Letícia Ribeiro teaching / Publicity photo
Do you know anyone who’s been in 14 Jiu-Jitsu World Championships? Apart from Wellington Megaton, we mean.
Well that feat figures on the résumé of Letícia Ribeiro. Heading into her 15th World Championship, last night she had a chat with our contributor Diego Canudo, to whom she revealed what she has learned and what you can learn from it.
You and Hannette are tied as the winningest women in Worlds history. What’s your motivation in entering the IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu World Championship 17?
Well this year will be my 15th Worlds. I’ve been in the championship ever time since the first year women were allowed in. My main motivation is still my passion for the sport and the pleasure I get from fighting and competing. My students are also a big motivator for me, especially when I’m training for a big competition.
What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in Jiu-Jitsu?
I feel that sports and competition in general have a lot to teach a person in life. Respect, attitude, balance, self-confidence and other essentials for helping a person mature.
Who is your money on this Worlds?
The Gracie Humaitá female team is really strong, as always. I lucked out to be able to train with so many champions. I teach but also learn from them. My picks for winners on the team are: at black belt, Beatriz Mesquita and Penny Thomas; at brown, Carol Vidal and Mackenzie Dern; at purple Margaret Aase and Maxine Thylin; at blue, Brenda Heller and Beatriz Lina. I feel that all of them will represent the team in the best way possible. Victory is a consequence.
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