Star athelete close up Johnlery Ian Caniga (Mixed Martial Arts)

CEBU, Philippines - His star is yet to shine but this early, he has already shown a lot of promise. At a young age, the Cebuano Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) disciple has accomplished something big in a tough sport that is now gaining ground in the country.

Caniga first shot into the limelight when he was hailed as Grand Champion of Navarro’s Mixed Martial Arts Championships in November last year in Pacifica, California.

Before achieving that monumental feat, the Bachelor of Science in Criminology student from the University of Cebu (UC) Caniga already etched his name in stone as the first Cebuano to join an international MMA competition in the United States.

"Going into the US entails a lot of sacrifice, but I did not really expect to become the grand champion," said Ian, proud son of the more illustrious Master Benigno "Ekin" R. Caniga, Jr. who is the founder and Vis-MIn director of Yaw-Yan Cebu ArDigma.

 Having been into MMA offers a lot opportunities for Caniga. Aside from arming himself with positive values and an effective means of self-defense, it also helped him in his studies.

“My training as an MMA athlete is of big help in keeping my body fit. More importantly, it helped me in my studies because I'm a scholar at UC," said Caniga, who aspires to be a policeman someday.

With Master Ekin as his chief instructor, Ian learned the principles of Yaw-Yan and arnis at the tender age of eight.

Time flies fast indeed as the 20-year-old Caniga, apart from being a rising MMA fighter, is now a certified Yaw-Yan instructor and a Brazilian jiu-jitsu white belt three-stripe practitioner.

 “My father (Master Ekin) is the one I really look up to. He's my role model. And just like him, I gladly share all what I've learned to the young ones who want to know more about martial arts at our humble gym," said Caniga.

Caniga is aware of the reality that there will come a time when he had to inherit and carry out the legacy of his father as the Head Master of Yaw-Yan ArDigma.

"I'm already thinking about it. When my father decides to retire, I have to bear the tedious task of taking over the reins of Yaw-Yan ArDigma. That is the reason why I started teaching and attending martials arts seminar so that when that time comes, I would be ready enough to face the challenge," Ian said.

Aside from joining more MMA tournaments, Caniga revealed that he is also planning to develop more fighters from their gym so they can complete and one day become a champion like him.

“MMA in Cebu is growing. With a lot of talents here, I'm confident that there will be more Cebuano MMA stars in the future most especially coming from Yaw-Yan ArDigma,” said Caniga. EBV with Lemuel P. Maglinte (FREEMAN)