Pinoy teen shines in World Brazilian Jiu-jitsu tourney

MANILA, Philippines - A 17-year-old Parañaqueño brought honors to the city as he won the gold medal in his bracket and the championship title at the 2010 World Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Championship held recently in Long Beach, California, USA.

Eros Baluyot of the Atos Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Club, a resident of Brgy. Vitalez, Parañaque, fought a tough match in the White Belt Adult Division against Gracie Barra Jiu-jitsu team member Alexander Alvarez, a very strong and highly technical opponent who was the undefeated champion to win the gold and championship title. 

He admitted that at first, he was intimidated by the size of the crowd and the caliber of the competitors, many of whom were the best practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.  But despite the superb fighting skills of his opponent, Baluyot dominated the bout and managed to force his opponent into submission in a little over four minutes via triangle choke.

“It is always great news that our athletes are making great strides in their respective fields. The fact that he triumphed over a previously undefeated opponent in a prestigious international competition makes his win even more remarkable. We congratulate him on his victory and hope that he continues his winning streak,” says Mayor Bernabe.

The mayor adds that the city gives full support to its local athletes and encourages athletic programs among the city’s youth, to build not only physical fitness but also discipline and a healthy lifestyle, away from drugs, bad company, and vices.

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is a hybrid of the traditional Jiu-jitsu and other grappling fighting styles. It was popularized in the early ’90s by the Gracie family during the early development of mixed martial arts. It is also one of the foundations for mixed martial arts (MMA). Many of its practitioners move on to the MMA competitions such as the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC), Strikeforce, World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), DREAM, Sengoku, Bellator, and other MMA organizations.

Jiu-jitsu champion Eros is the son of Allan Baluyot and grandchild of Brgy. Vitalez chairperson Teresita Gatchalian.