Cebu teens lead PH to gold, silver at SEA BJJ championship in Cambodia

 CEBU CITY -- Cebu’s youngest grapplers made a big statement on the regional stage, bringing home gold and silver for the Philippine Team at the Asian Regional BJJ Championship – South East Asia held in Siem Reap over the weekend.

Sibling duo Sarah and Stan Lee Tio, both Batang Pinoy athletes from Cebu show rising power of Filipino youth in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and made their international debut and came out swinging, literally and figuratively, against top youth competitors from across Southeast Asia.

Sarah Lee Tio, Blue Belt hauled gold under No-Gi Division and silver under Gi Division while Stan Lee Tio, Grey Belt won Silver under Gi Division.  For their first time competing abroad, the siblings showed poise beyond their years, navigating both the traditional Gi format and the faster-paced No-Gi division.

Head Coach Phil Rizon explained to this writer that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ, is a ground-based martial art that focuses on leverage, technique, and submissions rather than strength. Often called “human chess,” it teaches athletes how to control an opponent on the mat and win through chokes, joint locks, and positional dominance.

Unlike striking arts, BJJ emphasizes discipline, problem-solving under pressure, and respect — values that have made it one of the fastest-growing combat sports among Filipino youth.  “Jiu-Jitsu teaches kids how to stay calm when things get tough. It’s about technique, timing, and heart. Sarah and Stan showed all three,” said Rizon.

The Tio siblings trained for months alongside their Cebu-based coaches, drilling techniques, conditioning, and competition strategy specifically for the SEA regional.

Their podium finishes underscore what coaches have been seeing for years.  Cebu is becoming a breeding ground for world-class BJJ talent, Coach Rizon said. With more academies opening and Batang Pinoy programs integrating grappling, Filipino kids are now regularly testing themselves against the best in Asia.

“This is a proud moment for Cebu and for the Philippines,” Rizon said. “Sarah and Stan showed discipline, heart, and sportsmanship representing our country. We hope their success inspires more young Filipinos to pursue martial arts.”

The Asian Regional BJJ Championship – South East Asia gathered top youth and adult athletes from across the region, giving competitors valuable international experience and ranking points.

For the Philippines, the Tios’ medals add to the country’s growing reputation in the global BJJ community, a sport where Filipinos are increasingly known for grit, creativity on the ground, and strong family-based training cultures.

With more support for grassroots programs, coaches believe the next wave of Filipino champions won’t be far behind.  “Gold or silver, what matters is they stepped on that mat for the Philippines,” Rizon added. “And they made us proud.” (Photos: Courtesy of the Tio Family)