It’s a banner year for Alvin Aguilar.
The Bacolod City native and founder of Deftac Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Philippines earned four Coach of the Year awards at the SJJIF World Championships in recently Chiba, Japan-adding another milestone to his nearly 30-year coaching career.
Aguilar, who has led Deftac since 1996, was recognized as Best Coach in four categories: Gi Adults, NoGi Adults, Gi Kids, and NoGi Kids. His team’s strong performance, with the highest collective points and most champions in each division, secured the honors.
‘I’m incredibly proud to share that I received the Quadruple Coach of the Year Award at the SJJIF World Championships in Japan,’ Aguilar posted on Facebook.
He credited the achievement to the entire Deftac community.
‘This is the result of everyone’s effort-from our chapter heads and coaches to the supportive parents and, most importantly, our amazing students,’ Aguilar said. ‘While I may be the face of this award, it truly belongs to all of us.’
Aguilar also expressed gratitude to Sensei Xande Ribeiro and Saulo Ribeiro for their mentorship and inspiration.
The first homegrown Filipino Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Aguilar is also the founder of the Universal Reality Combat Championship. He described his team as not just a group to train with, but a family to fight for.
‘Here’s to greater things ahead for all of us,’ he said.