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Joey Lepiten: How this judge and referee balances time with family and jiu-jitsu
ONE Championship official Joey Lepiten has had his own piece of action following a successful run at the recently concluded Tokyo International IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Champion at the Komazawa Olympic Park General Sports Ground in Tokyo, Japan.
The highly respected official, who acts as a referee and judge at ONE Championship and local MMA events, bagged a gold medal in the Master 3 under 76kg division last June 15 then a silver medal at the Master International the following day.
"My main goal as a BJJ athlete is to keep a healthy lifestyle. Sharp physically, mentally and emotionally. As a competitive person, I really enjoy the tournaments. I feel that it tests my abilities and my limits," shared Lepiten.
"This is something that I use in my business and also in life. In jiu-jitsu, whether you are a white belt or a black belt, you continuously improve yourself by training and showing up on the mats."
The 40-year-old Lepiten has been jiu-jitsu practitioner for 21 years and is currently a brown belt in "The Gentle Art." Other than being a ring official, he also owns businesses that he operates on the side.
Thorough planning plays a vital role in Lepiten's lifestyle, and he credits martial arts for teaching him the right focus and discipline in fulfilling his handful of endeavors.
"Time management plays an important part in my life. I list down the schedules for all my referee and judging duties for both local and international functions I also list down all the competitions that I intend to join for the year," he explained.
"This is something that I use in my business and also in life. In jiu-jitsu, whether you are a white belt or a black belt, you continuously improve yourself by training and showing up on the mats," he added.
"Practicing jiu-jitsu helps a lot with my mixed martial arts referee and judging duties as well. There is no degree required to be a referee, only a deep knowledge of the sport. A sharp mind and quick thinking is needed in being a referee and judge."
A bustling and an already successful individual in his own right, Lepiten stressed that his family is what bridges his love for martial arts and work. He draws inspiration from his loved ones, as he pointed out that everything he does is because of them.
"I found out that the best way to spend time with your family is involving them in jiu-jitsu as well. My family travels with me whenever I have to compete abroad," he explained.
"They’re my motivation and my cheering squad. It feels great to have them around! And as soon as my kids are old enough and if it interests them, I’d love to for them to share this sport with me."
