The Philippine contingent at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games celebrated a historic day on the mats, highlighted by the triumphant and golden debut of multi-time world champion Kimberly Anne Custodio. She claimed the gold medal in the highly competitive women’s 48kg Jiu-jitsu Ne-waza event, delivering a performance that not only added a significant gold to the nation’s tally but also solidified her position as the undisputed queen of regional jiu-jitsu.
Juan Sports reported live from the event, noting that Kimberly Anne Custodio’s victory was a cornerstone of a massive medal haul for the Philippines Jiu-jitsu team. Her stunning win served as a powerful testament to the nation’s growing strength in grappling disciplines. Competing in her first-ever SEA Games, she skillfully navigated a challenging bracket with tactical intelligence, technical brilliance, and unwavering composure, culminating in a dramatic final match victory over local favourite Sugun Nutchaya of Thailand.
Custodio’s Golden Performance: A Tactical Masterclass Under Pressure
The final match, held at the Ronnaphakat Building within the Navaminda Kasatiryahiraj Air Force Academy, was a highly anticipated showdown. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the loud cheers of Thai supporters backing Nutchaya. Yet, Kimberly Anne Custodio remained unfazed, exhibiting the steely determination and poise that have defined her illustrious career.
The match was a tactical battle of attrition. In Jiu-jitsu Ne-waza, athletes rely on precise positioning, sweeps, and submission attempts to score points. From the opening moments, both competitors fought for dominant grips and control, resulting in a tense standoff where every movement was calculated. Custodio’s ability to remain calm under intense pressure allowed her to strategically outmaneuver her opponent.
The decisive moment arrived in the final minute. With the score tied and tension mounting, Kimberly Anne Custodio executed a perfect sweep, establishing dominant top control and earning three crucial points. The 3-0 score held until the final whistle, showcasing her technical mastery, precise timing, and mental fortitude. This performance reaffirmed why she is considered a world-class competitor, capable of executing high-pressure techniques flawlessly.
Her path to the final was equally impressive. Kimberly Anne Custodio defeated formidable opponents from Vietnam and Indonesia, applying relentless pressure and demonstrating sharp transitions that neutralized her rivals’ strengths. Her overall performance was a masterclass in game planning, adaptability, and flawless execution tailored to the specific ruleset of international competition.
Key Match Details and the Path to Gold
| Stage | Opponent | Country | Result | Score/Method |
| Round of 16 | Pham Tu Ha | Vietnam | Win | 2-0 |
| Quarterfinals | Arba Nazwah Dzakira Putri | Indonesia | Win | N/A |
| Semifinals | Tan Pechrada Kacie | Thailand | Win | Via Advantage |
| Final | Sugun Nutchaya | Thailand | Win | 3-0 |
“I am so happy that all the hard work of my coaches, my teammates, and the people who believe in me and support me has paid off,” an emotional Kimberly Anne Custodio said after her victory. “To win my first SEA Games gold medal here in Bangkok, where I also won my third world title just last month, it feels like this city is lucky for me.”
Significance for the Philippines Jiu-jitsu and Team PH
Kimberly Anne Custodio’s triumph is more than just a personal achievement; it is a landmark moment for Philippine jiu-jitsu. Her victory marks the country’s first gold medal in women’s jiu-jitsu events at the 2025 SEA Games and underscores the nation’s growing dominance in the sport. The Philippine jiu-jitsu team also had a stellar day, amassing a total of seven medals, including two golds, one silver, and four bronzes. Notably, Dean Michael Roxas captured gold in the men’s 85kg Ne-waza event, completing a remarkable display of Philippine grappling excellence.
This gold medal further reinforces the momentum following Kimberly Anne Custodio’s third world title win in November 2024. Her consistent success on the world stage has elevated the Philippines’ reputation in the international jiu-jitsu community, providing inspiration to aspiring athletes across the archipelago. Her triumph also significantly contributed to the Philippines’ overall SEA Games results, helping maintain the country’s competitive position in the medal standings.
Juan Sports emphasized that her performance not only brought gold to the Philippines but also raised the profile of the sport nationally, inspiring future athletes to aim for the same level of excellence.
The SEA Games Experience: Pride, Energy, and Competition
The 33rd Southeast Asian Games showcased elite athleticism across Southeast Asia, and the jiu-jitsu events were among the most thrilling competitions. With participants from across the region, the games provided a high-pressure environment that tested both skill and composure.
For Kimberly Anne Custodio, the atmosphere at the Navaminda Kasatiryahiraj Air Force Academy was electric. Fans packed the venue, national anthems played with pride, and every move on the mat elicited gasps and applause. In this charged environment, Custodio’s ability to focus and execute each technique flawlessly highlighted her experience, maturity, and world-class capabilities.
Her performance not only showcased individual excellence but also reflected the growth and quality of the Philippine jiu-jitsu program. Over the past several years, the country has invested significantly in elite coaching, athlete development, and access to international competitions. The results are clear, as Kimberly Anne Custodio and her teammates continue to excel on the regional stage.
A Legacy Beyond the Mat: Mentorship and Inspiration
While celebrating her first SEA Games gold medal, 38-year-old Kimberly Anne Custodio remains far from finished. Her ambitions extend beyond regional competitions, with goals including victories at high-level events like the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) and the prestigious Asian Games.
Beyond her competitive pursuits, Kimberly Anne Custodio is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of Filipino athletes. She is passionate about promoting jiu-jitsu in the Philippines and inspiring young athletes to achieve their dreams. “I want to inspire my students and all young Filipino athletes to pursue their dreams and work hard,” she said. “If I can do this at 38, they can achieve anything. I want them to reach the same heights, or even higher, than I have.”
Her story resonates not only as a tale of athletic success but also as a demonstration of perseverance, discipline, and dedication. Kimberly Anne Custodio’s journey from world champion to SEA Games gold medalist embodies the ethos of excellence that the Philippines continues to cultivate in its athletes.
Impact on Philippine Sports: National Pride and Inspiration
The success of Kimberly Anne Custodio has significant implications beyond jiu-jitsu. Her gold medal and consistent achievements highlight the potential of Filipino athletes to compete at the highest levels in various sports. It also boosts national pride, as each victory contributes to the Philippines’ visibility and credibility in the regional and international sporting community.
The SEA Games platform provides emerging athletes with valuable experience, and Custodio’s participation sets a benchmark for dedication and performance. Her achievements encourage young athletes to pursue their sports with seriousness, demonstrating that with hard work, discipline, and proper guidance, world-class results are attainable.
Looking Ahead: Continued Dominance and Future Goals
With her gold medal victory, Kimberly Anne Custodio has set the tone for the remainder of the 2025 SEA Games. Her performance serves as a motivation for her teammates and reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to excellence in jiu-jitsu. The momentum gained from this triumph is expected to propel both her and the national team to further success in upcoming competitions.
As Kimberly Anne Custodio continues her journey, her influence extends beyond the mat. Her dedication, skill, and mentorship help shape the future of Philippine jiu-jitsu and inspire a generation of athletes striving to make their mark in the region and beyond.
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