Ninong GOAT: The Warrior, Mentor, and Guardian of Filipino Martial Arts

 Ninong GOAT: The Warrior, Mentor, and Guardian of Filipino Martial Arts

CAINTA, Philippines — Inside the high-octane octagon of Juego Todo's 1st Proclamation Anniversary at Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall on August 28, 2026. The crowd erupted as history was forged in real time. Stepping into the cage to deliver a heart-pounding demonstration of raw Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) is Rodrigo Celones—known nationwide by his moniker "Ninong GOAT" or "El Tito Jhun"—achieved a historic milestone. Already coming off a landmark induction into the 2026 FMA Hall of Fame as the "FMA Sultan ng Sining." In an unprecedented moment for the promotion, GM Rodrigo was officially elevated to 8th Dan Grandmaster in Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) SIPARNIS, marking the first time a traditional FMA promotion and demonstration of this caliber was executed inside the Juego Todo cage.

To the combat sports community, Ninong GOAT is a powerhouse executive, elite martial artist, decorated veteran, and generous invidual whose life work bridges battle-tested military tactics with the preservation and evolution of traditional martial arts.

A Legacy Born in Service and Steel:

Long before commanding the ring, Grandmaster Rodrigo honed his leadership in high-stakes operational environments. A retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, he served as Chief Master-at-Arms (CMAA), Master Training Specialist (MTS), Anti-terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) Instructor, and Command Fitness Leader (CFL). He specialized in physical security, force protection, and law enforcement defensive tactics; his military career established the bedrock of discipline and tactical precision that defines his work today.

Yet, ask GM Rodrigo about his single greatest achievement, and he won't point to military medals or martial arts titles—he points to his son, Ramil. Raising his only son as a single father while navigating grueling sea tours and overseas military deployments was his toughest and most rewarding mission. The torch has successfully passed: following in his father's footsteps, Ramil currently serves in the U.S. Air Force, holds a Black Belt in Taekwondo, and boasts an undefeated 3-0 record in local kickboxing tournaments.

GM Rodrigo attributes his own relentless work ethic to his mother, his greatest lifelong influence. A woman of extraordinary focus and drive, she taught him by example to stay in his own lane, tune out the noise, and work tirelessly toward personal goals for the sake of family.

That same spirit of service continues to protect communities today. GM Rodrigo actively travels the country conducting critical seminars in Crime Prevention, Physical Security Awareness, and Active Shooter Response alongside co-instructor Thailiah "Enigma" Lauren, empowering law enforcement officers, organizations, and civilians alike.

Precision, Power, and the Ring:

As Chief of Combat Operations for Juego Todo—the premier full-contact stick fighting and MMA promotion pioneered by the founder and father of the modern day Juego Todo, Ferdinand "Papa Goat" Munsayac, GM Rodrigo oversees the engine behind groundbreaking events like the Barrio Brawls series. Concurrently, as Chairman of SIPARNIS Philippines, he serves as the standard-bearer for founder SGM Francisco Gajilomo, steering the system’s growth and coaching elite athletes. 

A true fighter-scholar, GM Rodrigo holds black belt ranks across a formidable array of disciplines: Kyokushin Karate, Taekwondo, Hapkido, Pencak Silat, and the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP). He carries a rich competitive pedigree spanning both technical point-system Karate-do and full-contact bare-knuckle Kyokushin Karate. His expertise extends deeply into weapons arts, encompassing mastery of traditional Arnis point systems and live stick sparring (Kali).

He doesn't just teach from the sidelines—he leads from the front lines. GM Rodrigo continues to compete and coach in elite battlegrounds including Estilo de Paete, Laban sa Bangko (bench sparring), Tagisan ng Talim, Kalahi Knife Fight, and Philippine Martial Arts Hall of Fame (PMAHOF) tournaments, consistently securing podium finishes and medals in the Master and Grandmaster open-weight divisions.

GM Philosophy: The Three Simple Truths: 

Beyond physical prowess, GM Rodrigo leads with a deeply grounded warrior philosophy built on three core principles:

1. Replace Jealousy with Inspiration:"When you recognize greatness in others, it is only because that same capacity for greatness exists within you."

2. Embrace Winner's Energy:"Win or lose, shake hands and look your opponent in the eye. Capture that positive energy, learn from it, and make it your own."

3. Success is Nothing Without Connection:"It's lonely at the top. True success is empty if you don't have friends, family, and brothers-in-arms to celebrate it with."

Shaping the Culture:

Beyond the mat, Ninong GOAT reaches global audiences through digital media. Co-hosting the GOATISM Podcast alongside Ferdinand "Papa Goat" Monsayac, he breaks down fight culture, strategy, and industry insights. Through his project "Coffee & Sticks," he shares the deeper philosophy of martial arts, training methodologies, and journey-driven travel. 

From naval ship decks and full-contact octagons to mentorship and fatherhood, Grandmaster Rodrigo "Ninong GOAT" Celones remains a driving force in modern combat sports—preserving tradition, building warriors, and raising the bar for Filipino martial arts nationwide.

By channeling the spirit of Filipino Martial Arts—from SIPARNIS to Juego Todo—GM Rodrigo is dedicated to empowering underprivileged fighters, giving them the tools to turn raw grit into a lasting legacy and a real future.