When it comes to mixed martial arts in the Philippines, Team Lakay’s success is second to none.
In ONE Championship alone the team has produced five World Champions: Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon, Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio, Honorio “The Rock” Banario, and ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio.
Outside The Home Of Martial Arts, the team is also well represented, winning belts in other promotions in Asia and in North America.
But behind the team’s success are unsung heroes who play a huge role in developing these athletes – one of them is their trainer Jaybe Ban-Eg.
“I am one of the trainers and coaches of Team Lakay,” Ban-Eg said. “This is a blessing for me because this is my passion and I get to work with very respectful, disciplined, and hard-working individuals.”
“Sometimes their matches overlap each other, so I am usually the one that coach (Mark Sangiao) sends overseas to guide and train our athletes who will be competing.”
Ban-Eg started as a competitor on Team Lakay back in November 2015 and took part in amateur tournaments.
Somewhere along the way, the 25-year-old fell in love with teaching and coach Mark Sangiao made him an official coach and trainer in January 2018.
“I am happy to share my knowledge in martial arts,” Ban-Eg said, “but at the same time, I’ve been learning more from the team, especially coach Mark along the way.”
“Aside from the fact that I love what I do, I am also becoming a better coach and trainer for the team, and as a human being because of the respectful and passionate athletes and coaches I work with.”
Ban-Eg's role may be far from the spotlight – in fact the only time he gets airtime is when the camera pans toward the corner in between breaks and after the match – but he is always happy to help the team.
“I always make sure they follow their respective programs, and at the same time, I guide them through their game plans,” Ban-Eg said.
“I am happy with where I am now. I am growing as a fan of the sport and as a person. Working with coach Mark, I’ve learned a lot of things, particularly with how he really values his work.
“People expect the best from me in doing my role to help the team as they look to get more wins in their next matches.”
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