Pinggoy's jiu jitsu beginnings trace back to undergraduate meddling with wrestling, boxing and MMA. It was in 2008 when Mike Saniel ΜΣΦ 2006 invited Pinggoy to join Jiu Jitsu in the Ateneo-based Vamos Para Frente (VPF), reputably the most competitive jiu jitsu team in the country. Stepping up to the challenge of balancing training and other responsibilities Pinggoy worked his way though training, technique and discipline for several months before winning his first No-Gi Bronze medal in the groundbreaking Rollapalooza I tournament in 2008. Since then he hasn't stopped training, and he hasn't stopped winning.

He won his next Bronze medal in the 2009 Philippine National Novice Tournament. His next conquest was a Silver in the 2009 Rollapalooza IV, followed by a Silver in the -62kg division and Silver in the Open weight division of the 2010 Philippine National Novice Tournament. He then entered the international scene by winning Gold in the 2010 Philippine Inernational Jiu Jitsu Open, and again, winning Bronze in the 2010 Philippine International Grappling Open. He then went on to win his second Gold medal in the 2010 Philippine National Jiu Jitsu Open.

Currently, VPF has been renamed to ATOS Philippines and Pinggoy is still hard at work. Although he is still a "white belt" he has managed to hoard four bronze medals, two silver medals and three gold medal in less than two years, something very few people can brag about.

Looking towards the future, Pinggoy has no plans of stopping. He is currently looking for challenges abroad, or wherever he may find them. Jiu Jitsu is not simply a sport, but a way of life where mind, heart and spirit move the self into hard work in facing today's challenges, whether it be on the mat, in the classroom, in the hospital, or wherever else.

"In a world where two and two make four... five, and sometimes even six, let us not make waste of our time submitting to the countless pressures that hold us back. May we listen to the passions that rampage inside and be like careless birds of prey in flight - vulnerable but free, dauntless but a friend to mistake. For in this freedom lies strength and energy - energy as robust as when a force of perpetual motion meets an immovable object. Then there's unconditional love for God, family, and friends to make it all right. But I'm sure you guys already know this. AFTG brothahs! You're the real heroes of Mu because you work so hard day in and day out inside the class and outside. Unbelievable. I SALUTE and HONOR!"

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