SUNNY `PIN’ DIEGO : Most decorated Negrense jiu jitsu fighter 

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There is no longer any doubt that Dr. Sunny “Pin” Diego is an inspiration to our island of Negros, and of Filipinos, in the world of jiu jitsu.

Pin, born in Bacolod City, and studied at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, has been putting Negros and the Philippines on the jiu jitsu map worldwide.

Recently, he became the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Phoenix Open 2023 Black Belt Master 4 Medium Heavyweight Champion, and Absolute Bronze Medalist, also in the same competition.

Pin had won multiple championships in Jiu Jitsu over the years, and a victor in each belt rank, from white to blue, purple, brown, and ultimately the black belt. He has managed to win in six divisions – in rooster, light-featherweight, featherweight, light weight, middle weight, and medium heavyweight – throughout his career.

He has given Negros and the Philippines honor each time he competed internationally, as he represents the island and country in the world of jiu jitsu.

Pin holds three Pan American championships, two American Nationals championships, and has two bronze medals at the IBJJF World Masters.

He has also competed in Europe, especially Italy and France, where he bagged the silver and bronze medal, respectively. He won multiple awards and medals across the United States of America through the years that he has been competing.

Pin said it has always been his belief that through the art that he loves and practices, he will touch a lot of Filipino and Negrense lives. He believes that he can inspire generations to come through the achievements he attained via hard work, grit, training, and discipline.

He said he plans to bring high level jiu jitsu to Negros someday, and help other Negrense jiu jitsu practitioners to come to the US to compete with him or under his leadership and banner.

Pin, the son of Sany Diego and Dr. Crispina Vedra-Diego, is a John Maxwell team member and has a PhD in Humanities. He is also the head instructor and owner of two Alliance Jiu Jitsu academies in Inland Empire, California.

Pin used to be a member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Candoni in Negros Occidental, and is the nephew of former mayor and now Vice Mayor Cicero “Celot” Diego Borromeo of the town.

He said he wants to make his mother and family to be always proud of him.

And, indeed, Pin has been making his family proud with his feats. He is the most decorated jiu jitsu fighter from Negros Island in history. Proud Pinoy. Proud Negrense. Proud Bacolodnon. Proud Candonian. ||