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Argentina’s Franco Marini On His Copa Podio Victory & The Growth Of BJJ In His Country

Argentina’s Franco Marini On His Copa Podio Victory & The Growth Of BJJ In His Country

Argentina’s Franco Marini came to Copa Podio all alone with no coach, no friends, no fans, nobody to watch his bag, to tell him the time. He beat Magid Hage by footlock in the city challenge. We wanted to know more about this Argentinian warrior. Check it out:

1. Hi Franco, can you please introduce yourself to the BJJ Community of Eastern Europe?

My name is Franco Marini , I’m 27 and I ‘m from Mar del Plata, Argentina . I train in jiu jitsu academy Solum , I was promoted to black belt 2 months ago by Professor Claudio Calassans.

My main achievements are first place in all the Cup tournament Mercosur and Argentina Open, and recently the challenge of the cities of the Copa Podio in Brazil.

2. Please tell us about your Jiu-Jitsu story and tell us about your BJJ academy and master in Argentina.

I Started training six years ago. I came with no idea what the sport was about and fell in love instantly. Since then I trained every day and never stopped. With regard to my learning , 6 years ago ago BJJ was very outdated in Argentina , so then I had to learn the basics in an academy in my town , I began to watch many videos, fighters , events and tournaments, which I copied and analyzed the game of the best fighters. By doing this, I was improving my own game and trying to get my game in a very competive level . And a while ago, Professor Claudio Calassans got in touch and opened the doors of his school so that I could travel and be able to train with them .

Franco's academy in Argentina

Franco’s academy in Argentina

3. How is the BJJ scene in Argentina? We hear that there is a great rivalry between Brazil and Argentina, does that affect the growth of BJJ there in a good or bad way?

Between Argentina and Brazil is a great rivalry in all sports , football, basketball and jiu jitsu is no exception . But beyond that , I have to say every time I travel to compete in Brazil , I find that all the rivalry that develops between these two
countries is left aside. In addition, it helps a lot Argentina’s BJJ scene to have a world power in BJJ nearby, to fight with athletes that are world class .

4. How would you describe your BJJ style? Who are some BJJ players that you admire?

I like to play my guard game over the top game, and have an aggressive style. I always like to go for submissions in the fight .

There are many BJJ fighters that I admire haha, but I could name you a Calassans Claudio , Leandro Lo ( who is amazing and what knowledge and how humble he is) , Braulio Estima , Rafael Mendes , and so I could spend all afternoon naming them.

5.You won your superfight against Magid Hage in Copa Podio. We hear that you were there all alone with no coach or friends. How was the whole experience?

It was an odd experience, although I’m a little used to it. Here in Argentina I do not have a coach, as I said above. Generally I only have team mates at most tournaments in Argentina . While in Copa Podio, I had very clear plan what I wanted to achieve.  Being all alone was a way of motivation , I went to win and not let anyone remove that dreamfrom me.
The Copa Podio crew treated me very well there, Luiz , Leandro , Guto Campos , among others were very kind to me , besides all the people who work in organizing this tournament.

franco2

Franco beat Magid Hage at Copa Podio

6. What is next for you and your team in 2014?

Well for 2014 , I’ll compete in the entire BJJ league in Argentina which is becoming very strong with great presence. Of course at the Worlds bjj and in the Copa do Mundo in Sao Paulo. I hope to have another chance to compete in the Copa Podio .

7. If you want to thank somebody or sponsors, feel free

I would like to first thank you for the support, then to Oss kimonos , Fight effect , Pro Nutrition , Gentech.