By CALVIN CORDOVA
CEBU CITY — Two United States-based Cebuano siblings are starting to make a name for themselves in the world of martial arts.
Siblings Jared and Jansen Tan, who trace their roots to Barangay Tisa in Cebu City, made quite an impression in the recent Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championships 2023 at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Jared, 8, stamped his class by winning the gold medal in the 30-kilogram category, while his 10-year-old brother Jansen, ranked third in a field of 19 contenders, secured the bronze in the infant (27kg) weight class.
“I trained so hard for this tournament and I’m very happy to win the gold because my hard work paid off,” said Jared.
Jansen was equally ecstatic with their recent performance.
“Though it wasn’t the result I wanted , I’m still happy because I gave my all on the mat. I’m so grateful to be on the podium,” said Jansen.
The two siblings are looking forward to more fruitful campaigns in the future. The young martial artists are trained by professor Taniel “Abu” Jesus at the Nature Brazilian Jiujitsu Academy based in Sanford, North Carolina.
Becoming known black belters across the world are the two brothers’ ultimate dream.
“It’s a good exercise. It challenges me mentally and physically and helps me to become disciplined,” said Jansen.
