Cambodia’s national ju-jitsu team, known as Team Komodo, has once again demonstrated its rising dominance in the sport, returning home with an impressive haul of 29 medals from the 2025 Southeast Asia Regional Ju-Jitsu Championship held in Manila, Philippines, on July 12–13.
With nine golds, eight silvers, and twelve bronze medals, this marks the team’s strongest international performance to date—a proud milestone for Cambodia’s growing presence on the global martial arts stage.
A Golden Moment for Cambodian Ju-Jitsu
Among the standout performers were gold medalists Moeun Lim Sopanha, Kaimoni Operana, Kongmona Mithora, Kongmona Jassica, Heng Sreavheang, Tin Sovanbourkeo, Sao Sopheara, and William Chan Om-Feld, who showcased not only exceptional skill but also the discipline and resilience that have become synonymous with Team Komodo.
This year’s 18-athlete squad was the largest ever sent by the Ju-Jitsu Federation of Cambodia to an international event—reflecting both increased ambition and deepening talent development in the Kingdom’s martial arts landscape.
A Vision Beyond Medals
Team Komodo’s remarkable rise has been anything but accidental. The team, coached by Jasper Martijn Paas, has adopted a long-term development strategy that prioritizes consistent progress over quick wins.
“I think the key factor behind Team Komodo’s success is that we’ve always had a long-term vision from the very beginning,” Paas shared. “This year, we’re really starting to see the results of that commitment.”
That vision includes international exposure, intensified training schedules, and a strong sense of camaraderie among athletes. According to Paas, sending athletes to international training camps earlier this year was a game-changer.
“Not only did they improve individually, but they also came back with new skills and knowledge to share with the rest of the team in Cambodia,” he explained.
Training, Teamwork, and Triumph
The team’s preparation has also involved increasing training hours and intensity, all while helping young athletes manage their academic and personal responsibilities.
“Balancing school and sport isn’t easy,” said Paas. “But the athletes are motivated, and their dedication is now reflected in their results. The growth is clear—and I believe it’s only going to keep growing from here.”
Team Komodo’s success is also a testament to Cambodia’s broader investment in sports development, with support structures that help athletes reach their potential while promoting national pride.
Eyes on the Future
While the Manila tournament was a major milestone, it’s just one stop on a packed competitive calendar for the Cambodian team. The next big challenges include the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain this October, followed by the World Championships in November, and then the highly anticipated 33rd SEA Games in Thailand this December.
“We’ll use this period to reflect and fine-tune our preparation,” said Paas. “Even though we’ll take part in smaller regional competitions to keep the momentum, this is a great opportunity to set our sights higher.”
Building Momentum from Success
The results in Manila follow Cambodia’s recent performance at the 9th Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship in Amman, Jordan, where the team brought home 11 medals. These back-to-back successes signal a growing regional and international reputation for Cambodia in a sport once dominated by larger nations.
Team Komodo’s disciplined rise is not only bringing home medals—it’s inspiring a new generation of athletes in Cambodia to take up ju-jitsu and dream big.
With the right combination of strategy, spirit, and support, Cambodia’s ju-jitsu team is not just competing—they’re becoming a force to reckon with on the global stage.
