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Tag: Jiu-Jitsu

  • Estie Liwanen, John Baylon lead Philippine medal surge at JJIF Ju-Jitsu in Abu Dhabi

    Estie Liwanen, John Baylon lead Philippine medal surge at JJIF Ju-Jitsu in Abu Dhabi

    The Philippines showcased the depth of its ju-jitsu program as veterans and rising stars combined for an impressive medal haul at the JJIF Ju-Jitsu Masters World Championships and the JJIF Ju-Jitsu U14 World Cup in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.


    Leading the charge was Estie Gay Liwanen, who delivered a standout performance to capture the gold medal in the women’s Master 2 -70kg division, highlighting the country’s continued strength in the masters ranks.

     

    Adding to the Philippine campaign was former world champion and national team head coach John Baylon, who proved he can still compete with the world’s best after earning the bronze medal in the men’s Master 4 -77kg category. 

     

    Baylon’s podium finish underscored both his longevity in the sport and his ability to lead by example while mentoring the next generation of Filipino athletes.

     

    The country’s future stars matched the veterans’ success in the JJIF Ju-Jitsu U14 World Cup, collecting four gold medals, one silver, and one bronze against some of the world’s best young competitors.

     

    Mischa Violet Lu ruled the girls’ -32kg division, while Megan Louise Cabreros topped the girls’ -36kg category to give the Philippines an early boost in the youth competition.

     

    Franco Castelo added another championship after prevailing in the boys’ -52kg class, while Liearra Thurriz Casolari completed the country’s golden campaign by emerging victorious in the girls’ division.

     

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    The Philippines also earned additional podium finishes through Santiago Javier Luzuriaga, who captured the silver medal in the boys’ -48kg category, and Kyra Victoria Abella, who secured bronze in the girls’ -40kg class.

     

    Beyond the medalists, Aisha Scarlett, Aliyah Jorgina, and Ahron Azareel gained valuable international experience by testing themselves against some of the most promising youth practitioners from around the globe, an opportunity expected to aid their long-term development.

     

    The strong showing reflects the Philippines’ growing pipeline in ju-jitsu, where seasoned campaigners continue to deliver results while a new generation of athletes steadily emerges through grassroots and international competitions. 

     

    The balance between experienced veterans and promising youngsters has become one of the program’s biggest strengths heading into future continental and world events.

     

    With multiple podium finishes across both the Masters and U14 divisions, the campaign in Abu Dhabi provides another confidence boost for Philippine ju-jitsu. The results not only reinforce the country’s reputation as one of Asia’s rising forces in the sport but also offer momentum as Filipino athletes continue their preparations for upcoming regional and international tournaments.

     

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  • Annie Ramirez captures gold, defends title at 2026 Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship 

    Annie Ramirez captures gold, defends title at 2026 Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship 

    Annie Ramirez once again proved why she remains one of the Philippines’ top jiu-jitsu athletes, adding another gold medal to her growing international legacy after successfully defending her title at the 10th Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship in Almaty, Kazakhstan.


    The Filipina fighter stood atop the adult female -57kg division after defeating Mongolia’s Shurentsetseg Enkhmunkh in the championship match on Saturday, securing her second straight Asian title in the category. 

     

    Ramirez previously captured gold in the same division during the 2025 edition held in Amman, Jordan.

     

    Beyond another medal, the victory represented another milestone in Ramirez’s decorated career. 

    The 35-year-old now owns three Asian Championship gold medals, having also claimed the top spot during the 2023 tournament in Bangkok, Thailand.

     

    “Winning the gold is a blessing and a great honor. I’m thankful to God for the strength and opportunity to compete, and I’m proud to raise the Philippine flag on the international stage. This victory belongs to everyone who has been part of this journey,” Ramirez said.

     

    Ramirez’s latest triumph also continues a remarkable year for the veteran athlete, who opened 2026 with a gold medal performance at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China last April. 

    With major international events ahead, she hopes to carry her winning momentum into the next stage of her career.

