MANILA, Philippines - Filipino Allan Drueco will be representing the Philippines and Asia-Pacific in the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) Submission Wrestling World Championship next year in Brazil.
During the SCOOP session at the Kamayan restaurant on Friday, ADCC Asia president Stephen Kamphuis said Drueco got the very rare distinction of representing the Philippines after topping the first ADCC Asia-Pacific World Qualifying Trials (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) last Nov. 4 at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
Kamphuis initiated the successful holding of the qualifying tournament where Drueco emerged champion in the male advan-e division by beating fellow Kamphius-Fabricio teammate Casey Cruz in the Under 76.9 kg category.
Kamphuis said this will be the first time the Philippines will be sending a representative to the world championships.
In Brazil next year, Kamphuis said Drueco will have the distinction of competing with seven other martial arts regional champions representing various countries.
Kamphuis, an Australian staying in the country for about four years, is promoting jijitsu in the Philippines as the safest form of martial arts even for children and girls .