Lakay Training Center clinch 32nd Grapplers Cup crown

LAKAY Training Center grabbed 10 gold medals besting 10 other gyms in Baguio and Benguet to rule the 32nd Grapplers Cup recently at the Benguet Sports Complex.

Aside from 10 golds, Lakay Training Center also bagged six silvers and five bronze medals in the event hatched by Team Lakay as Jhanlo Mark Sangiao lead the squad with a gold in the absolute division.

Also scoring gold for Lakay Training Center are Dvhyn Khydz Juan (13 -15 years old), Jahmiel Busacay (10 - 12 years old), Anfernee Bokilis, (13 - 15 years old), Rahimi Asher Casibang (65kg), Jan Michael Hermoso (5152kg) and Edilberto Coquia (59-63kg).

Coquio alos took home a special award for winning the best submission during the contest.

Gridlock/Chekmat Ronin Jujitsu came home with two golds, four silvers and three bronze medals to cop second place with Elgen Navalta winning the fastest submission at 56 seconds who won in the 50kg and below in the women's division as Hajid Ali Hakeem topped the senior's men in the 75kg division.

Lakay San Fernando meanwhile snatched two gold medals courtesy of Jheykye Aguinoas (51-57kg juniors) and Mark Jessie Nardo (80kg and up men) including three bronze medals to place third in the over – all standings.

UC Jaguars Wushu Team and Builders Gym had two gold apiece with Erica Cervantes (UC) winning two as Christian Manipon and Jones Catalino also won in their respective categories for Builders.

Participating gyms include Lakay Central Gym, Pangasinan Jiu Jitsu Academy, Fight Corps MMA, Tribal Submission, Baguio Central University Combative Club and PanPacific University North Philippines.

Focusing on clinching and ground fighting, the Team Lakay grappling tournament aims to develop MMA fighters in their submission skills through the use of submission holds which brings together techniques from folk wrestling, judo, Greco-Roman wrestling, Brazilian jiujitsu, jujutsu (of the traditional form), and sambo.

Submission forms can be used as an element of a larger sport setting common in mixed martial arts. The event also aims to develop the skills of local MMA enthusiasts and prepare them for higher levels of combative sports.