     

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    “I hope this is a strong start as we prepare for the upcoming World Championships, the Asian Games, and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG). I’ll continue to work hard to represent the Philippines with pride and give my very best,” she said.

     

    While Ramirez delivered the Philippines’ lone gold medal in the competition, the national team still managed a strong overall showing, finishing third in the medal standings with one gold, one silver, and three bronze medals.

     

    Joining Ramirez on the podium were Joanne Pauline Tan, who earned silver in the adult female -70kg division, while Eliecha Zoe Malilay (-45kg), Emily Thomas (-57kg), and Dylan Valmores (+70kg) secured bronze medals for Team Philippines.

     

    On the other hand, Jiu-Jitsu Federation of the Philippines praised the athletes for their commitment and the sacrifices behind their performances.

     

    “To our incredible athletes: we are beyond grateful for the relentless hard work, early mornings, and sacrifices you poured into this tournament,” wrote the national federation in a Facebook post Sunday.

     

    “Every drop of sweat on the mats represents your unwavering dedication to jiu-jitsu. You left it all out there and represented the Philippines with absolute pride!”

     

    Following their successful campaign in Kazakhstan, the national team will turn its attention to the upcoming World Championships in Abu Dhabi, scheduled from Aug. 6 to 9. 

     

    The federation believes the lessons gained from the Asian Championship will help the squad prepare for an even bigger challenge ahead.

     

    “This is merely a stepping stone. We are incredibly optimistic about the upcoming competitions. The lessons learned here will only fuel our training, and we cannot wait to see this team step into the next chapter stronger, sharper, and more united than ever,” said the national federation. 

     

    With another Asian crown secured, Ramirez continues to build her legacy as one of the Philippines’ most successful jiu-jitsu competitors while leading a national team determined to make another impact on the global stage.

     

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  • Annie Ramirez wins third straight Asian Beach Games gold for team Philippines 

    Annie Ramirez wins third straight Asian Beach Games gold for team Philippines 

    Team Philippines continued its strong showing in the 2026 Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, securing its third gold medal of the competition behind another stellar performance from Annie Ramirez.

     

    The reigning Asian Games champion once again proved her dominance on the sand, capturing the gold medal in the women’s -57 kilogram division of jiu-jitsu on Friday, April 24, at the Athletes’ Village competition venue. Ramirez defeated fellow Filipina Emily Thomas via advantage in an all-Philippine final, ensuring that the country would take both the gold and silver medals in the division.

     

    The victory marked a historic milestone for Ramirez, as she clinched her third consecutive Asian Beach Games gold medal, having previously topped the podium in the 2014 and 2016 editions. Her sustained excellence across multiple cycles underscores her status as one of the Philippines’ most accomplished combat sports athletes.

     

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    Despite the lopsided result in the final, Ramirez’s road to the championship was anything but easy. She was tested in the semifinal round by Mongolia’s Shurentsetseg Ehnkhmunkh, engaging in a tightly contested bout that went the full five-minute duration. Ramirez ultimately prevailed, 5–2, using her experience and tactical discipline to pull away in the latter stages and secure her place in the gold medal match.

     

    Reflecting on her victory, Ramirez emphasized both the significance of the achievement and the unique circumstances of facing a compatriot in the final.

    “It’s a big thing that Emily and I were able to close out the division, so it helped lessen the anxiety – especially with everything that happened earlier and the delay. At least whoever won, it’s still a win for the Philippines. I’m very blessed and so happy. It’s one of the rarest things to achieve as a national athlete, so I’m grateful to everyone who helped me,” Ramirez said after winning the gold.

     

    The all-Filipino final highlighted the depth of talent within the country’s jiu-jitsu program, with both Ramirez and Thomas showcasing high-level technique and composure under pressure. While Ramirez ultimately extended her reign, Thomas’ silver medal performance signaled the emergence of another strong contender for the Philippines in future international competitions.

     

    Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino was present at the venue and witnessed firsthand the Filipinas’ dominance in the division. He praised both athletes for their efforts and competitiveness on the international stage.

