Filipino jiu-jitsu athletes showcased their growing dominance on the international stage, bagging three gold medals at the 2025 Sports Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (SJJIF) World Jiu-Jitsu Championship and No-Gi Championship held over the weekend in Chiba, Japan.
Leading the charge were Joson Tessa and Jeon Dela Cruz, who powered the Philippines’ stellar showing with decisive wins. Tessa captured a double-gold feat, edging Aina Fugisawa of Evox BJJ on points in the Gi Female Gray Kid 5 Light Feather before following up with another victory in the No-Gi Female Gray Kid 5 Light Feather, where she outpointed Sawka Lilly of Hi Grade Jiu-Jitsu.
Her twin triumphs were complemented by Dela Cruz, who subdued Tomura Eishin of Carpe Diem Yokohama to secure the gold in the Gi Male Gray Kid 3 Rooster division.
But the spotlight ultimately belonged to Callum Roberts, who turned in a masterful performance by winning three titles in Asia’s biggest-ever jiu-jitsu event. Roberts, a member of the Philippine Team and a reigning world champion, claimed the Gi Ultra Heavyweight Male Blue (Adults 18) after submitting Nakamura Goki of Infight Japan via straight arm lock.
He continued his rampage by overpowering Nakahara Gustavo of Carlos Toyota BJJ through a back-take collar choke in the Gi Open Weight Male Blue (Adults), then capped his golden treble by dominating Pchelnikov Nikita of ZR Team Blagoveshchensk with a vicious arm triangle in the No-Gi Ultra Heavyweight Male Blue (Adults 18).
“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 jiu-jitsu tournament ever held in Asia,” said Alvin Aguilar of DEFTAC, in a social media post.
“With over 300 teams and 5,000 entries from all corners of the globe, our kids’ team came out on top, showcasing the incredible talent and hard work of our athletes,” he added.
Powered by its young standouts, the DEFTAC-Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu Kids Team clinched the overall crown at the 2025 ASJJF World Championships with a 10-10-13 gold-silver-bronze haul. Impacto BJJ finished second with a 10-5-8 tally, while Carlos Toyota BJJ placed third with 6-6-8.
“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.
