Braulio Estima in his superfight against Andre Galvao at the 2013 ADCC. Photo: Erin Herle
Two weeks after the 2013 ADCC event in Beijing, China, UK-based Brazilian Braulio Estima is focusing his eyes towards the future. After losing his superfight against Andre Galvao, he explains the reasoning behind his defeat, the steps he will take to recover and the philosophy behind the elusive gold medal at black belt.
Prior to the event, Braulio sought out training in the states, specifically New York City since Roger [Gracie] was on holiday and traveling for business. He is one of his local training partners in England. “I trained as much as I could at Marcelo Garcia Academy, Renzo Gracie Academy and Ricardo Almeida’s academy,” he says.
But the tendinitis in both his arms prevented him from training to his fullest potential. Wrestling, as he explains is what “all the champs in ADCC had in the top level” and his previous neck injury that was pinching his nerve stopped from training in such a pivotal discipline. These set backs were the main reason in his performance in China.
Superfight against Andre Galvao. Photo: Erin Herle
When asked about the differences he notices between competing in gi and no-gi, he says, “I it find much easier to bring the game to my strength in the gi than in no-gi as I can use the grips and tie the opponent in awkward situations. In the ADCC it’s tough because it’s hard to get hold of the guy, especially when he is stronger. Also with the [ADCC] rules it benefits the wrestlers.”
But now, he will rehabilitate his body and mind in order to prepare for the events ahead.
“Now I’m putting my head together. I just came back from the clinic and I’m fixing what is wrong and starting from scratch. Next year I will do everything professionally. I’m no longer in my twenties so things must to be more planned than they used to be. I’m glad I got someone to do all that for me and I’m confident I will bring the old Braulio if not a better one by next year’s worlds,” says the world champion.
And his priorities?
“My focus now is family which is part of my focus all the time. Teaching is my job so it’s always there and the same for seminars. So I just need to juggle, really.”
His approach to the world titles he’s won and those he will work towards in the future is a philosophy explained as:
“A world championship for me is a tournament where I have fought against the best in the sport and managed to be the best on that day. It doesn’t necessarily mean you are the man. I’m sure if there was another worlds on the following weekend the results would change for sure. So, it’s all about the tune and being good on that day for the title. When you win a title it’s like a reward for the good work you did. Nowadays I take it as a test, as a goal to prepare and fight against the best out there. I’m a very competitive person so that’s the natural drive in me. But when I’m training every day I’m seeking to get as good as I can possibly achieve. It’s not about one person or one tournament. It’s about myself. But the tournament gives me a goal that I can push beyond my limits. So, as soon as I finish my rehab I will do the work to keep me with the top athletes for longer this time.”
