By
Miguel Vejar, originally from Ajijic, shone at the Elite Submission League (ESL) Masters Cup 2025, a national jiu-jitsu tournament held on Saturday, Oct. 4, in Mexico City. Miguel competed in the Gi and NoGi categories, winning gold and silver medals, respectively.
Miguel explained that the tournament featured direct elimination, which required him to be at his peak from the first match. His performance earned him first place in Gi, his favorite discipline, which requires the traditional uniform, and second place in NoGi, demonstrating his versatility in the sport. “I love fighting with Gi, I put a lot of pressure on my opponent, and that allows me to have better control,” he explained.
Vejar expressed that his experience at the ESL Masters Cup was special because it was the first edition of the tournament in the country and an opportunity to reunite with colleagues from the national circuit. “It was a great opportunity to demonstrate the level that exists in our town and compete against the best master belts from all over the country,” he added.
The Ajijic native highlighted that his preparation included intense physical training, running up a hill, and specific practices for competition. He also emphasized the importance of the mental aspect: “Fear and nerves are always present, but the adrenaline of competing is indescribable.”
Finally, Miguel sent a message to those considering taking up jiu-jitsu: “It’s a sport for everyone. It improves your health, your discipline, your mind… and it also teaches you to make decisions under pressure.” He thanked his team, family, and community of fighters from La Ribera, noting that despite the lack of support, they will continue to represent Ajijic on the country’s tatami mats proudly.
Miguel is part of the Sparta Fight Team Carvalho, under the tutelage of Óscar Aldana, and has a solid background in martial arts. A lawyer by profession, Vejar recalls that his first contact with jiu-jitsu was during college, although it was in 2012 when he formally began his journey in the discipline. “From that first class, I was surprised how someone with less weight could subdue me so many times… that’s when I decided to continue,” he shared.
Translated and edited by Bruce Bernhart
