Record 450 Grapplers Confirmed as Davao and CDO Clash at Almendras Gym

DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES — The registration gates for the 2026 Mindanao International Open have officially closed at maximum venue capacity, setting an all-time participation record for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in southern Philippines. Exactly 450 verified competitors from across all six administrative regions of Mindanao will step onto the mats at the historic Almendras Gym (Davao City Recreation Center) this coming weekend.

1. The North vs. South Regional Rivalry Reignites

Reigning champions Davao Combat Club under Head Coach Rafael Santos have fielded a formidable 64-athlete roster across the Adult and Master categories. However, northern powerhouse Origin BJJ from Cagayan de Oro City arrives with 52 athletes bolstered by their dominant victory at the Northern Mindanao BJJ Cup in September.

Meanwhile, SOCCSKSARGEN contenders Team Tor GenSan have brought a dominant squad of juvenile and rooster-weight athletes, having captured multiple youth podiums last month. With every gold medal contributing 9 points, silver 3 points, and bronze 1 point to the official Academy Team Trophy Tally, the battle for the premier team shield promises to go down to the final Open Class matches on Sunday evening.

2. Almendras Gym Infrastructure & 8-Mat Coordination

To ensure seamless operations, the Mindanao Jiu Jitsu Federation technical committee has divided the Almendras Gym main court into eight synchronized 8m × 8m competition rings surrounded by 2-meter safety perimeter runoffs.

Each ring is equipped with a digital electronic scoreboard displaying real-time advantage, penalty, and point counts synchronized with the official MJJF central tournament server. Matches will run concurrently under the watchful eye of certified IBJJF Level 2 and Level 3 referees flown in from across the archipelago.

"The caliber of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Mindanao has reached a historic inflection point. When these athletes step onto the mats at Almendras, they represent not just their individual gyms, but the future of Philippine combat sports on the international stage. We are running this strictly by the IBJJF Rule Book." — Prof. Leo Alvarez, MJJF Technical Director

3. Scale Allowance & Weigh-In Protocol (Zero Second Attempts)

Federation officials issued a stern reminder regarding weigh-in compliance. Competitors must weigh in wearing their full competition Gi and official belt immediately prior to their first bout in the bull-pen marshalling zone.

4. Anti-Doping Compliance (PSC & WADA)

In partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO), random anti-doping tests will be conducted across selected adult Male and Female Black Belt podium finishers. All competitors are bound by the WADA 2026 Prohibited List.

5. Spectator Tickets & Live Streaming Broadcast

General admission seating at the Almendras Gym mezzanine is open to the public for ₱100 at the gate, with children under 10 admitted free of charge. Full live multi-camera broadcasts of Rings 1 and 2 will be streamed freely on the official MJJF YouTube and Facebook pages, featuring commentary from local professors.