Interview with #1 Ranked Woman in the WORLD IBJJF Gi/No Gi for the 2018/2019 Season- Claudia do Val

Claudia do Val wins her 3rd World Championship!

Claudia do Val is a global inspiration to women who train BJJ. As BJJ practitioners, we've all wondered how high ranked competitors got to where they are, what their journey was like, and what steps they had to take to make their dreams a reality. Well lucky for us, Claudia was more than willing to share her story.

Do Val started training back in 2009 and she has been training for 10 years now. She trained Judo first, but strived to improve her ground game by training BJJ on the side. She stuck with jiu jitsu because she made new friendships and enjoyed seeing new places around the world. She has visited over 30 countries now! Making new friendships and seeing new places have been the best memories from her BJJ journey.

Curious to find out more about her journey through the lower belts (because she has already been extremely successful as a black belt), I asked her to share about her experience through each belt. "Honestly, there wasn't much of a journey through the belts. I didn't compete until the brown belt and I would only show up to the gym and train. But after I got my black belt, I started traveling the world." Do Val has been a black belt for 3 years now and has won 3 world championships (in 3 different categories), she has been named the #1 ranked woman in the world for both gi and no gi for the 2018-2019 season, and she has been extremely successful in other competitions around the world. Even through immense success as a world class competitor, Claudia is a humble and respectful woman- a true idol!

"Ranking doesn't really mean I'm better than anyone, it just means I've been competing everywhere. The more I compete, the more points I have. But obviously I think being amongst the best is always a dream of everyone who loves this art."

Do Val may appear enthusiastic and confident before a competition, but under it all she explained that even now she has always been very scared and nervous before competitions. She said, "I honestly still don't really know how to deal with it," however, Claudia shared that she struggles with more than just emotions before a competition. "I'm still dealing with injuries. And mostly the life of an athlete isn't easy... I can't afford to be just a competitor. I need to teach seminars." Along with traveling and teaching seminars, Do Val is aiming to open her own academy one day!

"For all the women out there- if you're not training jiu jitsu yet, give it a try, believe it, it's worth it. And if you're training already, be patient and never give up. Lots of days may come where you feel it's not working or you feel a little frustrated, but just keep showing up to training and trust that you'll have good results,". -Claudia do Val

Some advice from within this interview:

1. You don't have to start competing early to be a highly ranked competitor. Everyone's journey is different... as long as you put in the work and effort, you can accomplish amazing things.

2. Everyone- even world champions get nervous before a competition... it's normal! Embrace the adrenaline and give it your all out on the mat. You may not always get the outcome you were hoping for, but each experience we have on the mat leads to an opportunity to learn and grow in the sport.

3. Make time for things that make your soul happy (traveling, making new friends, etc.) because these will be some of your most cherished memories.

4. Remain humble through your success.

5. Have faith in jiu jitsu!

Thank you all for reading Queen Cobra BJJ, and thank you so much Claudia for taking the time to share your journey and advice!

Oss!