How and when did start training Jiu-Jitsu?
I started to train jiu-jitsu 1996. My brother and I needed something to do after school. There was opening a new jiu-jitsu school close to my house and many of my friends started to train there, so my mom decided that we would start there. My brother stopped training one year later and I got in love.

Can you tell us about your judo background?
I practiced judo about 3 years to complement my jiu-jitsu, but I had to stop because my favorite takedown was ippon seoi on the knees and it was forcing too much on my knee. So I had to stop.

You have also trained and competed in wrestling, can you tell us about it and how has it affected your Jiu-Jitsu?
We had a competition group at Gracie Tijuca. I only trained for three months because it took too long to travel to training, I live around 2 hours away from there. But I managed to become state champion and second in Brazilian. It was a great opportunity to try this amazing sport, I always I like to train wrestling. For me it is the best help for my standup game.

Do you live in Brazil or in the USA as Leticia?
I still live in Brazil, but I always go to train and compete in USA with Leticia.

When and from who did you receive your black belt?
After Pan-Ams last year I received my black belt on the podium from Leticia, it was a big surprise because I thought I would get it after the Mundials. I can say that it was the best feeling this far in my career.

You will instruct at Nacka Dojos female camp Girls Only, what are your expectations?
We have always the best expectations. I have already done many seminars with Leticia, but this is my first camp. I hope the girls will enjoy and have fun with us. I love this opportunity. I can’t wait to be around so many jiu-jitsu girls…

What are your plans for this camp?
I want to show good positions that I like and work for me and for sure try to train with everybody.

Do you have Jiu-Jitsu as a full time job?
YES. Jiu-jitsu is not just my job. It’s my life.

Which of your competition achievements do you value the most?
I think when I won my weight class and the open class at the Mundials as purple belt. It was a great tournament and a really good satisfaction for myself.

Which individual has meant the most to your Jiu-Jitsu?
Without think twice, for sure Leticia is my inspiration always… Usually we say ”Chegar no topo do podium é mais facil. Dificil mesmo é se manter la” (Reaching the top of the podium is easier. It is difficult to keep it). And she could do it. I don’t say she was champion. I can say SHE IS.

Which competitions do you plan to attend this year?
This first semester, Pan-Ams, Abu Dhabi Pro, Worlds and Rio Open.

What do you think about the development of the female grapplers in the world and the split of the female brown/black belt division?
I get so happy each tournament to see how much bigger the female division is getting, and to prove it is the split of brown and black belt. For me it was perfect now that I’m a black belt. I don’t want to fight with a brown belt without responsibility and thirst to earn a black belt. Like I was…

Your favorite submission?
I love arm lock from the guard and choke from the back…