No-gi Showdown in Mandaluyong: The first ever RVCA Invitational
RVCA Philippines and Atos Jiu Jitsu Philippines came together to host a thrilling event, the RVCA Invitational. It’s a No-gi jiu-jitsu competition that had the local martial arts community buzzing with excitement. The event took place on October 14, 2023, at the Atos Philippines Jiu Jitsu HQ. It’s located in the Gatorade Hoops Center, Mandaluyong.
This wasn’t your average jiu-jitsu tournament. It features five elite teams, including Kombat Sports Kalayaan, Project Lifestyle Manila, Atos Philippines, Deftac Alabang, and Checkmat Philippines. These teams engaged in a round-robin series of 5-on-5 competitions, where points determined the victor.
The competition was intense, with each match-up captivating the crowd, who couldn’t get enough of the action. In the end, it was Kombat Sports Kalayaan that emerged victorious. The winning team included Denice Zamboanga, Gliza Jacinto, Ken Menia, Brendo Max Pudan, and Godwin Amos Langbayan. They are under the guidance of coach Romeo Arellano.
Individual excellence was also celebrated, with Denice Zamboanga earning the title of Most Technical Fighter. Gliza Jacinto also showcased her prowess by claiming the title of Fastest Submission with a 10 sec heel hook.
A FREE jiu-jitsu seminar took place the next day, October 15, 2023, adding to the excitement of the tournament itself. This seminar featured Eros Baluyot, a 2-time IBJJF champion and Atos Jiu Jitsu black belt, providing valuable insights and training tips to eager attendees. To add to the excitement, some lucky attendees even received free RVCA products, making the RVCA Invitational a memorable and rewarding experience for all involved.
It was a weekend of fierce competition, technical brilliance, and a shared passion for the art of jiu-jitsu. This event proudly showcased the spirit of camaraderie and the thriving local jiu-jitsu community, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next RVCA event.
