Pinoy jiu jitsu champion eyes Asian Games gold

HANSEL CO/AUGUST 01,2016
Hansel Co (LIBRE)
ARNOLD ALMACEN/INQUIRER

HANSEL Co, a robotic engineering graduate from the University of Melbourne, may yet become the country’s latest addition to its list of sporting champions.

Though its entry to the 2018 Asian Games sporting calendar is still to be decided by the Olympic Council of Asia, Co, who fights as a lightweight, has been creating a lot of buzz in the international jiu jitsu scene, making him one of the top medal prospects for the country if ever jiu jitsu will be included in the Indonesia Asiad.

Compared with judo which is already an Olympic sport, jiu jitsu, which originated from Brazil, is young and largely unknown in the country. A rich benefactor from the United Arab Emirates is also helping the local jiu jitsu group attain its objective.

But with the rise of Co and other practitioners, the sport is getting the notice of fans. Co and company belong to the The Jiu jitsu Federation of the Philippines.

‘‘There aren’t so many jiu jitsu practitioners but we are getting bigger,’’ said the 6-foot, muscular son of a businessman focusing on rice mills. Co explained that there are various clubs like ATOS, Deftac, Kamphuis, Checkmat and others dedicated to the popularizing the sport.

Co expresses confidence that the Philippines will be able to win medals of various colors in the next Asiad.

‘‘We are ahead of the others in the region,’’ said Co, who is presently a consultant with Asea Brown Boveri, a leading global tech company.

Co alternates between his consulting work focusing on his work with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines and two-hour daily practice either at Ateneo and the Ultimate Fitness Gym in Ortigas, Pasig City.

To build his strength which is crucial when making “submissions,” Co also lifts weights.

A high school graduate from Xavier, Co decided to continue his studies at Australia where he graduated in 2004.

Because of his built, basketball was Co’s first love. Xavier basketball is known for its time-tested and successful basketball program.

Co said his family picked Down Under because it was cheaper compared to the United States when it comes to getting a college degree.

‘‘Besides, we have relatives living in Australia,’’ Co recalled.

When not busy tinkering with machines or turning the pages of his books, Co learned the nitty-gritty of jiu jitsu.

Co’s rise in jiu jitsu is nothing short of amazing. Recently, Co brought home two gold medals in the under 77-kilo category in two tough tournaments in Vietnam and Las Vegas.

He beat judo legend John Baylon in the finals of the East and Southeast Asian Jiu jitsu Championships in Hanoi last June. Then he went to Las Vegas, US to compete in the International Jiu jitsu Championships. He also pocketed the gold medal.

“It’s quite an honor representing the country,” said Co, who idolizes former Brazilian world titleholder Marcelo Garcia.

With the Jiu jitsu Federation of the Philippines now a reality, Co believes that the sports is on the upswing.

“We now have jiu jitsu practioners nationwide. Alexander Mark Lim from Davao is a winner, while Annie Ramirez is an ace in the women’s division. With the federation,” Co believes that they will be able to gain financial support from the Philippine Sports Commission now headed by William ‘‘Butch’’ Ramirez, who is known in local sporting circles as highly-determined to bring back the luster of Philippine sports.

While waiting for development regarding jiu jitsu’s entry to the Asian Games, Co continues to perfect his skills.

“I’ll continue to train hard because not all can represent and give honors to the country. Who knows, I’ll be at the medal podium in the next Asiad,” Co said.