(From left) Filipina jiu-jitsu athletes Kimberly Custodio and Annie Ramirez during their respective matches at the 2026 JJIF World Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, August 6, 2026. Photos from Instagram/@jujitsuinternational
MANILA – Filipina jiu jitsu athletes Kimberly Custodio and Annie Ramirez add to their already glittering collection, after winning gold each at the 2026 JJIF World Championships on Thursday at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Custodio ruled the adult female –45kg division, besting Mariam Alali of the United Arab Emirates and Filipino compatriot Eliecha Zoe Malilay.
The 38-year-old could not contain her happiness following her latest achievement on the world stage.
"I’m happy, relieved, and grateful. The journey to this gold wasn’t easy, but moments like this make every sacrifice worth it," she told ABS-CBN News in a message.
"I’m proud to win another world title for the Philippines. Next mission… ASIAN GAMES!!!!!" Custodio said.
After winning gold in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games last December, Custodio said her next goals include winning the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) and Asian Games.
The AIMAG is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in December, while the 20th edition of the continental showcase is happening next month in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
For Ramirez, this marks her third JJIF gold medal after topping the gi and no-gi categories in the –57kg class during the 2025 edition in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 35-year-old is also coming off a gold medal performance at the 10th Ju Jitsu Asian Championship in Almaty, Kazakhstan last month.
Meanwhile, Kaila Napolis claimed silver in the adult female –52kg division, while Melondrina Viray and Alexandria Enriquez added two bronzes in the –48kg and –63kg divisions, respectively.
Michael Vijay Cater likewise captured bronze in the adult fighting male –56kg division.
The Philippines has won two golds, one silver and four bronzes so far in the 2026 JJIF World Championships.