Jiu-Jitsu |15 October 2025

Local BJJ Athlete Wins Bronze at IBJJF Kuala Lumpur Open

Seychellois Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athlete Shane Chang-Seng of Mahé Martial Arts made a remarkable international debut at the IBJJF Kuala Lumpur Open, earning a bronze medal and proudly flying the Seychelles flag at one of Asia’s most competitive tournaments.

The event, held at Multimedia University in Cyberjaya, was organised by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) – the world’s leading authority for BJJ competition.

The IBJJF circuit attracts elite athletes from across the globe, and the Kuala Lumpur Open was no exception, featuring skilled practitioners from teams across Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.

For Shane, this marked his first appearance at an IBJJF event, stepping onto the mats not just to compete, but to test his skills against the region’s best.

Representing Mahé Martial Arts under Coach Vivian Hoareau, and competing under their parent academy Nest Martial Arts led by 2nd Degree Black Belt Amadu Jorge, Shane entered a highly competitive division of ten seasoned athletes.

Despite the odds, his performance spoke volumes about the quality of training emerging from Seychelles’ growing martial arts community.

A statement performance in his IBJJF debut

In the quarterfinals, Shane was matched against Cheung Ko of Icon Jiu Jitsu Team, a veteran team with a respected legacy in the Asian BJJ scene. From the opening exchange, Shane showed confidence and composure, blending strategic takedown defense with fluid guard transitions. Within minutes, he set up a precise ankle lock submission, forcing the tap in under three minutes – a highlight-worthy finish that turned heads across the venue.

The victory propelled him into the semifinals, where he faced Benjamin Candy, a formidable and more experienced athlete from Australia. Due to limited entries, Benjamin – who typically competes in a higher weight class – was placed in Shane’s division, presenting a new challenge in both size and strength.

Despite the physical disparity, Shane demonstrated exceptional technical awareness and calm under pressure. Midway through the match, he transitioned into a tight triangle choke, coming seconds away from securing another submission win.

However, Benjamin narrowly escaped, eventually edging out the match on points.

Benjamin went on to claim gold in the division, while Shane earned a well-deserved bronze medal – a proud moment not only for him, but for Seychelles BJJ as a whole.

Following the event, Benjamin reached out on Instagram, telling Shane: “You were my toughest fight of the day.” Such words from a seasoned international competitor underscore the respect Shane’s performance commanded throughout the competition.

Rising from the islands to the international stage

Shane’s achievement represents more than a personal victory – it’s a testament to the growing presence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Seychelles, and the dedication of local academies like Mahé Martial Arts to developing high-level talent.

Under the guidance of coach Vivian Hoareau, a passionate instructor known for nurturing both discipline and technical excellence, Mahé Martial Arts has become a cornerstone of Seychelles’ martial arts community.

Training often takes place in modest conditions compared to large international academies, but what the team lacks in resources, they make up for in perseverance and team spirit.

“I’m proud to have represented my academy and country,” Shane shared after the competition.

“Competing at an IBJJF event has been a dream for a while, and to win a medal against high-level international opponents is an amazing feeling. I actually registered for this competition while on holiday, so I wasn’t even in peak condition - but I gave it everything I had. To have my hand raised on the IBJJF mats and to push an experienced international athlete to his limits means a lot to me.”

Building the future of Seychelles BJJ

The bronze medal finish in Malaysia serves as inspiration for a new generation of grapplers in Seychelles who aspire to test themselves abroad.

 BJJ has seen steady growth in the country over the past decade, with practitioners regularly participating in regional competitions and seminars to raise their level of experience.

It is crucial for our athletes to see how they measure up against the wider BJJ community, while Shane’s result shows that Seychelles has the potential to produce world-class competitors with the right mindset and work ethic.

Shane now sets his sights on future IBJJF events across Asia and the Open Africa Championship, scheduled for August 2026 in Mauritius, and with his performance in Malaysia, he has proven that athletes from small island nations can compete with – and defeat – some of the best in the world.

A symbol of determination and growth

As Shane’s story continues to unfold, his journey reflects more than medals and match results, it represents the resilience, humility, and quiet ambition that define Seychelles’ martial arts community.

His bronze medal at the IBJJF Kuala Lumpur Open stands as a milestone for the island nation’s sporting landscape and a sign of even greater things to come.

Contributed