Filipino national athlete Godwin Amos Langbayan, who traces his roots to Buguias, Benguet, and Tadian, Mountain Province, made history by becoming the first Igorot to win a world championship title, clinching two gold medals at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Nagoya, Japan. His victories in both the no-gi and gi divisions highlight not only his skill but also his remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Langbayan is also the brother of Gibran Langbayan, the first Igorot BJJ black belt, further establishing a legacy in the martial arts community.
Overcoming Challenges
Langbayan faced tough competition from elite athletes, particularly those representing Brazil and Japan.
In an interview with Philstar.com, he expressed his surprise at the outcome, stating, "Unexpected win din, kasi daming malalakas lalo na Brazil at Japan." Despite battling injuries during the finals, his determination and focus allowed him to achieve victory.
Injuries During Competition
The 34-year-old fighter suffered knee soft tissue damage, as assessed by medical professionals, yet chose to push through the pain. "Knee po muscle and soft tissue damage ang initial assessment ng doctor dito," Langbayan explained. His commitment to not allowing any points against him until the end of the match was pivotal in his success.
Langbayan triumphed over two Japanese opponents, Nishi Kuzonori and Kawai Takayuki, to secure his gold medals. He won a total of five matches throughout the competition, demonstrating his versatility and technique. His victories included one by kimura lock, another by knee bar, one by collar choke, and two by points.
Reflecting on his condition post-fight, he mentioned, "Hindi ako malakad for a day, buti may one day rest ako at malakas gamot dito."
Family Success at the Championship
Langbayan was accompanied by his wife, Angela Saldajeno, who also made a mark at the event. Although her gold medal in the no-gi division came from a walkover due to her opponent's absence, she secured a silver medal in the gi event. Langbayan expressed pride in his wife's achievements, showcasing their shared commitment to their sport.
Langbayan's family legacy in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is further emphasized by his brother, Gibran Langbayan, who holds the distinction of being the first Igorot BJJ black belt. Together, they represent a growing community of Igorot athletes excelling in martial arts.
Looking Ahead: Future Competitions
Before participating in the national championships, Langbayan was already recognized as a Jiu-Jitsu brown belt and a two-time MMA bantamweight champion. His training has increasingly focused on sambo, particularly in light of the canceled Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG).
Langbayan is now gearing up for his next challenges, which include a mixed martial arts event in Tokyo and the Sambo World Championship in Kazakhstan.
He emphasized the importance of his upcoming preparations, stating, "All my pre comp will lead to 2024 Sambo World Championship in Kazakhstan this coming November." His dedication to his training and future competitions reflects a strong commitment to his athletic career.
With his recent accomplishments at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Godwin Amos Langbayan stands as a testament to the potential of Filipino athletes on the international stage. His journey not only inspires many but also marks a significant milestone for the Igorot community, proving that with determination and hard work, overcoming challenges is possible.
