FILIPINO jiu-jitsu artists sparkled anew, winning three gold medals in the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2025 and No-Gi Championship in Chiba, Japan, recently.
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.
Tessa beat Aina Fugisawa of Evox BJJ on points to clinch the gold in the Gi Female Gray Kid 5 Light Feather. She also annexed the Nogi Female Gray Kid 5 Light Feather title by beating Sawka Lilly of Hi Grade Jiujitsu on points.
De La Cruz subdued Tomura Eishin of Carpe Diem Yokohoma to take the gold in the Gi Male Gray Kid 3 Rooster.
But the day belonged to Callum Roberts, who triumphed in three categories to underscore the Philippines’ huge progress in the sport.
Roberts turned back Nakamura Goki of Infight Japan via a straight arm lock in the Gi Ultra Heavyweight Male Blue (Adults 18) class.
He then 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 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.
