The 2014 Pan Jiu-Jitsu crowned some of the best fighters in the international arena. Among the winners, the experienced Mario Reis was one of the highlights of the competition. After nine years without winning the tournament, the featherweight managed to climb back into the top post of one of the most important competitions in the world.
Ecstatic with the conquest, the athlete said that his determination was one of the main weapons to be crowned champion. Also, he was proud to still be competing at a high level at 34 years of age.The Alliance black belt accumulates a large number of achievements as a black belt, among them them the worlds and the absolute of the European championship.
He told Tatame magazine:
“This last Pan for me was very special because for a long time I had been hitting the crossbar. I won the title in 2005 and then came a few times second and third, but always among the top. I was always very determined and focused, and knew that my day would come again, and it did come. I am very happy because I am an old warrior of many battles and never gave up on my goals. I’m 34 and competing with this new generation in the adult division is not easy (laughs). I think the encouragement of all who love and trust in my work was crucial to be champion.”
2014 featherweight Pan podium. 1. Mario Reis 2. Gianni grippo. 3. Oswaldo Moizinho. 3. Samir Chantre
With a long history in Jiu-Jitsu competition, Mario is one of the best known names of the general public. Proud, he made sure to attribute the success to a life exclusively focused on Jiu-Jitsu:
“I think my experience and my lifestyle are my great strenghts. I always try to have balanced meals, so I’m always eating healthy stuff. Furthermore, training with intensity and doing high level training. I always try to take care of myself. I think the fact that I devote myself entirely to Jiu-Jitsu also helps. I’ve been invited to compete at the Pride and other MMA events, but never did. My story has always been the sport Jiu-Jitsu. ”
Mario Reis vs Rafa Mendes at last year’s Pan:
