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MEDALS ARE WON ON THE MAT. BUT THE FUTURE OF THE SPORT IS BUILT BEHIND THE SCENES. 

In sports, not every game-changing move happens in competition. Some happen across the table, where partnerships are forged and the groundwork for future opportunities begins.

That was the message behind the meeting between Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, general secretary of both the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, on the sidelines of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.

Tolentino presented Al Shamsi with an official POC token of appreciation—a gesture symbolizing friendship, cooperation, and a shared interest in advancing jiu-jitsu across Asia.

But beyond the ceremonial exchange lies a bigger picture.

For Filipino grapplers, international connections can open doors.

Stronger ties among sports organizations can help create opportunities for athlete development, international competition, and greater exposure to the sport’s evolving standards. While these benefits depend on how partnerships translate into concrete programs, building relationships is part of the work required to strengthen a sport beyond a single tournament.

For the Philippines, where athletes continue to test themselves against the continent’s best, that work matters. Medals celebrate what athletes achieve today; sustained development helps prepare the next generation for tomorrow.

The meeting in Nagoya may not have produced a score or a podium finish, but it highlighted another side of international sports: the people working to create opportunities beyond the competition floor.

Because the mission is bigger than one match, one medal, or one Asian Games campaign.

The fight is not just to win medals. It is to build a stronger future for Filipino jiu-jitsu—and that fight takes more than one team.

Gold comes with a price.

For three-time JJIF World Champion Annie Ramirez, that price was more than just countless hours on the mat.

It meant taking a financial risk on herself.

As she prepares to defend her place among Asia’s best jiu-jitsu athletes at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Ramirez went as far as borrowing money to train in the United States—a sacrifice she believes was necessary to give herself the best possible preparation.

At 35, Ramirez already has the experience of a champion. But instead of relying solely on what she has accomplished, the veteran chose to push herself even further.

She traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, where she trained alongside fellow Filipino jiu-jitsu standouts Alexandria Enrique, Jollirine Co and Marc Lim.

The objective was simple: expose herself to new techniques, tougher training and a higher level of competition before stepping onto the Asian Games stage.

But making that preparation happen was not easy.

“Umutang pa ako just to get that money,” Ramirez said.

Behind those words is a decision that reflects just how seriously she is taking another shot at Asian Games gold.

A champion who refused to settle

Ramirez already knows the feeling of winning at the continental level.

At the Hangzhou Asian Games, she ruled the women’s 57-kilogram division to capture gold for the Philippines.

For many athletes, reaching the top of the podium could be the culmination of a career.

For Ramirez, it became another reason to keep chasing more.

Rather than simply depending on her previous success, she searched for ways to improve—even if it meant making a personal financial sacrifice.

The United States training camp gave her an opportunity to sharpen her skills alongside other Filipino athletes and challenge herself in an environment designed to raise the level of her preparation.

It was an investment with no guaranteed return.

There was no promise of another gold medal.

Only the belief that better preparation could give her a better chance.

Betting on preparation

Elite sport often comes down to details.

A fraction of a second.

A better reaction.

A new technique.

A stronger opponent in training.

For Ramirez, the decision to train abroad was about creating those small advantages before the real battles begin.

The financial burden may eventually be repaid.

But the opportunity to compete for another Asian Games title is far more difficult to replace.

That is why Ramirez chose to make the gamble.

She could have relied on experience.

Instead, she chose preparation.

She could have been satisfied with being an Asian Games champion.

Instead, she chose to chase another one.

One more gold

At 35, Ramirez understands that opportunities at this level are precious.

Her résumé already speaks for itself: three JJIF world titles, an Asian Games gold medal and years of experience representing the Philippines.

But another Asian Games awaits.

And once again, Ramirez will have to prove herself on the mat.

This time, she arrives knowing exactly what she has invested to get there.

The borrowed money. The training. The sacrifices. The uncertainty.

All of it leads to the same destination.

The podium.

Ramirez has already paid the price before the first match begins.

Now comes the part that matters most.

Turning sacrifice into another gold medal.

One more fight.

One more opportunity.

One more chapter for a champion who continues to bet on herself. 🇵🇭🥋