For Jojo Tiger Ancajas, that journey began with adversity, resilience, and an unwavering determination to rise above life's challenges.
Born in the Philippines, Jojo migrated to Auckland, New Zealand, as a young teenager. Like many immigrants, he faced the difficult task of adapting to a new country, a new culture, and a new way of life. Small in stature, shy, and carrying a strong accent, Jojo quickly became a target for bullying at school.
At the age of 14, Jojo was introduced to Muay Thai by a fellow student, Piotr Perzewski, who was experiencing similar struggles. Piotr invited him to train under Sifu Phillip Lam, founder of the renowned Lee Gar system. That single invitation changed everything.
After only 18 months of training, Sifu Phillip Lam selected Jojo to compete in his first Muay Thai fight. Standing across from him was the reigning New Zealand Champion. Against all odds, Jojo stopped the champion with a third-round TKO in a stunning debut performance. It was a defining moment that ignited a lifelong passion for martial arts, competition, and coaching.
As the years progressed, Jojo became deeply involved in coaching and cornering fighters at Lee Gar, earning a reputation for his technical knowledge, dedication, and ability to bring out the best in his athletes. His martial arts journey later took him to the United Kingdom, where he continued coaching fighters and worked alongside some of the sport's respected figures through the renowned Cage Rage Promotions.
In 2009, Jojo relocated to Australia and began offering personal training sessions on the Gold Coast. Driven by his passion for authentic martial arts and the Lee Gar lineage, he established the first Lee Gar gym on the Gold Coast in 2010. The gym quickly became known for producing skilled fighters while fostering a strong sense of community and personal development.
Life, however, had another chapter in store. Jojo stepped away from full-time coaching to pursue a career in nursing, dedicating eight years to caring for others and serving his community. Yet his passion for teaching, mentoring, and martial arts never faded.
Since its relaunch, JTA has become more than just a gym. It has become a family. A place where people of all ages and backgrounds can build confidence, improve their health, learn self-defence, and discover what they are truly capable of achieving.
Under Jojo's guidance, JTA has produced numerous successful fighters and champions, including standout athletes such as Luke ‘The Duke’ Fraser.
More importantly, it has helped hundreds of everyday people transform their lives through fitness, discipline, and personal growth.
Today, JTA continues to uphold the traditions and values that shaped Jojo's own journey: Resilience. Discipline. Loyalty. Honour. Respect.
These principles are woven into every class, every training session, and every athlete who walks through the doors.
