Rising Star Claudia: From Romanian Roots to Spanish Jiu-Jitsu Champion – A Story of Dedication and Heart

Claudia’s story began with a childhood fascination with martial arts. At just six or seven years old, she was captivated by the Brazilian jiu-jitsu style, popularized in Calatayud through the enduring influence of the Cruz family, who have been teaching the art for generations. “I like, además, that it teaches you many things at a personal level, something that’s always useful in life,” she explained.

A Passion Ignited

The initial draw wasn’t solely athletic; it was a holistic experience. Claudia described the training environment as ‘stimulating’ and the community as ‘a big family.’ “It’s levers, throws and movements to remember,” she stated, highlighting the complex and strategic nature of the discipline. The combination of physical challenge, mental acuity, and the camaraderie of her teammates fueled her unwavering dedication.

Rapid Rise to International Recognition

Claudia’s career took a dramatic turn in January with her first international accolade—a gold medal at the Genoa Open in Italy. More recently, she achieved another significant milestone, becoming the Spanish champion in the Ne Waza (ground fighting) category for over 70 kilos at Parla. This victory underscored her expertise in a specific, highly technical aspect of the sport.

“I started competing in the Aragon championship in grappling, with three phases: striking, throws and ground fighting. I managed to win gold and also bronze at the National,” Claudia said.

Claudia Martínez

The Ne Waza category, focused on takedowns and submissions on the ground, is a particularly demanding specialty. Claudia’s success showcases her adaptation to this highly-specialized branch of jiu-jitsu.

A Versatile Martial Art

Jiu-jitsu seamlessly blends elements from various martial arts. It incorporates techniques similar to Judo (throws and grappling) and Karate (striking and kicking), culminating in a comprehensive self-defense system. Claudia aptly described it as “a sport that helps in life, a teaching of using your body weight to your advantage, including a bit of Judo and Karate… understanding an entire range of sports within one.”

The Differences: Brazilian vs. Japanese Jiu-Jitsu

• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Primarily focuses on ground fighting and submissions.
• Japanese Jiu-Jitsu: Emphasizes throws, takedowns, and strikes – developed for samurai self-defense.

Looking Ahead: European Championship Ambitions

Claudia’s journey isn’t slowing down. She has ambitious goals for the coming year, with the European Championship in October as her primary target. “I want to go all out this year,” she confidently declared, demonstrating a clear drive for continued excellence.

Beyond the competition circuit, Claudia recognizes the broader benefits of her training. “It makes me feel safe in the street, something that’s very important considering the times we’re living in,” she stated, highlighting the practical self-defense skills learned through jiu-jitsu.

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