Double Gold No-Gi Worlds Champion Prof. Pedro Marinho
One of Gracie Barra’s most exciting and successful competitors is Prof. Pedro Marinho who recently had an incredible performance at the 2021 No-Gi Worlds. Prof. Pedro won double gold in both the 91kg and Open weight categories. 8 wins in 8 matches.
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“When I enter to any match I remind myself nobody worked harder than me. And I know I’m ready.”
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Gracie Barra’s blog caught up with Prof. Pedro – who is based in Texas – for a short talk about the World’s tournament and his thoughts on competition at the highest level.
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GB: Let’s start by introducing you to the Gracie Barra readers. Can you tell us how you got started training jiu-jitsu? Where is your home GB school at present?
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Prof. Pedro: I started training BJJ in 2013 at Angra dos Reis, Brazil, under professor Reinaldo Fernandes, from another school. After a few years, I decided I wanted to be a professional athlete, so I signed up for Felipe Preguiça Golden Team. I got in and had the honor to train under Professor Felipe Preguiça for 2 years. After that, I came to the USA 3 years ago and my current home GB school is GB Westchase TX, led by Professor Ulpiano Malachias.
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GB: You had an incredible result at the 2021 No-Gi Worlds winning gold in both your weight class and the Absolute division.
Can you tell us how your tournament matches went?
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Prof. Pedro: I changed my game a little for this tournament. I’m always trying to push the pace, looking for submissions. My idea was to keep my style but try to be more precise, I wanted to keep being aggressive but smarter. And it worked really well.
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GB: Was there a match that was most challenging? Which victory was you most proud of?
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Prof. Pedro: Cyborg (Abreu), for sure. He’s heavier and way more experienced than me. I respect him a lot. But I knew I was ready to fight anybody.
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GB: Can you talk a little about your mindset leading up to a major tournament? What is your mental attitude right before you enter the match for a championship final?
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Prof. Pedro: I truly believe in hard work. I know that if you put the work in, do everything that you are supposed to, you’ll be ready and feel ready.
You can lie to everybody but you can’t lie to yourself. If you don’t give your best during your preparation, you’ll know deep down that you could’ve done better and it will affect your self-confidence.
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The hardest fights happen inside of your own mind.
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When I enter any match I remind myself nobody worked harder than me. And I know I’m ready.
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GB: Would you like to give a shout-out to any coaches, training partners, or sponsors?
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Prof. Pedro: I want to thank all my teammates, my Professor Ulpiano, my Professor Servando, my wife, and all my team and friends who always support me on this journey, we just started. Also special thanks to my sponsors; VB Attorneys – Fighters Choice – GBWear
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Writer: Mark Mullen, Gracie Barra Black Belt