At just 10 years old, Ma. Althea Louise Brion has already achieved what many athletes can only dream of—winning a world championship. Representing the Philippines at the Abu Dhabi World Festival Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2024, Althea triumphed over 36 competitors in her division, securing a gold medal and cementing her place as a rising star in the sport.
Competing in the 10-year-old category, Althea showcased her mastery of technique and strategy. Her first three matches against opponents from the UAE ended in swift victories, each won by rear-naked choke in less than a minute. Her final two matches, against challengers from Nigeria and Kazakhstan, were more intense, requiring her to rely on skill and determination to emerge victorious.
Reflecting on her win, Althea described the experience to The Global Filipino Magazine as “surreal,” saying, “Competing on the world stage, representing the Philippines and my team, feels incredible—it’s a mix of pride, gratitude, and motivation. It’s not just about the medal but the countless hours of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication.”
Althea, who hails from Marikina City, discovered her love for jiu-jitsu at the age of eight during a short summer camp. What started as a casual activity quickly became a passion that reshaped her life. “Jiu-jitsu has taught me a lot aside from self-defense—discipline, confidence, and resilience—which drove me to pursue the sport more seriously,” she said. Her training takes place at Deftac Marikina, where she works under the guidance of her coach, Lester, and trains with her supportive teammates. “They are my biggest influences. I’m at my happiest when I train with them at our dojo,” she added.
Competing on an international stage required intense preparation, both physically and mentally. Althea approached the challenge by focusing on core techniques and training with diverse sparring partners. “Facing competitors from other countries requires a lot of effort—not just physical but also mental and emotional preparation. Instead of being intimidated, I view it as a learning opportunity,” she explained. Her approach to matches is equally meticulous, with a mindset focused on securing control and maintaining a dominant position while adjusting to her opponents’ moves. This strategy played a significant role in her quick victories and ultimate triumph in Abu Dhabi.
Balancing her rigorous training schedule with academics is another challenge that Althea manages with discipline and time management. A Grade 5 homeschooler under Peniel Integrated Academy of Rizal, she credits the flexibility of homeschooling for allowing her to excel both in sports and studies. “I usually study in the morning and train in the afternoon to evening,” she said, emphasizing the importance of prioritization and structure in her daily routine.
What Althea loves most about jiu-jitsu is the challenge of pushing herself beyond her limits. “Competing in jiu-jitsu is not just about testing myself against opponents but against my own limits. Competitions push me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to sharpen my skills, think strategically, and stay composed under pressure,” she said. For her, the sport is a lifelong journey of growth, with new techniques to learn, skills to refine, and weaknesses to overcome. “Knowing I can keep improving keeps me excited to train every day,” she added.
When asked what advice she would give to other kids who aspire to follow in her footsteps, Althea emphasized the importance of self-belief and passion. “Believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to dream big. You can achieve anything if you’re willing to work for it. Keep pushing, stay focused, and remember to enjoy every step of your journey because jiu-jitsu is supposed to be fun,” she said.
As for her future, Althea’s goals extend far beyond this recent victory. She aims to continue competing both locally and internationally, representing her team and the Philippines on more world stages. “My goal is to never stop learning, improving, and becoming the best version of myself on and off the mat,” she said.
Her accomplishments have already garnered recognition back home. Just last week, she was honored with the “Rising Star Award” at the 4th Siklab Youth Sports Awards in the Philippines, an event celebrating young athletes who have represented the country abroad. Joining the ranks of esteemed Filipino athletes like EJ Obiena and Nesthy Petecio, this accolade solidifies her growing legacy as a champion.
