Maltese brothers Isaac and Joseph Bajada enjoyed a standout debut weekend on the competitive jiu-jitsu scene, claiming three gold medals between them across two tournaments.
Isaac Bajada made his competitive debut at the ADCC Malta Open Championship 2026, choosing to enter the 18+ -60kg Intermediate Division despite having no previous competition experience.
Facing a more experienced opponent, Isaac showed calmness and technical control, winning by submission to take gold.
Less than 24 hours later, Isaac returned to the mats at the Ground Game Cup Malta Summer 2026. Competing once again in the 18+ -60kg Intermediate Division, he delivered another strong performance and secured his second gold medal of the weekend with another submission victory.
His brother Joseph Bajada also made his competitive grappling debut at the Ground Game Cup Malta Summer 2026. Joseph claimed gold after his opponent forfeited, marking a successful start to his own competitive journey.
The brothers are part of one of Malta’s well-known martial arts families. They are coached in the Jiushin Kan Jiu-Jitsu system by Christian and Roderick Bajada, who are recognised locally for their long contribution to martial arts in Malta.
For Isaac and Joseph, the weekend marked more than just a strong set of results. It was the beginning of a new chapter in competition, with both brothers now looking to build on an impressive first step.
Three gold medals in one debut weekend is no small achievement — and for Maltese jiu-jitsu, it is another encouraging sign of the next generation coming through.
