After losing the championship by a mere two points in Season 85, the UP Men’s Judo Team (UP MJT) returned to the top step of the UAAP podium in Season 86, bringing home the University of the Philippines’ first judo gold medal in 16 years.
Bolstered by names such as Grappling World Champion and Rookie of the Year Fierre Afan and 6-time SEA Games medalist and tournament MVP John Viron “Jayvee” Ferrer, the UP MJT concluded their golden run with a total of 12 medals across five categories, including five golds, three silvers, and four bronzes. It was also the mark of a new era for Men’s Judo, as the team succeeded in ending the University of Santo Tomas’ five-year reign in the sport.
However, this victory was not freely given. The MJT had to contend with various struggles, including multiple injuries, insufficient funding and training facilities, and more.
“[Maraming] na-injure sa amin so medyo nahirapan kami sa campaign namin dahil hindi namin mamaximize yung full potential namin,” stated Hyejun Lee in an interview. “But through the injuries, naniwala lang kami sa proseso namin.”
“Marami talaga kaming struggles as a team,” expressed Ferrer. “[…] Pero yun yung mga bagay na beyond our control na. Eto yung meron kami, eto yung gagamitin namin para magchampion.”
In response to these hardships, the team emphasized the value of the bond they formed through the season.
“Kinonsider namin yung isa’t isa na kapatid,” said Karl Tenorio. “Iisa lang ang ambisyon ng bawa’t isa sa amin. Lahat gusto mag-champion. Every time may nafafall back, may nalulumbay, dun kami lahat as a family.”
As Season 87 looms ahead, the team also aims to dispel the notion that judo is simply “throwing each other on mats,” instead urging spectators to understand the hard work that comes with competing in the sport.
“[In judo] You learn to fall, [but] iaangat mo rin ang sarili mo,” said Tenorio. “Learn to stand [too]. Saluhin mo ang sarili mo sa fall backs.”
Afan also preaches the importance of discipline, without which he can’t stay consistent. “The work that people don’t see is the most important,” he stated.
With the taste of victory fresh on their lips, the UP MJT are entering the upcoming season hungrier than ever.
Ed Ordillas, the UP MJT’s head coach, provided some insight into how the team has been preparing for Season 87, stating that their regiment has been near identical to their Season 86 preparations, albeit with minor modifications to the technical aspect, as well as strength and conditioning.
Incoming captain Hyejun Lee says that they are “ready to face the struggles and challenges” Season 87 will bring. “Mas gutom kami, di kami nag-relax kahit champion na kami. [We’re] hungry for more.”
Outgoing captain Tenorio is in full support of his juniors as he makes his exit from the team. “May tiwala kami sa inyo […] gawin niyo lang ang magagawa niyo, gawin niyo ang makakaya niyo.”
Afan, now in his second year with the MJT, is also ready to defend their title, stating that, “Kahit sabihin na marami yung mawawala. Nandun pa rin yung puso ng team, lakas pa rin ng tibok.”
Ferrer added that they are readier now that they’ve experienced what it is like to be UAAP champions. “Walang ibang ginawa yung team […] kun di mas pagalingin pa at mas gawing solid pa yung samahan.”
“Ibang klaseng UP Men’s Judo Team yung kailangan nilang abangan,” he declared.
“Every individual athlete, same amount ng effort ang binibigay sa sport nila,” Lee expressed. “Para makita din ng ibang tao yung dedication at paghihirap [sa] sport na yun, para maappreciate nila, kailangan nilang panoorin.”
”Not just judo, other sports din need exposure, kase sobrang limited lang yung nabibigay na atensyon ng tao sa other sports. […] Bilang lang sa kamay natin ang nakikita nating sport, […] baka magbukas ang pananaw nila na may iba pang sport,” added Tenorio.
For Ferrer, what they can do is to further push the sport into the spotlight. “Lahat naman ng sport nangangarap na ‘Sana ganito din yung exposure namin, kagaya ng ibang sport, o sana yung suportang natatanggap di lang galing sa mga nanonood o galing sa university kagaya ng ibang sikat na sport.’ Ang kailangan lang talaga namin is magtrabaho lang […] Nangangarap lang kami na maging equal yung pagtingin ng tao pagdating sa sport namin.”
The UP Men’s Judo Team’s bid to prove themselves Masters of the Mat once more will begin this September in the UAAP Season 87.
Learn more about the UP Men’s Judo Team on #HypeUp, available now on the UP Fight Club’s YouTube page. Watch Part 1 and Part 2 here.
