MANILA, Philippines — In a remarkable display of versatility and skill, Team Lakay fighters showcased a diverse range of talents beyond striking, securing an impressive medal haul at the conclusion of the 2023 Pan Asian BJJFP Gi and No Gi International Open.

Out of their 12 athletes, an astounding nine clinched gold medals, while five claimed silvers and four earned bronze, cementing their dominance on the mats during the weekend event hosted at Ayala Malls Circuit.

Carlo Von Bumina-ang and Nahuel Gandolfi took home two gold medals apiece to lead Team Lakay with Bumina-ang bagging the top mint in the 73 kilograms and Absolute division while Gandolfi topped the No Gi under 73.5kg  and the No Gi Absolute while adding another silver in the Gi under 76kg division.

“We have proven competitive tayo, pati sa grappling palaban ang ating mga Team lakay athletes,” Coach Mark Sangiao said.

Sangiao went straight to the venue after returning from Thailand with Carlos Alvarez.

Alvarez pulled off a D’Arce choke submission victory in the second round against Iranian Sadegh Ghasemi in ONE Championship’s ONE Friday Fights 25 in Thailand.

Other gold medalists for the squad include Joris Jonker (85.5kg) and Jaybe Ban-eg (79.5kg).

SEAG kickboxing gold medalist Jean Claude Saclag also took home a gold medal in the  67.5kg while Jhanlo Mark Sangiao, who is currently preparing for his August 4 fight went home with the top mint in the 73.5kg division.

“Coach Stephen Kamphuis actually said to us after the competition that Team Lakay did well. Not to brag pero naghakot pa rin tayo ng medals kahit hindi lahat ng mga Team lakay sumali,” Sangiao added.  

Indian national Ayan Ekef, who has diligently trained alongside Team Lakay for nearly a month, showcased his remarkable talent by securing a gold medal in the Juvenile Boys 61.5kg category.

Ekef is primed for his upcoming international MMA bout on August 5 where he will represent India in the competition. 

ONE Warriors Series winner Adonis Sevillino also came home with a silver in the 73.5kg together with Conan Adegawa (61.5kg) while Jared Almazan took home a silver in the 67.5kg and a bronze in the Absolute division.

John Ira Barrientos, of San Fernando Team Lakay won a bronze in the 61.5kg as Firoz Khan also snatched a bronze in the 85.5 kg division.

The 2023 Pan Asian BJJFP Gi and No Gi International Open is the first and largest Jiu Jitsu International Competition in Asia since 2005 outside of the IBJJFP Asian Open.

This year’s event has all divisions up to Masters 4, male, female, children and junior divisions.