NO, I am not talking about the shadowy mythical vigilantes, which are said to prowl Davao City’s streets stalking its victims but rather this a group of Jiujitsu enthusiasts who calls themselves DDS or Deftac Davao Squad.
Recently the group competed in the National Brazilian Jiujitsu competition held in Cebu City. The Dumau Philippines International Open Tournament held last October 24 Sm City Cebu is an annual staging organized under the Asian Sport JiuJitsu Federation (ASJJF).
Brazilian Jiujitsu (BJJ) is a martial art, combat sport which originated in Brazil in the early 1900s and known for its grappling and ground fighting techniques. It has gained popularity thru MMA (Mix Martial Arts) tournament and famous MMA fighters like MMA pioneer Royce Gracie, Frank Mir, B.J Penn among many others. Even the legendary karate champion and action star Chuck Norris is a BJJ black belter.
In the recent Cebu event, DDS gathered 16 medals of which 6 are gold medals, 7 silvers and 3 bronze medals. This is not the first time, DDS has reaped accolades they also competed last May 10-11 jiu-jitsu competitions in Manila where they got 18 medals, 1 gold, 3 silvers and 14 bronzes.
Deftac Davao is a branch of Deftac Pilipinas which is one of the biggest jiu-jitsu teams in Asia. And for a bit of showbiz trivia, Kristine Reyes is one of its members.
Organized in 2009 beginning with just 5 members, Deftac Davao has now about 26-30 members as of 2015. Formerly the members used to train at Metro Lifestyle fitness gym, DDS now has its own dojo.
“Our coach Jan Hao put up his own dojo named Deftac Davao School of Jiujitsu along Torres Street, our main headquarters is Deftac Manila under Alvin Aguilar who is the first Jiujitsu black belter in the Philippines.” Says DDS member Julz Narisma M.D. who is one of the active proponents of the martial art here in Davao.
With achievements, DDS has made a name among the Brazilian Jiujitsu community which is a sound accomplishment as the dojo traces its humble beginnings six years ago with members just eager to explore the benefit of the martial art.
"Just keep training, these were simple yet extremely motivating words from our brothers and so we did. Now we have grown in numbers and skills and are prepared to take on more challenges whether it be local or international competitions.” Narisma, a medical doctor by profession said during our talk.
By now, the dojo is preparing for upcoming national competitions. Good luck to DDS.
Here are the list of DDS awardees during the recent Dumau Philippines International Open Tournament.
Dwight Tallo – Men’s blue belt - under 64 Light Feather - Silver Jan Hao – Men’s Blue belt - Under 70 feather- Bronze VinzSumalinog - JUVENILE White - Middle up to 75 kg - Gold Carlo Evangelio - Mens white belt - under 58kg rooster - bronze Jam Peralta – Men’s White belt - under 58kg rooster - Gold Fidel ballesteros – Men’s white belt -under 64 light feather - silver Richard Belen – Men’s white belt - under 64kg light feather - Bronze ReanuSumalinog – Men’s White belt - super heavy up to 100kg - Silver Gelbert Yap - Seniors White Belt - under 82 Middle - Gold Bryan Grandeza - Masters white belt - Masters feather under 70kg Silver and Masters Absolute Silver Jonathan Narisma - White belt -under 82kg middle - Masters division silver and seniors division silver Jai Baga- women's white belt- under 54kg light feather- gold Gem Hongayo- women's white belt - over 74kg medium heavy and absolute women's division - both gold