Rene Catalan: From Wushu Jedi to Family‑Gym Commander
Rene Catalan, once a sweeping‑karated wushu champ, has turned his backyard into a “BJJ‑beating, Muay‑Thai‑mashing” playground for his kids. He’s not just training himself for the straw‑weight showdown against Stefer Rahardian; he’s practically building a next‑gen dynasty.
Why the Family Matters
- “It’s all about self‑defence,” Ruben says, “but it’s also discipline, humility, health and the kind of legacy no one can take away.”
- His eldest daughter chose a different path—no pressure, no drama.
- The boy and girl who LOVE martial arts are the nucleus of Catalan’s new “Catalan Fighting Systems” crew.
Meet “Neboy” – The 13‑Year‑Old Trainer Extraordinaire
Rene Jr, or “Neboy” as everyone calls him, has stolen the spotlight as a part‑time coach at the local gym. Whole summer, he runs the kids’ class, and his dad’s rewarding the effort with a savings plan.
- “…I keep him motivated with something to save for his own future, and the kids see a real hero in his shoes.”
- Now he’s a staff member—just another reason the gym’s vibe is so family‑friendly.
From TV Screens to Competition Rings
When Rene was on the Philippine National Wushu team, his little guy watched his matches. He didn’t need a coaching hand to spark interest—he’d jump straight into sanda, boxing, Muay Thai, and then MMA, mirroring his dad’s moves.
Keeping It Fair and Fun
He’s got a radar for elite trainers, so he personally took on the coaching task for his son. While Rene Jr lives with his uncle Jose Ronnie in Santa Barbara, Iloilo, Catalan is mapping out a future move so the family can converge at the training camp.
Remember, “Neboy” does NOT get a special seat:
- “I want to teach respect, hard work, and commitment.”
- No favoritism—just pure effort.
Pro‑Ready? Wait Till 16
Catalan expects the boy to get his pro license at 16, but he’s not dropping him in the cage until he’s 100% ready. He plans to fine‑tune both defense and offense so the kid steps in with confidence.
Future Glory and Grandmaster Motivation
While Catalan looks forward to his 5th straight win against the undefeated Stefer Rahardian (the “Bali MMA‑trained” pain clincher), he’s counting on Rene Jr’s cheers to keep the spirit alive. “If the BJJ skills outshine us, I’ll counter it with my striking experience—no braggadocio, just a fact.”
For the veteran, every match is a stepping stone to a world title shot, but at base, the love for his son and the relentless grind are the real trophies.
