Ju-jitsu emerged as one of the most exciting competitions at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, with Singapore and the Philippines leading the charge in a showcase of skill, resilience, and rising regional talent.
Singapore’s Jedd Tan, only 18 years old, captured gold in the men’s fighting under-77kg division, demonstrating remarkable composure in his first SEA Games final. Aacus Ee added to the medal haul with silver in the men’s under-85kg division, while Kayleigh Lim secured bronze in the women’s under-48kg category.
These results highlight a new generation of Singaporean athletes challenging traditional powerhouses in Southeast Asian ju-jitsu. The strong performances of young talents like Tan, Ee, and Lim signal the country’s growing depth in the sport and its commitment to nurturing emerging champions.
The Philippine team also made a strong statement. Dean Michael Roxas and Kimberly Anne Custodio claimed gold in their respective divisions, emphasizing the country’s rising reputation in ju-jitsu. Their performances, marked by technical precision and tactical intelligence, reflect the Philippines’ investment in developing high-caliber talent capable of competing at the regional level.
Not all expectations were met. Veteran Singaporean competitor Noah Lim, a three-time SEA Games champion, faced an early exit, underscoring the unpredictable and fiercely contested nature of this year’s event. Such outcomes demonstrate that emerging talents can now challenge even the most decorated athletes.
Ju-jitsu at this edition of the Games featured ten official categories, drawing significant attention from spectators and contributing to Thailand’s medal tally. The competition also highlighted the sport’s strategic importance for national teams in Southeast Asia, as countries aim to strengthen their programs ahead of future regional and continental tournaments.
Performances in Bangkok suggest that rivalries in ju-jitsu are intensifying, with young athletes like Tan and Custodio emerging as serious contenders. These results could shape the next SEA Games and upcoming championships, signaling an increasingly competitive future for the sport in the region.
