MARILYN Cruz of the CNMI placed third in the 2023 International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation European Championships held from Jan. 23 to 29 at the Institut du Judo in Paris, France.
In the battle for third place, Cruz said her opponent “gave the impression that she did not want to pull guard.”
The opponent tried her best to pass Cruz’s guard and was able to retain her position until they both stood up again. At this juncture, Cruz was down three advantages.
But “toward the last seconds of the match, I was able to cut an angle on my opponent and climb her back,” Cruz said. “She held me off till the timer buzzed and before I could secure the position…. It was a very close match as we both did not score solid points,” Cruz added.
“When I compete, I always aim to place first. With that said, third place is not always a satisfying outcome. But knowing that I’ve put all my effort into training, and set my focus to compete abroad, outside of my comfort zone, I feel that I’ve accomplished a major achievement,” Cruz said.
“I am happy that I was able to test my skills outside of the usual scene. The result is what motivates me to make corrections and become better at what I do. I always come back with a stronger will.”
Before the battle for third place, she faced an opponent who was a lot taller than her. But Cruz was able to secure an arm bar submission early in the match to advance.
She eventually placed third overall in the female adult purple rooster (48.50kg) weight class.
For Cruz, competing abroad was a different experience. “I was so excited to travel and compete! Especially to Paris, as it was my first time to visit the city. The excitement is definitely different from traveling for leisure,” she said.
“I was eager to compete and make it known that I am an outside competitor. My performance has always been dependent on my mindset. The travel did affect my weight balance and my internal clock, but I had a day there to acclimate and close guidance from my nutrition and fitness coach,” she added.
A Kagman High School alumna, Cruz would like to thank and recognize her Baret Submissions teammates and professor Baret Yoshida in San Diego who prepare her daily for all her competitions, and the sponsors who facilitated her trip to Paris: Lone Fox Bistro & Lounge, Mind2Muscle, and Guam Nutrition and Fitness Coach as well as the local businesses from Saipan and Guam that have helped her greatly in her goals as an athlete, and especially in competing in Europe.
“I appreciate all the support coming from back home — it keeps me in pursuit of my goals and pushes me further into the sport as an athlete from the CNMI. They are aiding in paving the way for future athletes of the CNMI who would also like to compete abroad, and at the highest levels.”
If you are interested in sponsoring or supporting Cruz in upcoming competitions, email [email protected]/.
Marilyn Cruz is announced the winner of a match during the 2023 IBJJF European Championships held from Jan. 23 to 29 at the Institut du Judo in Paris, France.
Marilyn Cruz, second right, poses with the third place medal during the awards ceremony of the 2023 IBJJF European Championships held from Jan. 23 to 29 at the Institut du Judo in Paris, France.