     

    “Emily wanted the gold for herself and the country, and she fought like a champion. While Annie remains the queen of this mat, we believe Thomas’ time is coming. That resilience and hunger – that’s the true spirit of being a Filipino athlete,” Tolentino added.

     

    With Ramirez’s triumph, the Philippine jiu-jitsu team concluded its Asian Beach Games campaign with an impressive haul of two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. The result further cements the country’s reputation as a rising force in the sport across Asia.

     

    Looking ahead, Ramirez is set to defend her title in the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, later this year. With her current form and proven track record, she will once again be among the favorites to deliver gold for Team Philippines on an even bigger stage.

     

     

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  • Alexandria Luz Enriquez wins first gold for Philippines at 2026 Asian Beach Games in jiu-jitsu 

    Alexandria Luz Enriquez wins first gold for Philippines at 2026 Asian Beach Games in jiu-jitsu 

    Team Philippines struck gold for the first time at the ongoing 2026 Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, courtesy of a commanding performance from Alexandria Luz Enriquez, who captured the women’s ne-waza 63-kilogram jiu-jitsu title on Thursday, April 23.

     

    Enriquez, who trains and is based in the United States but proudly represents the Philippines, delivered a composed and dominant showing throughout the competition, capped by a decisive 5–0 victory over South Korea’s Yeonni Lee in the final. Her triumph not only secured the country’s first gold of the Games but also added another milestone to the Philippines’ growing reputation in international jiu-jitsu competition.

     

    The Filipino-American athlete began her campaign in emphatic fashion, recording back-to-back submission victories against opponents from China and Thailand to immediately establish herself as a strong contender for the podium. In the semifinals, Enriquez faced a stern test against Shamma Alkalbani, where both athletes were locked in a tightly contested battle that ended in a 4–4 stalemate. Enriquez ultimately advanced via advantage scoring, demonstrating tactical awareness and composure under pressure to book her place in the final.

     

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    In the championship match, Enriquez asserted control early and never relinquished momentum, securing a clean 5–0 win to claim the gold medal in dominant fashion.

     

    Speaking after her victory, an emotional Enriquez reflected on her journey and connection to her heritage.

     

    “I feel so much pride and joy. First of all, glory to God. I was born in the Philippines and then we immigrated to the States when I was a very young child, six years old. To be able to come back as an adult and experience this, and to be part of something much larger than myself, is such a great honor,” she said.

    Her triumph marked a significant moment not only personally but also for the Philippine delegation, as it became the nation’s sixth overall gold medal in Asian Beach Games history. The achievement comes as the Philippines continues to build momentum in combat sports on the continental stage.

     

    Philippine chef de mission Don Z. Caringal praised Enriquez’s performance, highlighting both its competitive significance and symbolic value.

     

    “Alexandria showed the heart of a true Filipino warrior today. To win gold here in Sanya, against the best in the continent, sets a high standard for our hosting in 2028. This is a proud moment for the entire nation,” Caringal said.

     

    Enriquez’s gold-medal performance came shortly after teammate Kaila Napolis added to the country’s medal tally with a bronze in the same discipline. Napolis, a former silver medalist at the 2016 Asian Beach Games, once again demonstrated her consistency at the elite level, grinding out a hard-fought campaign before falling just short of the final.

     

    “Sobrang nakakakaba. Kasi bawal magkamali. With overtime, the first to have an advantage na yung mananalo. So super tight talaga ng laban,” Napolis said, describing the intensity of her matches.

     

    Elsewhere in the competition, Andrea Lois Lao narrowly missed out on a podium finish after losing her bronze medal match to Thailand’s Orapa Senatham, 3–0. The Philippine campaign also saw early exits for Myron Mangubat, Maria Ysabel Laureta, and Santino Luis Luzuriaga, who were all eliminated in the opening round of their respective divisions.

     

    Despite mixed results across the roster, Enriquez’s breakthrough gold and Napolis’ podium finish underscored the Philippines’ growing strength in jiu-jitsu, offering an encouraging start to the nation’s Asian Beach Games campaign and reinforcing expectations ahead of future international competitions.

     

     

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