Back in 2008, in the Philippines, Mike Fowler, BJJ black belt and one of the top American grapplers of the 2000’s (silver medalist at 2006 Pans at black bet and 2007 ADCC 4th place where he submitted Saulo Ribeiro) was conducting a seminar. While he was there, being the game competitor that he is, he decided to compete at a local Judo tournament. Fowler made it all the way to the finals.

When he reached the finals, he faced the Philippines top Judo player John Baylon.

John Baylon is one of the most decorated judo players ever to come out of south east asian region, with a record of 9 South East Asian games gold medals (the highest in a single medal sport) he has twice represented the Philippines at the Olympics and been a medalist in the worlds masters, asean and asian games in Judo.
In addition to his judo skills John is also a black belt in brazilian jiu jitsu under clube de jiu-jitsu in Japan. John Baylon is the first person from the south east asian region to hold a kodakan judo black belt and a bjj black belt. When he faced Fowler he was a BJJ brown belt.

Baylon was able to catch Fowler with his trademark arm lock: Uda Gatame.

Baylon’s win brought the crowd which was comprised of Judokas and Filipino BJJ players into a crazed celebration. Baylon was expected to win in Judo rules, but it was a surprise that he submitted such a high level BJJ black belt with an armlock. Fowler was a good sport and a gentleman and congratulated Baylon for his win. Fowler went to have more great results in BJJ notably taking Gold at the Asian Open and the American Nationals.

Baylon and Fowler all smiles after the match

John Baylon, now aged 50 is retired from competitive Judo and teaches BJJ and Judo at his academy in Manila, Philippines: John Baylon Clube de Jiu-Jitsu.

Baylon is part of the list of top 14 elite level Judokas (Olympians) with the best ground game / Newaza.

Check out the match and learn the armlock in the following video below this one:

Watch John Baylon teach BJJEE’s editor Gile Huni the Ude Gatame Arm lock bad in 2008 when Gile was still a purple belt and visiting the Philippines on vacation. Gile was close to 100 kilos in this video compared to John’s 80 kilos. They do a nice roll afterwards: