Hello Vanderlúcia, can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Vanderlucia Barbosa, I’m a black belt under Professor Vagner Guimarães, from the Boca Team. I am Brazilian and currently live in the United Arab Emirates.
Is it your first time participating in Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu Jitsu Championship?
I’m getting ready to fight the world professional Jiu Jitsu in Abu Dhabi for the second time. It’s a big event, with high-level athletes, it’s a fantastic experience to be participating in an event of this size.
How is your training going leading up to the ADWPJJC?
I’ve been training for months with a focus on the worlds, taking care of my nutrition, physical, and mental health to get a good result in this competition, I believe I’m ready for this challenge.
Now we are in the final stretch, after months of hard training, we are adjusting positions and strengthening our minds for the championship.
How did the sport of Jiu Jitsu impact you on a personal level? Why do you recommend youth to practice the sport?
When I began to train Jiu Jitsu, I was very shy, my self-confidence was low, I was physically fragile. The sport helped me to improve in all these areas, and also allows me to get to know various countries and cultures.
I recommend Jiu Jitsu to everyone, even if it’s not for competition, everyone has to play sports, it makes us strong physically and mentally.
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?
Abu Dhabi is always receptive to Jiu Jitsu athletes, always offering great championships throughout the year, giving us the opportunity to receive generous prizes per podium. Having one of the biggest events of the year here is fantastic – it’s a great opportunity.
Who influenced you the most in developing your BJJ game?
One of the people who most influenced my Jiu Jitsu was my husband and training partner “Arielson Ozama” he is a person who has been with me since I was a purple belt, helping me to develop my guard game and eventually passing guard.
Would you like to give any advice to our readers that would help them either on the mat or in their lives?
I end this interview by saying that sometimes we think that our Jiu Jitsu is not evolving, but the process of evolution is slow and gradual, have the patience and work daily, don’t put too much pressure on yourself, have fun. Jiu Jitsu is fun!
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!