5-year-old Filipina Becomes Jiu-jitsu World Champ, Charms PH Representatives

Becoming a jiu-jitsu world champion is no easy feat. Most athletes — men and women — train for many years before gaining recognition. But winning seems to come naturally for Aleia Aielle Aguilar, 5 years old… and jiu-jitsu world champion!

Just recently, the young girl made the headlines when she bagged the gold medal at the 2022 World Jiu-jitsu Championships held in Abu Dhabi. Since then, she has been winning the hearts of her fellow kababayans, including our country’s leaders!

Filipina Wins Jiu-jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi
Aleia Aielle Aguilar, 5, is jiu-jitsu world champion!
Image Credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines / Facebook

PH Representatives Welcome World’s Youngest Jiu-jitsu Champion

Last Sunday, at the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-jitsu Festival, Aleia defeated Maria El Halabi of the UAE, 6-0 in the semi-finals, ABS-CBN News reported. She then beat Gabriella Vercosa of Brazil via verbal submission, to clinch the gold medal in the Kids 1 – Under 16 kg category.

On Wednesday, November 16, the young champ visited the House of Representatives plenary hall, where she was welcomed by House members, Manila Bulletin reported. Aleia was proudly wearing her gold medal as she interacted with the Representatives.

Filipina Wins Jiu-jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi
Aleia poses for a picture with members of the House of Representatives.
Image Credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines / Facebook

Everyone at the plenary hall were charmed by the cute yet feisty Aleia. Several House members, including Presidential son and Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos, took pictures with the world’s youngest jiu-jitsu champ!

Filipina Wins Jiu-jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi
Ilocos Sur 1st District Rep. Ronald Singson and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos pose for a picture with the young champ.
Image Credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines / Facebook

Aleia was accompanied by her proud parents, Alvin Aguilar and Maybelline Masuda. Aguilar, who has a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, is the founder and president of Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC), the longest-running Filipino mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion.

Meanwhile, Masuda is a former jiu-jitsu world champion, and a gold medalist at the 2014 Asian Beach Games. Aleia’s older brothers — Alonso, Lucas, and Andreas Lucho — are also jiu-jitsu athletes who are set to compete in the event. Clearly, passion for the sport runs in the family!

Filipina Wins Jiu-jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi
Aleia with her proud parents, Alvin Aguilar and Maybelline Masuda.
Image Credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines / Facebook

Congratulations, Aleia Aielle Aguilar! At such a young age, you’ve brought joy and honor not only to your family… but to the entire country! We certainly look forward to following and supporting your athletic career in the future!

Speaking of athletes, aside from jiu-jitsu, Abu Dhabi hosts other sports as well… including extreme ones! Here’s a list of the best extreme sports that thrill-seekers can try in Abu Dhabi!