Souza continues dominance on the mat

Souza does it again! Local teen earns gold at Pan American Kids

Olympians aren’t the only wins racking up gold medals. On July 26, jiujitsu competitor Sara…

Souza sees double gold at national jiujitsu competition

Local jiujitsu competitor Sarah Souza recently competed in the International Brazilian Jiu-J…

Rio Rancho’s latest national champ eyes another title

ALBUQUERQUE – If you need to find national jiu jitsu champ Sarah Souza, you’ll probably find her on the lower level of Cottonwood Mall, working up a sweat throwing people around at the Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy owned by her folks, Daniel and Gabriela Souza. Sarah, 13, is a great example of someone whose […]

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — One of the best young practitioners of jiu-jitsu in Rio Rancho is making waves yet again.

Carlson Gracie Coyote Albuquerque’s Sarah Souza, a blue belt, claimed her third consecutive title at the IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu American Nationals June 27.

“I’m proud — but I’m not surprised. Sarah trains like a champion every single day. She’s been raised under old-school, traditional jiu-jitsu values: discipline, humility and perseverance,” Professor Daniel Souza, also her stepfather, said. “She’s earned every win with grit and respect. But I always remind her: medals get dust and rust, but what you accomplish with your life — on and off the mat — is what truly inspires and will be remembered. Despite all her success, she remains the first to cheer on her teammates, help the little ones tie their belts and set a great example. That’s the kind of black belt I hope she becomes — and she’s on the right path.”

Sarah’s other major victories include championship titles in the No-Gi and Pan-Am.

“I’m still taking it all in … This weekend means so much to me. It’s a reminder that all the hard work is paying off,” she said.

Sarah currently competes in the female juvenile division and will hit the mats on a quest for a four-peat.

“I’m so thankful for my sponsors, my amazing friends who never stop cheering me on, and most of all, my mom and dad. Their love, support and belief in me mean everything. This is just the beginning. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I’m even more excited for what’s next,” Sarah said.

Sarah recalls a special moment from the tournament in which she competed right next to her mom, Gabriela Souza.

“I’m overwhelmed with pride. I’ve seen every tear, every training session, every sacrifice this journey has demanded from her and our family. This isn’t just about medals — this is about resilience, tradition and the kind of strength you can’t teach in words. It’s taught on the mats, in the hard moments, with people who truly care. I’m grateful to God for giving us health, for surrounding us with an amazing BJJ team,” Gabriela said.

Gabriela Souza won silver in the National Masters division medium-heavy.

In July 2024, Souza won gold in the Pan American Kids Jiu Jitsu IBJJF Championship, held in Orlando.

“I have competed in Pan Americans for five years making the podium, but never placing first,” gold winner Souza said.

Souza was able to submit her opponent with an arm bar and snag her third gold medal in less than two months.

Her win put her at the number-one spot for the world heavyweight rankings in her class and in the top five overall female teens in the world.