Filipino Jiu-Jitsu Team Clinches Overall Championship at SJJIF World Tournament in Japan

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino jiu-jitsu practitioners delivered a stellar performance at the 2025 Sports Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (SJJIF) World Jiu-Jitsu Championship and No-Gi Championship held in Chiba, Japan, capturing three gold medals and securing overall tournament honors.

Joson Tessa and Jeon Dela Cruz were standout competitors for the Philippines. Tessa secured two gold medals, winning the Gi Female Gray Kid 5 Light Feather division by outpointing Aina Fugisawa of Evox BJJ. She followed this by triumphing in the No-Gi Female Gray Kid 5 Light Feather category against Sawka Lilly of Hi Grade Jiujitsu. Jeon Dela Cruz added to the medal haul, clinching gold in the Gi Male Gray Kid 3 Rooster class after defeating Tomura Eishin from Carpe Diem Yokohama.

However, the tournament’s highlight was Callum Roberts’ dominant showing. Roberts, representing the Philippine Team, claimed three golds across different weight classes. He submitted Nakamura Goki of Infight Japan with a straight arm lock to win the Gi Ultra Heavyweight Male Blue (Adults 18) division. Roberts then showcased his skill by forcing a back take Colla Choke submission on Nakahara Gustavo of Carlos Toyota BJJ in the Gi Open Weight Male Blue (Adults) category. He capped off his sweep with a decisive Arm Triangle submission over Pchelnikov Nikita from ZR Team Blagoveshcensk in the No-Gi Ultra Heavyweight Male Blue (Adults 18) class.

Alvin Aguilar, a leading figure of DEFTAC, praised the team’s accomplishment, stating, "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!"

Aguilar highlighted that the competition featured more than 300 teams and over 5,000 athletes from around the world. DEFTAC’s Six Blades Kids Team topped the leaderboard with a total medal count of 10 gold, 10 silver, and 13 bronze medals. Impacto BJJ followed closely in second place with 10 golds, 5 silvers, and 8 bronzes, while Carlos Toyota BJJ finished third, earning 6 gold, 6 silver, and 8 bronze medals among five international clubs.

Aguilar attributed the success to the dedication of chapter heads, coaches, parents, and athletes, emphasizing the strong community that supports the team’s consistent excellence. "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," he remarked.