Roman Chagala Makes Headlines: 10th Planet Poway’s Young Jiu Jitsu Star Wins Eighth Gold Medal

Roman Chagala Jiu Jitsu is becoming a story worth following in Poway, California. At just 10 years old, Roman has already earned eight gold medals in competition, built an impressive record of submission victories, and attracted the attention of the local newspaper.

On October 15, 2026, the Poway News Chieftain published a feature on Roman’s accomplishments, recognizing the young 10th Planet Poway athlete following another successful performance at the NAGA San Diego Grappling Championship.

For our coaches, teammates, and families at 10th Planet Poway, seeing Roman’s dedication recognized in the community is something worth celebrating. We’ve watched him grow through our Kids Jiu Jitsu Program, develop his own creative style of grappling, and become a confident competitor who genuinely enjoys testing himself against talented opponents.

His accomplishments are exciting on their own. But they also represent something bigger: the dedication of a young athlete, the support of his family, and the growing competitive culture within our youth martial arts program.

Roman Chagala featured in the October 15, 2026, Poway News Chieftain. Article by Julie Gallant; competition photos by Michael Chagala.

Roman Chagala Jiu Jitsu Success: 8 Gold Medals at Age 10

Roman’s latest gold medal came at the September 12, 2026, San Diego Grappling Championship, organized by the North American Grappling Association (NAGA), where he once again demonstrated the technique, composure, and determination that have made him such an exciting young competitor.

According to the Poway News Chieftain feature, Roman has accumulated 26 tournament victories, including 20 wins by submission, along with his eight gold medals.

Those are impressive numbers for any young athlete, especially one who is still in elementary school.

But what makes Roman stand out isn’t simply his collection of medals. It’s how he approaches competition.

The story behind Roman Chagala Jiu Jitsu success is one of consistent practice, technical development, and a willingness to challenge himself against talented opponents.

He is calm under pressure, willing to engage with difficult opponents, and comfortable pursuing submissions rather than relying entirely on points or positional advantages. He has developed a style that reflects both the technical foundation of his training and his own creativity on the mats.

Roman is currently a gray belt in Jiu Jitsu and a fifth-grade student at Tierra Bonita Elementary School in Poway. Between school, training, and tournaments, he continues to pursue his goals with a level of enthusiasm that inspires the people around him.

For Roman, winning gold is exciting, but so is the opportunity to face some of the best young grapplers in his age group.

That competitive mindset is one of the reasons we’re so proud of his progress.

The Triangle Choke, the Buggy Choke, and Roman’s Creative Submission Game

One of the most interesting parts of Roman’s development has been watching him discover his own style.

Roman has become particularly dangerous with two submissions: the triangle choke and the buggy choke.

The triangle choke is a classic Jiu Jitsu submission that uses the legs to control an opponent’s head and arm. It requires precise positioning, timing, and an understanding of how to create pressure.

The buggy choke is a more unconventional submission, often attacked from positions where a grappler appears to be at a disadvantage. It demands flexibility, awareness, and the confidence to recognize opportunities that other competitors might overlook.

Both techniques require more than memorizing movements. They require a student to understand how positions connect, how opponents react, and when to commit to an attack.

That’s something we encourage throughout our Kids Jiu Jitsu Program.

We want our students to develop strong fundamentals, but we also want them to experiment, solve problems, and discover the techniques that work best for their individual games.

That creative approach is also part of the philosophy behind the 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu system, which emphasizes No-Gi grappling, technical experimentation, and the development of effective submissions.

The evolution of Roman Chagala Jiu Jitsu techniques reflects what can happen when technical instruction meets curiosity, creativity, and consistent practice.

Kids practicing ground grappling techniques during No-Gi Jiu Jitsu training at 10th Planet Poway.

From Our Early Kids Classes to the Local Newspaper

Roman has been part of 10th Planet Poway since the early days of our Kids Jiu Jitsu Program.

