Danielle at the 2013 American Nationals. Photo: Erin Herle
Purple belt Danielle Alvarez of GMA Alvarez BJJ in Arlington, Texas has set her eyes on the gold at the 2014 World Championships like thousands of others. When you read what her accomplishments have been so far this year alone, you’ll agree that it is in reach. Her dad, Daniel Alvarez, is a black belt who leads a team of competitors all around the world to compete and explore the true limits of a Jiu-Jitsu journey.
I spoke with Danielle about her goals for the worlds and what makes a good role model in Jiu-Jitsu. Check it out:
GRACIEMAG: How has your competition season been this year thus far?
DANIELLE ALVAREZ: This year has been great, I’ve been actively competing and learning a lot this season since January. I won the Europeans, San Francisco Open, Houston Open, Boston Open, FIVE grappling, a women’s superfight and also placed at Pan Ams and Brazilian Nationals.
How often do you get to train and what other priorities do/did you have besides Jiu-Jitsu?
Right now I am out of school for the summer so I am able to train 2-3 times a day, every day of the week. During the semester I would train once every day because I had college classes in the mornings. I also teach a women’s class once a week and help instruct the kids classes 3 times a week at my dad’s gym.
Explain your most proud competition moment this year.
My most proud competition moment this year was winning a superfight in a women’s only tournament in Denton, Texas. I had a very tough ten-minute match against Fabiana Borges and came out with the victory.
Danielle wins the 2014 European Jiu-Jitsu Championship to start the year off right. Photo: Personal archive
What would winning the worlds mean to you?
Winning the Worlds would mean everything to me. None of my other accomplishments in Jiu-Jitsu could compare to a Worlds gold medal. All of the competitions I’ve done so far this season have been preparation for the Worlds and I’ve been looking forward to this all year. A Worlds gold medal is the most important thing to me right now.
What qualities and behaviors do you think make a good role model for Jiu-Jitsu?
I think it is important for role models in Jiu-Jitsu to be respectful and helpful for all belt levels, especially white belts since that’s where everyone’s journey begins. I also think good role models in Jiu-Jitsu should always lead by example and bring positive energy to the people around them.
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You can watch the 2014 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship buy purchasing the livestream at www.ibjjftv.com
