Josh Simon Interviews Leticia
As a woman, it must have been intimidating to begin training. What motivated you to take up jiu-jitsu and why did you chose Gracie Humaita as your team?
First I started training just for esthetics purpose since I never liked to workout. A friend of mine talked me into go try it. After a while, I fell in love with it and started training with the intention to compete. Also, I was very lucky in the beginning and it was a big surprise for me to see that there were 7 girls at the academy! Gracie Tijuca had the National Female Champion Team that time (1995). This helped me a lot; it was a strong incentive that helped me out to develop my skills as an athlete.
I believe Leka Viera was the first female black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Were you the second?
Certainly Leka is the pioneer of women in jiu-jitsu in Brazil and in the rest of the world. She's a great athlete and also a great friend of mine. About me being the second one, sincerely I don't know for sure. The only thing I wish for is the recognition of the work we've developed for years for the sake of the sport.
Do you feel it is more difficult to be a women in such a male dominated support?
Yes, for sure it is. First because it's harder to find sponsors and people who believe in our potential. It's much harder to be able to prove ourselves as good athletes and fighters. It takes longer and harder for us to be recognized. Fortunately nowadays I am respected because it's been many years that I started and I have achieved success in the sport.
Which instructors have had a profound effect on your development?
Well, I started training in 1995, at Gracie Tijuca Academy, where I still am today. My first teacher was Marcelo Machado who, of course, influenced my jiu-jitsu a lot that time; I also had Arthur Cartiar, which was a great teacher also. Nowadays I train with Vinicius Aieta, Royler Gracie and Saulo Ribeiro.
How often do you train and what does you current training consist of?
During the whole year I train about 6 hours a day; 6 hours divided into jiu-jitsu practice, weight training and aerobics training, including running. At the end of the year, though, usually there are no more tournments, but I continue training every day, but less intensely. It's like my time of the year to save energy for the next year that always comes full force.
Who's your role-model in jiu-jitsu? Who do you think you can compare your jiu-jitsu to?
Without a doubt, Royler Gracie. My style is Gracie Jiu-jitsu; we all come from the same tree. I thank very much for the opportunity to train where I train and for having the chance of learning a beautiful and efficient jiu-jitsu, that brought me many titles. I also thank God for that.
What are your future goals for jiu-jitsu?
This year, I intend to compete a lot in Brazil and wherever I find other opportunities. I have plans to travel overseas; I just wait for a concrete proposal to give classes and seminars abroad.
You have been wearing our gi's for a long time. Which weave is your favorite: summer, single, gold, hybrid, double? Which gi's do you train in? Which gi's do you compete in?
My favorite gi is the hybrid weave gi. I find its fit perfect and it's also strong and comfortable. I train and I compete wearing it.
First I started training just for esthetics purpose since I never liked to workout. A friend of mine talked me into go try it. After a while, I fell in love with it and started training with the intention to compete. Also, I was very lucky in the beginning and it was a big surprise for me to see that there were 7 girls at the academy! Gracie Tijuca had the National Female Champion Team that time (1995). This helped me a lot; it was a strong incentive that helped me out to develop my skills as an athlete.
I believe Leka Viera was the first female black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Were you the second?
Certainly Leka is the pioneer of women in jiu-jitsu in Brazil and in the rest of the world. She's a great athlete and also a great friend of mine. About me being the second one, sincerely I don't know for sure. The only thing I wish for is the recognition of the work we've developed for years for the sake of the sport.
Do you feel it is more difficult to be a women in such a male dominated support?
Yes, for sure it is. First because it's harder to find sponsors and people who believe in our potential. It's much harder to be able to prove ourselves as good athletes and fighters. It takes longer and harder for us to be recognized. Fortunately nowadays I am respected because it's been many years that I started and I have achieved success in the sport.
Which instructors have had a profound effect on your development?
Well, I started training in 1995, at Gracie Tijuca Academy, where I still am today. My first teacher was Marcelo Machado who, of course, influenced my jiu-jitsu a lot that time; I also had Arthur Cartiar, which was a great teacher also. Nowadays I train with Vinicius Aieta, Royler Gracie and Saulo Ribeiro.
How often do you train and what does you current training consist of?
During the whole year I train about 6 hours a day; 6 hours divided into jiu-jitsu practice, weight training and aerobics training, including running. At the end of the year, though, usually there are no more tournments, but I continue training every day, but less intensely. It's like my time of the year to save energy for the next year that always comes full force.
Who's your role-model in jiu-jitsu? Who do you think you can compare your jiu-jitsu to?
Without a doubt, Royler Gracie. My style is Gracie Jiu-jitsu; we all come from the same tree. I thank very much for the opportunity to train where I train and for having the chance of learning a beautiful and efficient jiu-jitsu, that brought me many titles. I also thank God for that.
What are your future goals for jiu-jitsu?
This year, I intend to compete a lot in Brazil and wherever I find other opportunities. I have plans to travel overseas; I just wait for a concrete proposal to give classes and seminars abroad.
You have been wearing our gi's for a long time. Which weave is your favorite: summer, single, gold, hybrid, double? Which gi's do you train in? Which gi's do you compete in?
My favorite gi is the hybrid weave gi. I find its fit perfect and it's also strong and comfortable. I train and I compete wearing it.