We’ve had the opportunity to watch him develop from a young student learning the fundamentals into a skilled competitor with a growing collection of tournament accomplishments.

That progression doesn’t happen overnight.

It comes from showing up to class, learning from mistakes, drilling techniques, sparring with teammates, and continuing to work when something doesn’t come easily.

Roman has embraced that process.

He trains consistently, works hard, and brings a genuine enthusiasm for grappling to the academy. Like any developing athlete, he has experienced challenges along the way, but his willingness to keep learning has helped him make tremendous progress.

The Roman Chagala Jiu Jitsu journey is a great example of how much a young athlete can improve through years of consistent training and support.

Seeing a student who grew up in our program receive recognition from the local newspaper is a special moment.

It is also a reminder of how much can happen when a young athlete has the right environment, dedicated coaching, supportive teammates, and a family that encourages his goals.

Young athletes develop their No-Gi Jiu Jitsu skills through consistent training at 10th Planet Poway.

A Calm, Intelligent Competitor With Big Goals

In the newspaper feature, Roman’s father, Michael Chagala, described his son’s natural ability, intelligence, composure, and distinctive approach to grappling.

Those qualities are easy to appreciate when watching Roman compete.

Some young athletes rely heavily on aggression or athleticism. Roman has shown an ability to stay composed, recognize opportunities, and work toward submissions even against challenging opponents.

That ability to remain calm is especially valuable in Jiu Jitsu, where competitors must make decisions while dealing with physical pressure, fatigue, and constantly changing positions.

Roman also has ambitions beyond competing locally.

One of his goals is to eventually compete in Brazil, a country with a rich history in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and some of the sport’s most respected competitors and academies.

As Roman Chagala Jiu Jitsu experience continues to grow, opportunities to compete against stronger and more experienced opponents could become an important part of his development.

We love seeing our students develop those kinds of dreams.

Not every child who walks through our doors will want to become a world champion, and that’s perfectly fine. But when a young athlete develops a genuine passion for competition, we want to provide the coaching, training environment, and support necessary to help them pursue their potential.

Roman is still at the beginning of his journey, and we’re excited to see where it takes him.

Roman’s Success Reflects a Growing Kids Jiu Jitsu Program

Roman’s accomplishments are also part of a larger story unfolding at 10th Planet Poway.

Our Kids Jiu Jitsu Program has continued to grow, both in participation and in the level of skill our young athletes bring to competition.

We’re building an environment where students can develop confidence, learn effective grappling, make friends, and challenge themselves at whatever level is appropriate for them.

For some children, that means learning basic self-defense, improving coordination, and becoming more comfortable in social situations.

For others, it means preparing for local tournaments, developing advanced techniques, and pursuing championship goals.

Both paths are important.

Our coaching staff includes experienced instructors such as Head Kids Jiu Jitsu Coach Colby Bartholmey, Head Coach Kevin Berbrich, Joshua Jackson, and Anthony Scigliano, who help students build technical skills while maintaining a supportive and structured learning environment.

We believe young athletes develop best when they’re encouraged to work hard, treat teammates with respect, and enjoy the process of learning.

The goal isn’t simply to produce competitors who win medals.

It’s to help develop capable, confident young people who understand discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

The success of athletes like Roman demonstrates how a positive learning environment can support both personal development and competitive achievement.

10th Planet Poway Helps Bring Home Two NAGA Team Championships

Roman’s latest gold medal came during a particularly memorable tournament for our academy and the broader 10th Planet competition team.

At the September 12, 2026, NAGA San Diego Grappling Championship, the 10th Planet team captured both the Kids Team Championship and the Adult Overall Team Championship.

10th Planet Poway contributed nearly 20 youth competitors to the event, helping support the overall team’s success.

For our kids, the tournament was about much more than individual medals.

They had the opportunity to compete alongside their teammates, encourage one another, and experience the excitement of contributing to a larger team effort.

