UAE-based Filipino sisters Eliecha Zoe and Ellise Xoe Diaz Malilay have once again proven their mettle on the global stage, adding new accolades to their impressive careers in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Competing at the prestigious JJIF Ju-Jitsu World Youth Championships 2024 in Heraklion, Greece, both sisters showcased their skill and determination, bringing home well-deserved medals.
Golden moment for Eliecha Zoe
Eliecha Zoe, who has been making waves in the sport since she and her sister began their journey in 2019, secured a gold medal in the Women’s U21 No-Gi -45kg division. She also earned a bronze medal in the Women’s U21 -45kg Gi category.
“Winning gold and bronze at the JJIF Ju-Jitsu World Youth Championships in Greece was an incredible experience,” Eliecha shared during an email interview with The Global Filipino Magazine.
“In the Gi category, I felt proud to perform much better than I had at last year’s JJIF World Championship. I’m pleased with my performance, even though I made a few mistakes in the semifinals. Securing the bronze was still an achievement, though I felt I could have done even more. For No-Gi, however, I was thrilled with both my performance and the result. I had trained so hard for this moment, and winning the gold was incredibly rewarding.”
Her success was built on rigorous training at Atrixion MMA in Dubai, where she honed her physical abilities while relying on mental support from her yoga teacher, Ayn, who also trains Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz. “Maintaining mental strength was one of the biggest challenges I faced, especially after being promoted to purple belt last year. The pressure affected my mindset, but I pushed through it with the help of my mentors,” she added.
Ellise Xoe’s steadfast spirit
Ellise Xoe, who has consistently proven her capabilities, won the bronze medal in the Women’s U18 -44kg No-Gi category. While the win was significant, she remained focused on her ultimate goal.
“It felt amazing to stand on the podium, but at the same time, I couldn’t fully celebrate because my goal was always to win gold,” Ellise admitted. “Bronze is awesome, but it’s not what I set out to achieve. When I realized I secured the medals, I was proud of myself for sure, but I also knew I wasn’t done yet. I’m grateful for the experience, but my focus is on getting that gold next time.”
Ellise spoke candidly about the challenges she faced. “The biggest challenge was definitely mental strength. There were so many moments where I doubted myself, whether it was during tough training sessions or in the lead-up to the competition itself. But I learned to keep my mind strong and reminded myself that I had worked so hard to get there,” she said.
Lessons and future aspirations
Representing the Philippines on the international stage has been a source of pride and invaluable lessons for the sisters. “Competing in various countries like Spain, Thailand, the UAE, and Greece has taught me the value of resilience, humility, and the responsibility that comes with representing my country,” Eliecha noted. Ellise echoed this sentiment, saying, “Every tournament comes with its own pressure, and being able to keep your head clear and focused is everything. It’s not just about me; it’s about the Philippines.”
The sisters have already begun preparing for their next challenge: the Abu Dhabi World Championship from November 9 and November 14-16, 2024. Eliecha is focusing on both her physical training, under the guidance of her professors Luis Carreno and Gustavo Munos, and mental conditioning with her yoga coach. “I’m fully committed to defending my World Champion titles and giving my best performance,” she affirmed.
Ellise, too, is ready to bring her A-game. “I’m focusing on a balance of physical training and mental strength. Recovery is also a huge part of my routine so that I can stay sharp throughout the competition. Mentally, I’m working on staying confident and calm under pressure,” she revealed.
Despite only starting serious training a few years ago, the Diaz Malilay sisters have rapidly risen in the sport. Their homeschooling setup allows them to balance academic responsibilities with their rigorous training schedule, which includes 3 to 4 sessions daily, six days a week. The sisters are determined to inspire other young athletes in the Philippines and abroad, serving as pioneers of the Youth Philippine National Team.
Their achievements extend beyond Greece. Highlights from their recent competitions include:
May 2024: Ellise won silver at the JJIF/JJAU Asian Adult Professional Ju Jitsu Youth Championship (U18 -40 kg) in Abu Dhabi. Eliecha ranked 5th in the U21 -45 kg Women’s Gi division.
June 2024: At the AJP International Tour in Barcelona, Spain, Eliecha won gold in the -49 kg Women’s Gi and No-Gi Professional Purple Belt Division, while Ellise secured gold and silver in various categories.
September 2024: Eliecha claimed bronze and silver at the AJP International Tour in Dubai in the -49 kg Women’s Gi Purple Belt Division.
With their eyes set on future victories, the Diaz Malilay sisters hope to continue making their country proud, whether as competitors or by eventually establishing their own Jiu-Jitsu academy to spread their passion for the sport. As Ellise said, “When I’m out there, it’s not just about me; it’s about the Philippines. That pride and motivation push me to always give my best.”
