During our visit to Manila this past November, we had the opportunity to meet with members of the Philippine Youth National Team leadership over lunch at Manam in Taguig.

What began as a casual meal quickly evolved into a larger conversation centered around the future of Filipino jiu-jitsu and the long-term development of the country’s next generation of athletes.

Conversations Around Growth

Discussions throughout the meeting focused heavily on youth team development, identifying and supporting young talent, improving athlete pathways, and creating stronger opportunities for Filipino competitors both nationally and internationally.

One major focus involved recruitment and inclusion of internationally based Filipino athletes who may be able to contribute to the continued growth and competitiveness of the national team system.

“The strongest communities are built when leaders work together rather than independently.”

A Shared Vision for Development

Beyond competition, the conversations centered around mentorship, leadership, long-term athlete development, and creating opportunities for younger generations throughout the country.

It became clear that many people throughout the Philippine jiu-jitsu community share the same goal: continuing to elevate the level of the sport while building sustainable systems for future athletes.

Continuing the Relationship with JJFP

Those conversations eventually continued beyond the initial meeting and evolved into broader collaboration with the Jiujitsu Federation of the Philippines (JJFP).

Through continued relationship building, we were able to provide recommendations and help connect JJFP leadership with instructors and athletes who could positively contribute to the continued development of Filipino jiu-jitsu.

Connecting Raul Jimenez to the 2026 National Team Summer Camp

One of the most meaningful examples came through helping facilitate communication between JJFP leadership and 2026 National Team Summer Camp instructor Raul Jimenez.

Raul is widely respected not only for his accomplishments as a competitor, but also for his professionalism, technical instruction, and ability to connect with athletes of all levels.

Helping bring that level of instruction and international experience into direct contact with Filipino athletes represented an opportunity to continue elevating exposure, development, and mentorship opportunities throughout the national team community.

Looking Forward

As Sibol Foundation continues to grow, we hope to continue supporting youth athlete development, scholarship opportunities, instructor partnerships, mentorship initiatives, and long-term community growth throughout the Philippines.

The future of Filipino jiu-jitsu is incredibly bright — and the people helping build it deserve support, visibility, and opportunity.