Bangkok, Thailand — Ju-Jitsu emerged as one of the standout combat sports at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), held from 9 to 20 December 2025 across venues in Bangkok and Chonburi. Athletes from across Southeast Asia demonstrated technical mastery and fierce competitive spirit, contributing to a thrilling showcase of martial arts excellence.
Thailand Dominates the Mat
At the conclusion of the ju-jitsu competitions, the host nation Thailand asserted formidable dominance, capturing the majority of titles on offer. Out of the 18 medal events contested in ju-jitsu, Thai athletes secured 14 gold medals, reinforcing their status as the region’s leading force in the sport.
The Thai team’s success was highlighted by consistent performances across all conducted disciplines, Duo and Show Ju-Jitsu, Jiu-Jitsu (Ne-waza, ground grappling) and Fighting Ju-Jitsu, with multiple athletes standing atop the podium and energizing local fans. Their haul played a significant role in Thailand’s overall medal surge at the Games.
In the mixed team competition, the JJAT team Thailand has gained the upper hand as well.
Regional Rivalries and Breakthrough Performances
Competing nations also produced memorable moments:
- Vietnam’s Đặng Đình Tùng delivered a technical masterclass, claiming gold in the men’s Jiu-Jitsu under-69kg category. His tactical grappling and sharp submissions underlined the depth of talent beyond the host nation.
- Singapore’s rising star Jedd Tan, just 18 years old, earned gold in the men’s fighting under-77kg division, demonstrating remarkable resilience and skill in his first SEA Games final.
- Singapore also celebrated additional podium finishes, with Aacus Ee securing silver in the men’s Jiu-Jitsu under-85kg and Kayleigh Lim clinching bronze in the women’s Jiu-Jitsu under-48kg category.
These results highlighted the increasingly competitive landscape of ju-jitsu in Southeast Asia, as emerging talents challenge traditional powers and push for excellence.
Philippine Success and Tough Breaks
The Philippine ju-jitsu squad added to the action with strong individual performances. Notably, Dean Michael Roxas and Kimberly Anne Custodio rose to prominence with gold-medal victories in their respective divisions, underscoring the Philippines’ growing stature in the sport.
Meanwhile, veteran competitor Noah Lim of Singapore — a three-time previous SEA Games champion — experienced a surprising early exit, illustrating the unpredictable and fiercely contested nature of this year’s event.
A Growing Sport with Regional Impact
Ju-jitsu at the 2025 SEA Games reflected both the sport’s rising popularity and its strategic importance for national teams across Southeast Asia. With ten categories scheduled in the official program and high-caliber athletes competing, ju-jitsu captured the attention of spectators and contributed meaningfully to the host’s historic medal tally.
As the regional combat sport continues to evolve, performances in Thailand have set the stage for even more intense rivalries at future Games, including the next SEA Games cycle and continental championships.
