Meet Coach Ava: Growth Through Jiu-Jitsu and Competition
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is about much more than learning techniques or winning medals. It challenges us to face our fears, leave our comfort zones, and discover what we are capable of accomplishing.
For Coach Ava, competing in another country was one of those defining experiences. Traveling alone, managing anxiety, and stepping onto the competition mat taught her valuable lessons about courage, determination, and personal growth.
In this interview, Coach Ava shares what competition means to her, the importance of having the will to win, her goals within Jiu-Jitsu, and her advice for anyone considering competing for the first time.
How would you describe the experience of competing in another country?
“I was very anxious about traveling alone to another country. I don’t have the ‘travel bug,’ as they say. I prefer being in familiar places, and if I have to travel, I would rather not do it alone.
It was definitely a learning and growing experience for me.”
Stepping into an unfamiliar environment can be intimidating, even before the competition begins. But experiences like these remind me that growth often happens when we are willing to become uncomfortable and continue moving forward anyway.
How often do Jiu-Jitsu matches come down to the will to win?
One of the reasons Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become one of the fastest-growing martial arts in the world is because students practice techniques against resisting “It has a lot to do with it. If you enter a match feeling indifferent about the outcome, you may fight as if it doesn’t matter because the will to win isn’t there.
If you go into the match truly wanting to win, you will fight that way. And if you don’t win, that’s okay because you gave it your best effort.
I’ve only been upset about a loss when I really wanted to win and knew that I fought hard.”
Technique, conditioning, and preparation are important, but competition also tests a person’s mindset. The desire to keep fighting, solve problems, and refuse to give up can often make the difference during a difficult match.
Winning is never guaranteed. What athletes can control is their preparation, effort, attitude, and willingness to fight until the end.
What are your goals within the Jiu-Jitsu world?
“My life goal is to become a Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Professor JP. Becoming one of his black belts would be one of my greatest accomplishments in life.
Another goal is to build a career working with the EDJ Team. I’m not rushing into that role because I want more time to grow as a student, but it is something I hope to accomplish in whatever way we believe is the right fit for me.
My short-term goal is to remain consistent and focused in my training because I have more competitions coming up.”.
What advice would you give someone who wants to start competing?
“Start with an in-house tournament. After that, try a smaller event with a federation such as Jiu-Jitsu World League, where you are guaranteed at least two matches. This helps you understand what it feels like to compete again shortly after your first match.
Don’t expect anything, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
If you have a game plan, focus on executing it. If something happens during the match that takes you away from your plan, continue fighting and use your Jiu-Jitsu to return to the position you want.
The fact that you are willing to compete is already amazing. I know many practitioners who won’t try because they are afraid of failing.
We do this because we love it, so have fun. The people who love you will continue to love you regardless of the result.
Keep drilling after training, work on what your coach recommends, and enjoy the process.”
The Courage to Step on the Mat
Competition is not for everyone, and it is not required to progress in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. However, for those who choose to compete, it can become a powerful tool for growth.
Competition reveals what needs improvement, tests your ability to perform under pressure, and teaches you how to manage both victory and defeat. Most importantly, it gives you an opportunity to do something difficult despite fear and uncertainty.
Coach Ava’s journey reminds us that courage does not mean feeling completely confident or unafraid. Courage means moving forward even when fear is present.
We are proud of Coach Ava’s commitment, growth, and dedication to the EDJ Team. We look forward to watching her continue working toward her goals, one class, one competition, and one step at a time.
