Hello Aneta, can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi, my name is Aneta Pokorná and I‘m from the Czech Republic. I started training Jiu Jitsu when I was 11 years old and now I am a 20 years old BJJ brown belt. I’ve won 9 medals in World Championships in the gi.
Is it your first time participating in Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu Jitsu Championship?
No, it will be my sixth World Championship in Abu Dhabi, third World Pro. Every experience in their amazing hall was my best. The atmosphere is unique every time.
How is your training going leading up to the ADWPJJC?
Usually I try to train as much as I can. Unfortunately, I hurt my knee at a competition a month ago and now I’m trying to heal myself so I can stand on the mat in Jiu Jitsu arena and look into my opponents eyes feeling confident.
How did the sport of Jiu Jitsu impact you on a personal level? Why do you recommend youth to practice the sport?
Jiu Jitsu is integral part of my life. It isn’t only a sport, it’s a lifestyle. Jiu Jitsu isn’t just about how strong or fast you are. It is important what you have in your head and in your heart. Jiu Jitsu teaches discipline, dedication, effort, and decision making. You don’t have to be a World champion to love it. That’s what I do, I love it, and the medals are just a bonus.
How do you see Abu Dhabi hosting global Jiu Jitsu championships and giving the chance for athletes to compete against the best in the world?
Nowhere I’ve seen offers a better World championship, Abu Dhabi give us chance to feel like a heroes.
Who influenced you the most in developing your BJJ game?
Its clear that my coach Miloslav Bosák (3rd dan Judo, black belt BJJ), is my biggest influence. He will compete next week on World Pro masters for the first time. I wish him a calm head and good fight. He doesn’t have any medals from World championships, but for me is he a hero – his heart is in the right place.
Would you like to give any advice to our readers that would help them either on the mat or in their lives?
Never give up, although it will seem that it makes no sense. Your time will come one day.
We care about Jiu Jitsu so much that we decided to create this page for all the people like us – that eat, breath and live the Jiu Jitsu Lifestyle! We truly hope our content will make every one of your days better, on the mat and off the mat!