By ADRIAN STEWART CO

DEFTAC Philippines’ jiu-jitsu program earned multiple major honors in 2025, highlighted by team awards across several divisions and a top individual citation for its founder and head coach, Alvin Aguilar.

The Bacolod City-native Aguilar announced the achievements in a Facebook post, detailing a string of recognitions for the organization.

DEFTAC was named Team of the Year in the No Gi Kids, Gi Kids and Gi Adults categories, underscoring the program’s strong performance across age groups and disciplines.

Aguilar himself received the Professor of the Year Award.

The 52-year-old Bacolod native, who founded and has led DEFTAC Ribeiro Jiu-jitsu Philippines since 1996, credited the entire organization for the milestone.

“We did it together, DEFTAC six blades jiujitsu family,” said Aguilar, who also serves as president of the Wrestling Association of the Philippines.

“This achievement belongs to all of us!” he added.

Aguilar began training in martial arts at age nine, starting with karate, arnis and Greco-Roman wrestling.

Over nearly three decades, he has helped develop Filipino athletes pursuing careers in jiu-jitsu.

He emphasized that the awards reflected a collective effort by the organization’s members.

“Our amazing students, dedicated coaches, the hardworking chapter heads, and awesome parents have all played a vital role in our success,” Aguilar said.

“Together, we are committed to improving ourselves and everyone around us!” he added./ASC, WDJ