Andresa vs. Mackenzie at the 2016 European
Andresa Correa is clearly the standout of the black belt female division in 2016. The Alliance competitor has been able to win double gold at the three most important events of the year so far.
It all started in January, with a wins in the medium-heavy division and the open class beating Karolina Zawodnik and Mackenzie Dern in the finals.
Then, at the 2016 Pan, Andresa was back to put on another show in Irvine, California. After defeating Leah Taylor with a toe hold in the medium-heavy final, she made her way to the open class final, but an injury to Dominyka Obelenyte’s knee prevented the final from happening.
Finally, she went back to her home country of Brazil to compete in the Brazilian Nationals, walking out with another double gold campaign after another tough final against Mackenzie Dern.
As she prepares for the 2016 Worlds, which could mean a perfect year, Andresa took a break in her training schedule to talk to GRACIEMAG.com. Here’s what she had to say.
GRACIEMAG.COM: You won both your weight class and the absolute at the European, Pan and Brazilian Nationals this year. If you repeat these results at the Words, you’ll be the first black belt woman to complete the grand slam. Does that add extra pressure on you? How’s your mindset for the 2016 Worlds?
Andresa Correa: It’s every fighter’s dream to win the Jiu-Jitsu grand slam. I am in a moment in my life where I can achieve what I dedicated myself a lot to achieve. Naturally, it adds to the pressure a little, but I just want to go there and do my best. I’m feeling a little anxious, but also very motivated. Above all, I’m happy to be able to do it.
Andresa Correa at the 2016 Pan
GRACIEMAG.COM: You told us once that you drive from your city to São Paulo several times a week to train at Alliance’s HQ. How’s your training routine for the Worlds and how ready are you for action in Long Beach?
Andresa Correa: I’ve been driving back and forth between my city [Bragança Paulista] and São Paulo to train at Alliance’s HQ for the past seven years. It’s 200km (124mi) every weekday, not to mention traffic. I leave my house everyday with a packed bag and food containers. My training routine also includes Swasthya Yoga, five Jiu-Jitsu sessions in São Paulo and also some physical training when I get back to Bragança. Yoga helps me a lots with my focus, my posture and my strength. I fell motivated and ready for the Worlds.
GRACIEMAG.COM: A match against Dominyka almost happened at the Pn open class final, but she got hurt and could not fight. You two are among the favorites for the absolute final in Long Beach. Have you been thinking about her during training? Does the possibility of fighting against her shape in any way what you have been doing in training?
Andresa Correa: Dominyka is really a great athlete and very talented, but the possibility of facing her changes nothing in my training. I like to get ready to be prepared for all kinds of matches and I know that at that level all matches are tough matches. If I come to fight her, I hope to have a great match.
Don’t forget to register for the 2016 World Jiu-Jitsu championship.
The final deadline is May 24.
Click here to register today.
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