacto BJJ (10 golds, five silvers, eight bronzes) and Carlos Toyota BJJ (six golds, six silvers, eight bronzes).
“This victory is a testament to the dedication and passion of our fantastic chapter heads, coaches, parents, and, of course, our talented athletes. Together, we have built a supportive community that fosters success and excellence,” Aguilar said./PN
