Souza sees double gold at national jiujitsu competition

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 […]

Local jiujitsu competitor Sarah Souza recently competed in the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation American Nationals American Nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada, and walked away as the first female teen heavyweight to win double gold.

The IBJJF was created by Carlos Gracie Jr. and is widely considered to be the most prestigious jiujitsu tournament by many in the grappling community.

“Jiujitsu means everything to me. It's an emotional outlet, makes me feel safe, and strengthens my relationships with friends and family. My mom and older brother train with me, so we bond that way,” Souza said.

Souza won gold in the gi division for the second straight year as well as in the no-gi division. She won all her matches by submission, a feat that has never been accomplished.

For those who do not know, a gi is the traditional two-piece martial arts uniform that is commonly worn when training or competing. In the gi divisions, opponents may use parts of the clothes to submit or gain advantage over their opponent. In the no-gi division, a compression top and athletic shorts are worn, and competitors are not allowed to use clothes to gain leverage.

During her first match, she was able to submit her opponent with an Americana Lock and won gold with a Bow and Arrow Choke.

“Sarah's hard work and dedication have been remarkable, especially considering the challenges she and her family have faced as survivors of domestic violence," head jiujitsu professor Daniel Souza said. Souza is a sixth-degree black belt and the stepfather of Sarah Souza.

Souza is currently an orange belt training with the Carlson Gracie Coyote team.

“I train jiujitsu three hours per day, five times at my gym a week, and I also take the adult class with bigger opponents. It's tough, but I'm growing stronger mentally and physically,” Souza said.

Souza will now set her sights on the upcoming Worlds competition.

“I will stick with my regular training, take private lessons with my dad who is also my professor, and stay focused on my goals. Worlds is in a couple of weeks, so I will train with less intensity to avoid injury,” Souza said,