The Strive Cebu Combat Academy (CCA) kids' team burst onto the scene with an impressive debut at the 2026 Cebu International Jiu-Jitsu Open, held over the weekend at the G Mall Atrium in Cebu. Despite being newcomers to the tournament circuit, these young athletes showcased remarkable talent, clinching a total of 17 medals to make their mark in the competitive world of jiu-jitsu.
A Stellar First Performance
In their inaugural outing, the Strive kids' team secured an impressive haul of four gold medals, six silver medals, and seven bronze medals. This outstanding achievement highlights the dedication and skill of the young grapplers, who trained under the guidance of coach Eric Los Baños and head coach Lemuel Maglinte.
Gold Medal Highlights
Leading the charge was Andersen Ybañez, who delivered a spectacular performance in the light-featherweight grey belt division. Ybañez secured a gold medal with a first-round submission victory over Manila's Santiago Lausa, demonstrating precision and control on the mat.
Other gold medalists for the kids' team included Philip Lamparas, Liuzorro Uphill, and Saige Gunthorpes, each contributing to the team's success with their strong techniques and competitive spirit.
Coach's Pride and Team Expansion
Strive CCA head coach Lemuel Maglinte expressed immense pride in the kids' performance. "For the past years, the team focused on adults and masters competitors, but this time we formed a kids team," Maglinte said. "I am so happy because our young grapplers proved they can perform really well." This strategic expansion into youth training reflects the academy's commitment to nurturing talent from an early age.
Silver and Bronze Medalists
The silver medal winners for the kids' team were:
- Margarette Chiong
- Liam Dsouza
- Deon Quiachon
- Jordenne Costelo
- Ziven Uphill
- Gavin Tradio
Bronze medalists included:
- Minhoo Seo
- Jihoo Seo
- Zarabella Uphill
- Solomon Gunthorpes
- Joaquin Costello
- Charlie Tan
- Gazhi Tradio
Adult Team's Strong Showing
While the kids stole the spotlight, the adult competitors from Strive CCA also delivered strong performances. National team hopeful Josh Ybañez won two gold medals in the featherweight and open weight events within the purple belt category, showcasing his potential for higher-level competition.
Other adult gold medalists were yellow belt Jinani Agbayani and purple belts Eric Earl Los Baños and John Vincent Li. Silver medalists among the adults included Anna Camelle Gomez, Lloyd Gerodias, Gabriel Tradio, and Alfred Alega, with Felix Borata earning a bronze medal.
Affiliation with a World Champion
Strive CCA's success is bolstered by its affiliation with Rene Lopez, a multiple-time world champion and leader of Jiu-Jitsu Methods in Las Vegas. This connection provides the academy with expert guidance and a proven training methodology, enhancing the development of both youth and adult athletes.
The 2026 Cebu International Jiu-Jitsu Open served as a platform for Strive CCA to demonstrate its growing prowess in the sport, with the kids' team's debut setting a high standard for future competitions. As the academy continues to expand its youth program, these young grapplers are poised to become rising stars in the jiu-jitsu community.
