DEFTAC, Southeast Asia’s pioneering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts elite group, celebrated its three decades of excellence in the sport by recently honoring its athletes who brought home countless honors at the Hilton Manila Hotel in Pasay City.
The group also recognized the men and women who helped shape the association to becoming what it is today – robust and well-decorated.
Among those honored are world champions include Brielle Bartolome, Thiago Bartolome, Claudia Lepiten, Cheska Lepiten, Tessa Joson, Ali Joson, Tomas Joson, Ethan Ramos, Uno Ordona, Julian Santos, Franco del Pilar, Aielle Aguilar, Basti Dela Cruz, Althea Brion, Princess Reuma, and Yani Lopez.
The Asian champions include Alex Lee, Fierre Afan, Andrea Ocampo, Charlie Ratcliff, Annie Parungao, Lucas Aguilar, Miguel Gutierrez, Lucas Holganza, Joaquin Marte, Ella Olaso, Yani Lopez, and Abby Balisme.
“From humble beginnings to world-class achievements, we have stood together —disciplining bodies, sharpening minds, and building the strongest bonds of brotherhood,” DEFTAC founder Alvin Aguilar said.
“Thirty years on, we are not just celebrating our past — we are igniting the future,” Aguilar added.
The organization also honored its founding members, dedicated coaches and outstanding chapters.
High on the list of founding members who were honored and presented each with symbolic ring representing their affiliation and achievements were Lee, Joel Yaptinchay, Pichon Garcia, among others.
Lee is a 2nd-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Chapter Head of DEFTAC Victoria Sports in Quezon City, while Yaptinchay is also a 2nd-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Chapter Head of DEFTAC La Union.
Garcia on the other hand is a 3rd-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Chapter Head of DEFTAC Daang Hari in Las Piñas.
The other founding members who were honored were Joel Lepiten (1st-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt), Jerome Lepiten (Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Founder of Little Foot Kids Jiu-Jitsu), Richard Lasprilla (2nd-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Chapter Head of DEFTAC Verde Pasig) and Aguilar (4th-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Founder and Head Coach of DEFTAC).
Lasprilla was also cited by becoming the First URCC MMA champion.
Others were Marcus Valda (Multiple SEA Games Gold Medalist in Wrestling, and DLSU Alumni Association Sports Achievement Awardee), Maybelline Masuda (First Filipino World Jiu-Jitsu Champion (IBJJF) and First homegrown Filipina Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, and DLSU Alumni Association Sports Achievement Awardee), Fierre Afan (First Filipino Grappling World Champion (UWW) and First Filipino Grappling Asian Champion, UWW), Aisa Ratcliff (First Filipina Grappling Asian Champion, UWW), World Combat Games Bronze Medalist and Aielle Aguilar (First 5-year-old Filipino Jiu-Jitsu World Champion and 3-time Youngest Jiu-Jitsu World Champion);
Annie Parungao (First Filipina MMA (IMMAF) World Champion) and Chris Hofmann (First URCC MMA 2-Division World Champion and AIMAG Belt Wrestling Bronze Medalist).
Richard Lasprilla and Maybelline Masuda shared inspiring messages highlighting
Other awardees:
- Ceriola Brothers (Justin, Anton, Gabriel & Enzo) – Pioneers of DEFTAC’s Kids Program
- Aguilar Brothers (Liam, Lucas & Lucho) – Founding members of the country’s first Junior Grappling Team; DEFTAC HQ Coaches
- Del Rosario Brothers (Gabriel & King) – Founding members of the country’s first Junior Grappling Team
- Fierre Afan – Decorated champion in Jiu-Jitsu, Grappling, and Wrestling
- Joaquin Marte – Spearheaded the revival of the DLSU Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Grappling Organization; Head Coach of DEFTAC Taekwondo Program
- David Zaldariaga – Decorated champion from Iloilo; member of the country’s first Junior Grappling Team.
The Outstanding Chapters that were also recognized were DEFTAC chapters in Alabang, Antipolo, BF Homes, Cavite, Cebu, La Union, Makati, Deftac HQ, and Deftac Taguig.
The Most Valuable Coaches awards were given to mentors who have tirelessly trained and guided DEFTAC athletes and these include Mike Tabamo, Lester del Rosario, Joaquin Marte, Garrick Nayo, Alvin Lee, Bart Bartolome, Kyle Torente, Rommel Alejo, and Jimmy Angana.
Since its inception in 1995 and guided by Chief Alvin Aguilar, DEFTAC has grown into Asia’s largest Jiu-Jitsu team, boasting over 52 gyms and 221 satellite training centers nationwide.
The organization’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and community has produced generations of champions and continues to inspire.