Some students came home with championship medals. Others gained valuable experience, discovered areas to improve, and returned to training with new motivation.

Both outcomes matter.

Competition provides a unique opportunity for students to test their techniques against unfamiliar opponents while learning to manage nerves, pressure, and adversity.

When our athletes step onto the mats, we want them to compete confidently, demonstrate good sportsmanship, and represent themselves and their teammates with pride.

The Roman Chagala Jiu Jitsu achievements at NAGA San Diego were part of a larger team effort that showcased the progress of our young competitors and the strength of the culture we’re developing.

Young grapplers, coaches, and supporters celebrate together at the NAGA San Diego grappling tournament.

You can read more about the event in our NAGA San Diego Team Champions recap.

Building One of the Best Kids Martial Arts Programs in Poway—and Beyond

At 10th Planet Poway, we have ambitious goals for our youth programs.

We want to build one of the strongest and most respected Kids Martial Arts Programs in Poway, throughout San Diego County, and eventually on a much larger competitive stage.

That doesn’t mean focusing exclusively on winning tournaments.

It means developing an academy where children receive excellent instruction, feel supported by their coaches, and have the opportunity to reach their potential.

We want beginners to feel welcome from their first day.

We want recreational students to enjoy training, improve their fitness, and build confidence.

And we want our most dedicated competitors to have the technical knowledge, training partners, and coaching necessary to pursue high-level competition.

As our young athletes continue to develop, we want them to have opportunities to test their skills at increasingly competitive events, including appropriate tournaments organized by respected organizations such as the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF).

Those goals can exist together.

In fact, we believe a strong competition team can benefit the entire academy. Experienced students help raise the level of training, demonstrate what’s possible through consistent effort, and create an environment where younger students have positive examples to follow.

Roman’s success is an exciting example of that process.

He is helping show other young athletes what dedication, creativity, and a genuine love for Jiu Jitsu can accomplish.

Why Kids Jiu Jitsu Is About More Than Winning Medals

Not every child needs to compete to benefit from martial arts.

In fact, many of the most valuable lessons happen during ordinary training sessions.

Kids Jiu Jitsu teaches students how to work through challenges, listen to instruction, cooperate with partners, and stay composed when things become difficult.

A child who initially struggles with a technique may need to practice it dozens of times before it begins to feel natural.

That experience teaches patience.

A student who gets caught in a submission during sparring learns to recognize mistakes, remain calm, and try a different approach.

That develops problem-solving skills.

A child who trains alongside teammates with different strengths, sizes, and experience levels learns the importance of respect, communication, and teamwork.

Those lessons extend well beyond the mats.

Our goal is to help children develop confidence without arrogance, competitiveness without disrespect, and discipline without losing their enjoyment of training.

Whether a student wants to win a championship or simply become more confident, we want them to leave class better than when they arrived.

For a closer look at these benefits, read our article on Kids Martial Arts in Poway.

More Than Grappling: Kids Muay Thai and Kickboxing at 10th Planet Poway

While Roman’s accomplishments highlight our Kids Jiu Jitsu Program, we also offer youth striking instruction through our Kids Muay Thai Program.

Muay Thai and kickboxing introduce students to a different set of martial arts skills, including proper striking technique, footwork, balance, distance management, and controlled partner drills.

Our goal is to teach these skills in a safe, age-appropriate environment where students can build coordination, confidence, and physical fitness.

Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai complement one another.

Jiu Jitsu teaches students how to control positions, escape difficult situations, and use grappling techniques on the ground.

Muay Thai develops striking skills, movement, timing, and an understanding of distance.

Together, these disciplines provide a well-rounded foundation in martial arts.

Families interested in broader training opportunities can also explore our Kids MMA Classes and Wrestling Program.

Kids Martial Arts Classes Starting at Age 4

Our youth programs are designed to give children an age-appropriate introduction to martial arts while allowing them to continue developing as they grow.

