It was not an outing to remember for Team Lakay in their Shooto debut, but it was still a good experience nonetheless for the Baguio City-based stable.
Head coach Mark Sangiao is beginning to foresee a brighter future for Philippine martial arts after sending three warriors to the Shooto 30th Anniversary Tour last Monday, 6 May, in the hopes of one day landing a roster spot with ONE Championship.
Jared Almazan, Jerome Wanawan and Jean Claude Saclag battled tremendously, but ultimately fell short in the end.
“Even though we did not get a win, our new athletes were able to gain significant experience,” Sangiao explained.
“Jean Claude and Jared were making their international debuts, and Jerome last fought five years ago.”
ONE announced its partnership with Shooto last January, as The Home Of Martial Arts continues to make significant progress in further strengthening the Asian martial arts scene.
World Champions of Shooto receive an automatic slot in ONE, and most athletes who made the jump from Japan’s iconic promotion have enjoyed a successful transition.
Reigning ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki, as well as former strawweight titleholders Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito and Yosuke “The Ninja” Saruta all came from Shooto before making a dent in The Home Of Martial Arts.
Though it wasn’t an ideal entry to the prestigious Japanese organization, it was the exposure and the lessons which matter the most for Team Lakay.
“It’s a beautiful learning experience for them. I’m sure they gained a lot considering the level of the athletes in Shooto,” Sangiao said.
“I’m sure we left a very good impression on them, the mixed martial arts community in Japan, and all the fans.”
