In April we were lucky enough to have a special visitor and multiple world champion; Leticia Ribeiro. When Leticia is not travelling the world giving awesome seminars, she’s the head coach of Gracie Humaita Southbay, USA. I was impressed to see how Jiu Jitsu can benefit the smallest and lightest of people. Her technique is so precise that strength and size is irrelevant. I was blessed enough to be her dummy during the seminar, and I was blown away by the efficiency of her technique. We all have something to learn from an incredible athlete like her. Check out some of her thoughts on Jiu Jitsu below.
Q.When did you start training Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
A. 1995
Q. How did you start training?
A. A friend of mine invited me to watch a tournament, and after that I tried my first class. I fell in love with the sport right the way.
Q. Why do you think BJJ is good for girls?
A. There are a lot of reasons why women should train BJJ; to learn self defence, to be in shape, as a therapy, and the most important thing is to build confidence.
Q. What are your most important titles?
A. 9 x world champion
6 x Brazilian champion
4 x RJ state champion
3 x Pan-American champion
Q. Tell us about your school
A. I think the most important thing inside of Jiu Jitsu Academies is the environment. We bring from Brazil what we learned at the Gracie academy in Brazil. Not just techniques, but a family environment that makes the difference and the values that we learn from them.
Q. What are your most import values?
A. Respect ,Discipline, Friendship, Honour, Loyalty… All of them
Q. Why do you think Jiu Jitsu is good for kids, and tell us about your program?
A. We do a great job with the kids. We talk a lot about life values and the good things that Jiu Jitsu brings to our life. Self confidence is one of the most important. We motivate all of them to compete, because we know that we can learn a lot from it. Win or learn.
Q. What do you think about the level of BJJ in Australia?
A. It’s growing. I had a great time teaching and learning here in Australia and I hope that when I come back I can see the sport even bigger.
Q. When are you coming back?
A. Thank you everyone for the warm welcome. Next year I will be back!
Muito Obrigado Leticia!