PGMN anchor Raffy Zamora has been promoted to blue belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu at age 45, after more than two years of training. The promotion was awarded last week by Jason Schilbach, a black belt under Roger Gracie, one of the most accomplished figures in the history of the sport.
Brazilian jiu jitsu’s belt system is recognized worldwide for its rigor, with the transition from white to blue marking a practitioner’s move beyond the beginner level. For Zamora, the milestone followed consistent training in Manila under the guidance of Schilbach.
On social media, Zamora described the challenges of the journey. “2 years plus of getting smashed, manhandled, choked, tackled, smothered, strangled and bent out of shape has come to this! I got my blue belt this morning,” he wrote.
He expressed gratitude to his coaches for their role in his progress and also highlighted the training environment at JaZen Jiu Jitsu, which he referred to as his “home away from home.”
Roger Gracie, under whom Schilbach earned his black belt, is a ten-time world champion and a member of the renowned Gracie family of Brazil. Widely regarded as one of the greatest competitors in Brazilian jiu jitsu history, Gracie is known for his dominance on the mats, having secured titles in the World Jiu Jitsu Championship, ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship, and multiple international tournaments.
Schilbach is currently the only black belt in the Philippines under Gracie.
