Paraqueno brings honor to the city in Jiu-jitsu meet

A 17-year old Parañaqueño brought honors to the city as he won the gold medal in his bracket and the championship title in the 2010 World Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Championship which was recently held in Long Beach, California, USA.

Eros Baluyot of Atos Brazilian Jiu-jutsu Club, a resident of Brgy. Vitalez, this city fought a tough match in the White Belt Adult Division against Gracie Barra Jiu-jitsu team member Alexander Alvarez, a very strong and highly technical opponent who was the undefeated champion to win the gold and championship title.

He admitted that at first, he was intimidated by the size of the crowd and the caliber of the competitors, many of whom are the best practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Despite the superb fighting skills of his opponent, Baluyot dominated the bout and managed to force him into submission in a little over 4 minutes via triangle choke.

“It is always great news that our athletes are making great strides in their respective fields. The fact that he triumphed over a previously undefeated opponent in a prestigious international competition makes his win even more remarkable. We congratulate him on his victory and hope that he continues his winning streak.”, Mayor Bernabe said.

The mayor added that the city gives full support to its local athletes and encourages athletic programs among the city’s youth which build not only physical fitness but also discipline and a healthy lifestyle, away from drugs, bad company and vices.

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is a hybrid of the traditional Jiu-jitsu and other grappling fighting styles. It was popularized in the early 90’s by the Gracie Family during the early development of mixed martial arts. It is also one of the foundations for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Many of its practitioners move on to compete MMA competitions such the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC), Strikeforce, World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), DREAM, Sengoku, Bellator and other MMA organizations.

Jiu-jitsu Champion Eros is the son of Mr. Allan Baluyot and grandchild of Brgy. Vitalez Chairperson Teresita Gatchalian. (Public Information Office)