Aragón Sport: Claudia Maier, Jiu-Jitsu Lady
Calatayud Resident Claudia Crowned Spanish Jiu-Jitsu Champion
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CALATAYUD, Spain – Claudia, a Romanian native who has called Calatayud home for over 25 years, recently achieved a important milestone in her athletic career, winning the Spanish national jiu-jitsu championship. Claudia, who has one of her two children born in Calatayud, expresses a deep connection to the Aragon region.
“I feel completely at home here,” Claudia said,reflecting on her adopted homeland. She proudly represents Aragon in competitions, establishing herself as a formidable force in the world of jiu-jitsu, a martial art emphasizing flexibility and technique.
From Local Enthusiast to National Champion
Claudia’s recent victory at the Spanish championship in Parla,in the Ne Waza (ground fighting) category for athletes over 70 kilograms,follows an international gold medal win in Genoa,Italy,earlier this year. These wins highlight her relatively recent, yet rapid, ascent in the sport.
“It’s onyl been six or seven years,” claudia stated, regarding her involvement in jiu-jitsu. “I was 37 and looking for a sport to dedicate myself to. Jiu-jitsu was already popular in Calatayud, thanks to the Cruz family who have been teaching it for years.I tried it and found it very interesting. There are a few of us women, but not many compete.”
The Allure of Jiu-Jitsu
Claudia describes her introduction to jiu-jitsu as love at first sight.
“I also like that it teaches you a lot about self-defense, which is always useful,” she explained. The positive training environment, physical challenges, and mental discipline further solidified her commitment. “It involves locks, takedowns, and movements you have to remember. I was promptly hooked, thanks to the dedication of the instructor and the support of my teammates, one of whom encouraged me to compete. It’s a team effort; we’re a big family.”
More Than Just a Sport
For Claudia, jiu-jitsu offers benefits that extend beyond the mat.
“It’s a sport that helps you in life, teaching you how to use your body weight to your advantage.It includes elements of judo and karate, with punches, kicks, and takedowns. It combines several sports into one,” she said.
Japanese vs. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
jiu-jitsu has two primary branches: Japanese, developed by samurai for unarmed combat, incorporating throws, locks, and strikes; and Brazilian, which emerged a century ago, focusing on ground fighting and submission techniques.
Claudia’s national gold medal was earned in Ne Waza, emphasizing takedowns and ground immobilization. “I started competing in the Aragon championship in grappling, with striking, takedowns, and ground fighting. I won gold and also a bronze at the national level. I felt more confident on the ground when I started competing, but since last year, I’ve been taking on bigger challenges,” she explained.
Eyes on the European Championship
Claudia is now focused on future competitions.
“The next challenge is the European championship in October. I want to go all out this year,” Claudia affirmed, dedicating more time to jiu-jitsu. “I don’t deprive myself too much, since in my category, over 70 kilos, there’s no weight limit, but you have to take care of yourself and be disciplined in training.”
Empowerment Through Self-Defense
Beyond medals and titles, jiu-jitsu provides Claudia with a sense of security.
“It makes me feel safe on the street, which is very significant these days. Some women take self-defense classes, even though Calatayud is a very safe city. But jiu-jitsu makes you feel secure knowing that you could defend yourself if necessary,” she concluded.
Calatayud Jiu-Jitsu Champion: A Q&A with Claudia
Q: who is Claudia and what is her recent accomplishment?
A: Claudia, a resident of Calatayud, Spain for over 25 years and a Romanian native, recently won the Spanish national jiu-jitsu championship. She competes in the Ne Waza (ground fighting) category for athletes over 70 kilograms.
Q: Where does Claudia feel most at home?
A: Claudia feels fully at home in Calatayud and expresses a strong connection to the Aragon region. She proudly represents Aragon in competitions.
Q: What category did claudia win the Spanish Championship in?
A: Claudia won the Spanish championship in the Ne Waza (ground fighting) category.
Q: What other significant win did Claudia achieve recently?
A: Earlier this year, Claudia won a gold medal in Genoa, Italy.
Q: How long has Claudia been involved in Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Claudia has been involved in jiu-jitsu for about six or seven years. She started when she was 37 years old.
Q: How did Claudia get started with Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Claudia was looking for a sport and found jiu-jitsu already popular in Calatayud,thanks to the Cruz family who have been teaching it for years. She tried it and found it very fascinating.
Q: What does Claudia enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Claudia describes her introduction to jiu-jitsu as love at first sight. She also appreciates that it teaches self-defense.She enjoys the positive training environment, physical challenges, and mental discipline.
Q: What are the benefits of jiu-jitsu beyond the sport itself, according to Claudia?
A: Claudia believes jiu-jitsu teaches you how to use yoru body weight to your advantage, helping you in life.
Q: What are the two primary branches of Jiu-Jitsu and what are their focuses?
A: There are two main branches of jiu-jitsu:
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu: Developed by samurai for unarmed combat, incorporating throws, locks, and strikes.
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu: Emerged a century ago, focusing on ground fighting and submission techniques.
Q: What kind of Jiu-Jitsu does Claudia focus on in competitions?
A: Claudia’s national gold medal was earned in Ne Waza, which emphasizes takedowns and ground immobilization.
Q: What are Claudia’s future goals in Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Claudia is focusing on the European championship in October and intends to dedicate more time to her training.
Q: How does Claudia feel that Jiu-Jitsu empowers her?
A: Claudia feels that jiu-jitsu provides her with a sense of security, notably in today’s world, and knowing she can defend herself if necessary.