Photo: Copa Podio
Magid Hage Hage’s baseball choke has taken down names in Jiu-Jitsu. In this interview with GB.com, he talks about his dedication to training where he drives 2,5 hours (one way) 2-3 times a week to train with Romulo Barral:
GB.com: Professor how are you? How was 2013?
Prof. Magid; 2013 was great I had a great start and now a great finish with wining the FIVE. Can’t wait for next year. I just won the first ever FIVEgrappling california invitational. And it was a great very organized well ran event with cool prizes.Gb.com: So baseballed choked anyone?
Prof. Magid: I got one baseball choke in my first fight from half guard on top.Gb.com: You’ve been a black belt. And even became one at a young age…
Prof. Magid: being a young black belt at GB is great. I’m training now in the same training camps as the people I looked up to when I was a green belt! And it feels unreal.Gb.com: in Gracie Barra, who among the black betls do you look up to?
Prof. Magid: in Gracie Barra there is too many to say. They all help me so much like Romulo, Otavio Sousa, Braulio Estima, Lucas Rocha, Rodrigo Freitas, Rafael Freitas, Roberto “Tussa” Alencar, there are just too many so it’s really nice how you can pick something up from everyone’s game.Gb.com: Surprise us for 2014.
Prof. Magid: I have big plans for 2014. Going to be a little more selective on the tournaments I do so I have more time to prepare for specific events.Gb.com: Every fighter is different. So what makes stand out from the rest? Let’s talk about your edge.
Prof. Magid: My edge when it comes to competing is obviously the ball choke bc it’s a very unusual move and it’s very hard to defend. And also I am very young so I don’t feel much pressure.Gb.com Preparations is always the key. How do you manage all that?
Prof. Magid: I live in San Diego and my dad has a GB here like 15 min from our house where I teach and train every night. In the mornings I go to Romulo barrals gym in Northridge LA 2-3 times a week. It’s a 2.5 hr drive but beyond worth it.
