Hello Rafaela, can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey guys! My name is Rafaela Rosa, I’m a BJJ brown belt from Portugal, representing Checkmat under Professor Hugo Miranda.
Is it your first time participating in Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu Jitsu Championship?
It is my first time competing in World Pro. I’ve always wanted to go, but this year the timing and opportunity worked out nicely for us. I feel happy and eager to fight at such a high-level event.
How is your training going leading up to the ADWPJJC?
I also work as a clinical psychologist, so it’s a balancing act between work and training. I increased the number of weekly training sessions and increased the visits to Ricardo Vieira’s academy, for the knowledge and a larger number of training partners.
How did the sport of Jiu Jitsu impact you on a personal level? Why do you recommend youth to practice the sport?
Jiu-Jitsu was an amazing, unexpected surprise from the beginning. It made me look at my personal life from another perspective, it puts me through a persistence, resilience, hardworking challenge that transfers to life in general.
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?
I think it’s a great venue, receiving high-level athletes and providing good conditions for participants. It’s my first time in Abu Dhabi, I’m hoping to find warm weather, good people, and a nice atmosphere to compete at the top-level.
Who influenced you the most in developing your BJJ game?
Coming from a small academy in a small city, I try to take in the most from my professors (Hugo Miranda and Ricardo Vieira) and training partners, with whom I study and practice consistently, even though I enjoy watching the amazing athletes that fight and compete at a high level.
Would you like to give any advice to our readers that would help them either on the mat or in their lives?
Stick to Jiu Jitsu. Train consistently, train when you feel like it and when you don’t, train regardless of everything out there. It’s hard for everyone, but it is definitely worth it.
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!