Davao • Cebu • Manila
From April 21-28 , Groundwork Foundation traveled throughout the Philippines with one goal in mind — to continue building opportunities through jiujitsu while strengthening the relationships that make long-term impact possible.
This trip brought us through Davao, Cebu, and Manila, where we partnered with local academies, community leaders, and athletes who are all helping push Filipino jiujitsu forward in their own cities and communities.
Davao City – Community First
Everything we did in Davao was made possible through the help of EightyTwoRising — specifically Dwight Lloyd, Kyle Gaite, Ryan Morris, and the rest of their crew, who worked alongside us to organize and bring people together from across the local scene.
On our first night in Davao, we visited Ronin Shalom Academy In Matina, where we spent time with the students of Elijah Shalom Báñez, who recently suffered a mini-stroke.
There, we were able to provide gis for approximately 30–40 students while also teaching technical instruction and spending time with the team directly.
Moments like these are what Groundwork Foundation is truly about.
Not large stages.
Not social media metrics.
But direct impact and relationships with people who are genuinely trying to grow their communities.
EightyTwoRising x Groundwork Foundation Event
The following day, we partnered with EightyTwoRising at SM Matina for a full-day event that brought together practitioners from multiple teams throughout the region.
The event included five separate jiujitsu seminars designed for different groups within the community:
- Beginners
- Kids
- Women
- Gi competitors
- No-gi competitors
In addition to the seminars, we also hosted an ADCC-rules prize money division to help encourage local competition and create opportunities for athletes to test themselves in a professional-style format.
One of the most encouraging parts of the trip was seeing how much talent exists throughout Mindanao and how eager the community is to continue growing together.
Congrats to Ryan, Don, Waj and the rest of the athletes on an exciting day of competition.
Cebu – New Ground Cebu Charity Seminar
In Cebu, we held a three-part charity seminar at New Ground Cebu.
The goal was simple:
continue sharing knowledge, continue building relationships, and continue finding ways to reinvest back into the local jiujitsu community.
The support we received throughout Cebu was overwhelming, and it reinforced something we’ve believed for a long time:
The Filipino jiujitsu community is one of the strongest and most passionate in the world.
Thanks to Norman Go for collaborating with us to put together the event and handling the distribution of proceeds to local scholarship programs all around Cebu after. And thanks to all the attendees from all around Cebu!
Manila – Continuing the Mission
The final stop of the trip brought us to Manila, where we held two additional events.
The first was at Alliance Cobrinha Manila with Mark Entrata, followed by another seminar at Solas Jiujitsu under Meggie Ochoa.
One of the most meaningful moments of the trip came when Mike Calimbas promoted Philippines Youth National Team coach Meggie to the first stripe on her black belt.
Meggie has dedicated an incredible amount of her life to helping others through jiujitsu — particularly women, underserved communities, and young athletes throughout the Philippines. Her leadership, humility, and service to the community embody everything Groundwork Foundation hopes to support and elevate through its work.
Beyond the seminars themselves, Groundwork Foundation was also able to provide a sizeable donation to Project Eden Rescue in support of their ongoing efforts helping vulnerable women and children.
Additionally, thanks to the generosity of Mo Jassim, we were able to help fund a Philippine National Team scholar as she prepares to compete in her first international competition in Kazakhstan — creating another opportunity for a young Filipino athlete to represent her country on the world stage.
These efforts are only possible because of the support, trust, and collaboration of the people who continue believing in the mission.
Giving Back Beyond Seminars
Beyond the seminars themselves, Groundwork Foundation was also able to contribute:
- 300+ total Gi and No Gi kits donated
- Financial support
- Support for local competitors
- Assistance toward Project Eden Rescue initiatives
- Funding support for a Philippine National Team athlete preparing to compete internationally in Kazakhstan
- Partnership with City Sports Development Council in Davao to start pilot program for disadvantaged youth.
- Connecting athletes with JJFP leadership for National Team Summer Camp.
These efforts are only possible because of the support, trust, and belief from the people who continue standing behind our mission.
Looking Forward
This trip reinforced something we’ve believed from the beginning:
Real impact is built through long-term relationships, shared effort, and a genuine commitment to helping communities grow.
While this chapter of the journey is evolving, the mission itself remains unchanged.
Groundwork Foundation will continue focusing on creating opportunities through jiujitsu — supporting youth development, community outreach, athlete support, and partnerships with people who are actively investing in the growth of Filipino jiujitsu at every level.
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who welcomed us, collaborated with us, and contributed their time, energy, and trust throughout this trip.
To the academies, athletes, coaches, organizers, and local leaders who opened their doors to us:
thank you.
This trip was never intended to be a finish line.
It was another step forward.
We’re excited for what comes next and look forward to continuing the work in the months and years ahead.