Athletes from Baguio and Benguet displayed remarkable performances at the 1st Asian Jiu Jitsu Federation (ASJJF) Dumau Baguio International Jiu Jitsu Championship 2023, held at the Baguio Convention Center.
Team Medals
| Team | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ronin Brazilian Jiu Jitsu-La Trinidad | 15 | 13 | 13 |
| Fight Corps MMA | 7 | 1 | 4 |
| Overlimit Baguio | 5 | 10 | 7 |
| Baguio Brazilian Jiu Jitsu | 5 | 3 | 7 |
| C Gambit Jiu Jitsu La Trinidad | 5 | 0 | 3 |
| Ronin Jiu Jitsu Matzone-Baguio | 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Team Lakay | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Outstanding Performances
Aithana Caranto
Aithana Caranto of the Philippine Military Academy and C-Gambit JJ La Trinidad led the way with four gold medals in both gi and no gi events.
Alayne Albon
Alayne Albon's gold medal was secured with a remarkable hip throw leading to an armbar from Kesa-gatame.
Jezebelle Padtoc
Jezebelle Padtoc, a playing coach of PMA and Ronin BJJ La Trinidad, won three gold medals and one silver medal in gi and no gi events.
Nicko James Donglasan
Nicko James Donglasan secured two gold medals in weight divisions and two bronze medals in open weight categories, while Jail Officer 1 Arvin Jose claimed two golds and one silver medal. Dahn Anthony Pelino won one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.
Coach Gregorio "Geeno" Abalos III
Coach Gregorio "Geeno" Abalos III outsmarted a heavier purple belt opponent to win the gold medal.
Other Outstanding Performances
- Genzer Ervy Navalta, Nhel Justine Anioay, Mclean Tudayan, Charles Calawen, Ashly Rose Diong-an, and Keith Rustom Diong-an excelled in their respective weight divisions through submissions.
- Ramuel San Juan from Ronin Baguio claimed gold with a guillotine, while teammate Ethan Niguel Salvador secured gold in the no gi male category.
- Overlimit's coach Dave Galera won a gold medal via an armbar in his brown belt debut. Kurt Wagayan, Novie Odalio, Marian Dyan Paras, and Jordan Mar Lumidao also earned gold medals.
- Baguio BJJ's blue belt Gabriel Andres won two gold medals, while Philbert Juanito earned one gold and one bronze medal. Estrada Donga-as and Yves Austria each secured one gold medal in their respective weight categories.
- Fight Corps' Leon Kiat-ong III won two gold medals in no gi events, while Anne Marie Lorraine Balajadia-Tabora earned one gold and one silver medal in her weight categories.
- Dave Bangguigui won one gold medal and one bronze, while teammates Lee Sangyeun, Alaine Balajadia, and Jake Tanggacan each secured one gold medal in their weight divisions.
- Team Lakay's Joris Jonker displayed his prowess with one gold and one silver medal, dominating his weight class in the no gi events.
Conclusion
The 1st Asian Jiu Jitsu Federation Championship celebrated talent, dedication, and sportsmanship. These athletes from Baguio and Benguet have not only made their communities proud but have also shown that with passion and commitment, they can achieve greatness in the world of Jiu Jitsu. Their impressive performances inspire us all to reach for our own dreams and never give up on our goals.
