In the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, few stories are as compelling as those of Eliecha Zoe and Ellise Xoe Diaz Malilay. These Filipino sisters are not only making waves in their sport but are also trailblazers for the youth in their country. With their determination and skill, they are carving out a name for themselves on the international stage.
Eliecha Zoe, aged 18, and Ellise Xoe Diaz Malilay, aged 16, are prodigious talents in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a sport they stumbled upon almost by accident.
“Our dad suggested we try out Jiu-Jitsu back in 2019,” they shared with The Global Filipino Magazine, revealing the humble beginnings of what would become a monumental part of their lives.
Despite initial hesitations, the sisters found their calling on the mats, quickly transitioning from casual participants to serious competitors.
Ellise, the younger of the two, has already secured a place among the top athletes in her age group. With titles like the 2X Abu Dhabi World Pro Youth Champion under her belt, she’s a force to be reckoned with.
“I hold the AJP International top spot globally, in Asia, and the Philippines,” Ellise states proudly.
Her achievements include making history as the first Filipino to win a medal at the JJIF World Youth Championship.
Eliecha’s journey mirrors her sister’s, marked by significant accomplishments, including AJP International Grandslam Champion and AUH World PRO Youth Champion titles.
“I was ranked number 2 in the world, Asia, and the Philippines by the end of the 2022 season,” she recounts.
Like her sister, Eliecha has had to navigate the challenges of competing at higher levels due to age and belt restrictions, an experience that has only fueled her determination.
Together, the sisters train rigorously, spending 3 to 4 sessions a day, six days a week, on the mats.
“Being homeschooled gives us the flexibility to manage our studies and training,” they explain.
Their routine is as grueling as it is rewarding, with each day packed with situational drills, cardio, weightlifting, and technique training.
“It’s definitely challenging, but representing our country and team on the world stage is a privilege we don’t take lightly,” they say.
What sets Eliecha and Ellise apart from their peers is not just their skill but their rapid progress in a sport they took seriously only two years ago.
“We’ve had to put in triple the effort to catch up with others,” they admit, acknowledging the steep learning curve they’ve faced.
As pioneers of the Youth Philippine National team, Eliecha and Ellise see themselves as ambassadors of Jiu-Jitsu, aiming to inspire the next generation.
“We want to share the beauty of Jiu-Jitsu, a sport that has made us stronger in every way possible,” they emphasize.
Through their journey, they hope to encourage more young Filipinos to take up the sport, contributing to its growth in their home country.
The sisters also face challenges unique to young athletes, such as balancing training with education and managing weight for competitions. Despite these hurdles, their commitment to Jiu-Jitsu remains unwavering.
“We just put in the effort and believed in the journey,” they reflect.
Competing internationally has broadened their perspective, making them realize the global scale of Jiu-Jitsu and the opportunities it presents. As for the future, both Eliecha and Ellise dream of staying involved in Jiu-Jitsu, whether as competitors or through opening their own academy.
“Our goal is to spread our love for the sport, starting in the Philippines and hopefully expanding worldwide,” they envision.
The Malilay sisters prepare for upcoming tournaments, including the JJIF Asian Championships 2024.