Honorio Banario surprised, honored to get belt promotion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

MANILA, Philippines—Honorio Banario is showing the mixed martial arts world that he’s more than a striker after he earned his blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

The former ONE World featherweight champion received his colored belt from John Baylon, a two-time Olympian in judo who received his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu from Toshiyuki Wado in 2008.

Like most Team Lakay members, Banario is well-versed in striking but he receives most of his grappling training from Academia John Baylon.

Banario and his teammates usually go to Metro Manila to train in the grappling art and this dedication of his led him to win three gold medals in the Asia Pacific Jiu-Jitsu International Competition in Manila last October.

“I was surprised to learn when I found out that I was promoted to blue belt,” said Banario. “I think winning three gold medals in my latest jiu-jitsu competition validated all the hard work that I spent on the mat.”

“It was an unbelievable experience to get promoted to blue belt. My training was not as consistent as I want it to, so it came as a surprise when I got the promotion.”

Banario, who holds a 14-7 mixed martial arts record, said getting his blue belt in “the Gentle Art” gave hum added confidence in his skills especially that it allows him to be more versatile fighter.

“There’s an added confidence in my ground game because of this,” said Banario. “This will also transition to me getting better on the ground in a mixed martial arts bout.”