It was an excellent display of grappling techniques, nifty submissions, and fast paced fights that welcomed the best grapplers across the south east to the 2015 Pan Asian Jiu Jitsu International Open. This time around, it was team Defense Tactics (DEFTAC) that took the overall crown by winning the Gi and No-Gi categories.
The Pan Asian Jiu Jitsu International Open has opened its doors to both aspiring and world-class grappling athletes. Apart from this, it has also given the Philippine Jiu-Jitsu scene a rapid boost of exposure, as well as the continuous growth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) teams nationwide. Some of the country’s best teams from Manila are Ateneo-based Atos Philippines, KMA-Fabricio, as well as Origins Jiu-Jitsu.
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DEFTAC-DLSU, La Salle’s Jiu Jitsu team, sent four of its members to compete this year. Paolo Puno, Allen De Leon, Vince Mangrobang, and Arzel Mariano carried the green and white banner this time around. Unfortunately, the team could not send their full line up due to various reasons.
In the Gi division, Allen De Leon managed to snag a bronze medal in the Medio-Pesado (Middle-Heavy) weight class, wherein he won the elimination round in convincing fashion.
“Comparing my performance from the last three competitions as a blue belt, I can say that I have adjusted to the level of competition the blue belt division offers and that I am more relaxed and in control of my body now,” De Leon said after winning by a landslide.
Sadly, the rest of DEFTAC-DLSU’s army found themselves at the other side of the podium.
Even after competing in several national tournaments, Vince Mangobang gave his thoughts on his first time to compete at the Pan Asians. “We have people from different parts of the world competing, and one could definitely feel the tension in the atmosphere,” Mangrobang shared.
On a higher note, DEFTAC-DLSU’s overall contribution was enough to help their entire team win the overall championship. DEFTAC was founded by La Salle’s very own Alvin Aguilar and has now expanded its reach to several parts of the Philippines. DEFTAC has eight teams in the metro, a team in Laguna, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, and Ilo-ilo as well.
Back to the drawing board
The DLSU chapter is currently preparing for the Novice Open this June, the Abu Dhabi Combat Club Qualifiers, Philippine National Open, and the Submissions Only tournament this summer. In totality, these year round competitions serve as stepping stones for teams in preparation for the Pan Asian International Open.
“DEFTAC-DLSU’s competitors have won numerous medals already. However if we are to win more medals, we need to have a cohesive attitude towards our goal. Most importantly, we need to enjoy what we are doing as fighters,” Mangobang said.
Read more about the DLSU Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team.
