MARILYN Cruz aimed to end the year with a bang and did exactly that during the 2022 No-Gi World Championship on Dec. 8-11 at the Anaheim Convention Center in California as she went home with the silver medal in the purple belt rooster weight class.
In the finals, Cruz faced Anh Nguyen in a match that went the full seven-minute round.
Cruz ended up two points shy against the equally skilled grappler.
Toward the middle of the match, the two exchanged sweeps but Cruz’s opponent fended off her attempts to get back on top.
“I was as prepared as I could be for this tournament,” Cruz said. “I felt ready to take on the challenge and I was confident in the skills I’ve developed this year through training and competing. I had a dominant first match, I put myself in positions that I have been working on, and secured my spot in the finals via Kimura lock,” she added.
When asked which of the two BJJ styles she prefers, she answered. “I enjoy no-gi grappling as it requires precision and control of your opponent’s body. It can be slippery and fast-paced, so there are many details to overcome when trying to restrain your opponent.”
She added, “I can equally say that I enjoy jiu-jitsu in the gi as well. With the gi kimono on, you are able to use grips on the cloth, which can be used as tools for control, and a variety of submissions.”
Cruz said she is “grateful to be able to learn and train in San Diego with a remarkable instructor and team (Baret Submissions). I am also thankful for the encouragement and support I receive from my family and friends back in Saipan and Guam. It’s been an amazing full year of competing as a jiu-jitsu athlete. I have received support from local businesses in Guam and San Diego, that have been [a big help] for my goals as an athlete,” she added, referring to Guam Nutrition and Fitness Coach Ryan Rupley and James Coffee in San Diego.
Cruz is already looking forward to competing in the European championships early next year in Paris, France.
“It’s a personal goal as a representative of the CNMI, USA. I greatly appreciate any and all support, and I am looking forward to continue competing in the highest level in 2023,” she added.
Marilyn Cruz, left, poses with her silver medal during the 2022 No-Gi World Championship held Dec. 8-11 in California.
Marilyn Cruz, right, attempts to gain the positional advantage against her opponent during the 2022 No-Gi World Championship in California.
