Ana Carolina Schmitt is one of the top-ranking female BJJ competitors today. However, she didn’t always feel like that.
It took her some time and a move to the USA to realize just how big Jiu-Jitsu is and that she could become a champion:
I didn’t always feel like a champion. Especially because when I started training jiu jitsu, I didn’t know about World’s, I didn’t know how big jiu jitsu was at all (laughs).
When I was a young teenager, around 14 years old, I started with jiu jitsu in my small town – and I didn’t realize how big jiu jitsu is. So, just after many years – when I was a brown belt – when I started to compete more, especially with some of the girls who were good, and then winning against and beating them…
Only then did I realize I could do it and become a champion.When I moved to the US, and when I started training at the Gracie Academy in my town, with the best girls in the world – that’s when I realized that yes, I will do this. That yes – I will be a world champ one day.
Ana explained further, wanting to add clarity to her journey:
In the beginning, I didn’t know how big jiu jitsu was because my city was so small.
But, after I started being more professional about training and competing, I started feeling like I could become a world champion. Especially because I was training with the best.I’ve always worked hard and I was always disciplined with everything I did.
And I knew that they would come, the big wins and medals, and then they caaaaame (laughs)! I am so happy.
Read our full interview with Ana Carolina Schmitt on the following link.
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