MARILYN Cruz, a Kagman High School graduate, placed second in the purple belt division of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation No Gi World Championships held on Oct. 7, 2021 in Garland, Texas.
Cruz, who now resides in San Diego, California, had a stellar performance as she blew through the preliminaries of the rooster class to find herself in the semifinal round where she faced Mary D. Moreno.
“I had anticipated this match-up because my opponent was a seasoned purple belt,” Cruz said in an interview with Variety.
As Cruz had expected, her opponent was aggressive and technical.
Cruz was initially down by points, but at the last minute of the match, she managed to secure a back mount to defeat Moreno and earn a slot in the finals.
“I enjoyed this match the most because of the energy we both put in,” Cruz said.
In the finals, Cruz went up against Theresa Calloway in a grueling seven-minute bout.
They were evenly matched up until the final 30 seconds when Cruz went for the finish. She came up strong for a sweep but, unfortunately, was reversed as she lost her footing. This determined the winner of the match.
“During the finals, I felt like I was the top player and that I could win — unfortunately there was no time to recover before the timer went off,” she added.
Although Cruz came out short, she said she learned a lot which should make her a better competitor in the next event.
“I competed to shoot for the top, so losing the finals match was unsettling, but I came to the realization that it is a part of my journey to getting better,” she added.
“I received my purple belt from Baret Yoshida earlier this year, and placed in a world championship at a new rank. It feels great to see improvement in something I’ve been working hard for.”
The promotion to purple belt only boosted her confidence. “I believe that good technique will outshine even brute force. I have been competing regularly and prepping myself…. I’ve been sharpening my closed guard attacks and I’m ready to put my practice to the test,” she said.
Cruz plans to join more super fights and tournaments before the year ends, including the Gi world championships.
“I am currently training to win the Gi world title. My results at the No Gi championship make me eager to compete again. I can say that I will continue training for submission finishes, and I will be practicing accuracy and being relentless!”
Marilyn Cruz, left, who won the silver medal, poses, with gold medalist Theresa Galloway, center, and bronze medalists Mary Moreno and Mikayla Castillo-Timms at the IBJJF No Gi World Championship in Garland, Texas on Oct. 7, 2021.
Marilyn Cruz smiles as she wins a purple belt division match during the IBJJF No Gi World Championship in Garland, Texas on Oct. 7, 2021.