Kids No-Gi Jiu Jitsu

• Ages 4–8: Classes focused on fundamentals, movement, coordination, listening skills, and building confidence.
• Ages 9–15: Classes that continue developing grappling fundamentals while introducing more advanced techniques, positional understanding, and competition preparation.

Kids Muay Thai and Kickboxing

• Ages 5–15: Youth striking instruction focused on technique, footwork, balance, fitness, and discipline.

We welcome students with a wide range of experience levels.

Some children arrive with previous wrestling or martial arts backgrounds. Others are stepping onto the mats for the very first time.

Both are welcome.

Our coaches work to help each student develop at an appropriate pace while maintaining a positive, challenging, and encouraging atmosphere.

You can review our current class times on the 10th Planet Poway Schedule.

Try Your First Class at 10th Planet Poway—No Commitment Required

If you’re looking for Kids Martial Arts in Poway, we’d love to introduce your family to our academy.

We understand that starting a new activity can feel intimidating, especially for younger children who have never trained before.

That’s why every new student begins with a private introductory lesson before joining their first group class.

This introductory session gives your child the opportunity to meet an instructor, become familiar with the academy, learn a few basic techniques, and get comfortable in the training environment.

It also gives parents the chance to ask questions about our programs, class structure, and expectations.

There is no commitment required to get started.

Whether your child is interested in Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, self-defense, fitness, or simply trying something new, our goal is to help your family find the right fit.

Visit our Kids Jiu Jitsu Program, explore our Kids Muay Thai Classes, or contact 10th Planet Poway to arrange an introductory lesson.

Congratulations, Roman!

Everyone at 10th Planet Poway is proud of Roman Chagala and the progress he’s made as a young martial artist.

Eight gold medals, 26 tournament victories, 20 submission wins, and a feature in the local newspaper are impressive accomplishments for a 10-year-old.

The Roman Chagala Jiu Jitsu story is still being written, and we’re excited to be part of it.

Roman continues to train, learn, compete, and develop his own approach to Jiu Jitsu. With the support of his family, coaches, and teammates, he has an exciting future in the sport.

We’re grateful to be part of that journey.

Congratulations, Roman. Keep working hard, keep having fun, and keep chasing your goals.

Your 10th Planet Poway family is cheering you on.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Jiu Jitsu in Poway

How old does my child need to be to start Jiu Jitsu?

Our Kids No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Program welcomes children starting at age 4. We offer separate classes for ages 4–8 and 9–15 so students can train with others at an appropriate developmental level.

Does my child need previous martial arts experience?

No. Beginners are welcome, and every new student receives a private introductory lesson before attending their first group class.

Does my child have to compete in tournaments?

No. Competition is optional. Some students enjoy competing, while others train for confidence, fitness, self-defense, discipline, and fun.

What is the difference between No-Gi Jiu Jitsu and traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu is practiced without the traditional uniform jacket and pants. Students typically wear rash guards and grappling shorts while learning takedowns, positional control, escapes, and submissions.

Does 10th Planet Poway offer striking classes for kids?

Yes. Our Kids Muay Thai Program serves ages 5–15 and introduces students to striking fundamentals, footwork, coordination, and controlled partner drills.

How can I schedule an introductory lesson?

Visit our contact page to get in touch with the academy and arrange your child’s first private introductory lesson.

Related Reading

• NAGA San Diego Team Champions: 10th Planet Poway Helps Win Kids & Adult Titles
• Kids Martial Arts in Poway: Building Confidence, Character & Real Skills
• Explore Our Kids Jiu Jitsu Program
• Explore Our Kids Muay Thai Program

About 10th Planet Poway

10th Planet Poway is a No-Gi Jiu Jitsu and martial arts academy located in Poway, California. Our programs include Kids and Adult No-Gi Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Muay Thai, and self-defense training. We welcome beginners, recreational students, and competitive athletes in a supportive environment focused on technical development, confidence, and community.

Learn more about our coaching staff, view our class schedule, or contact us to get started.