Emmanuela Oliveira 
Diana Teixeira, a black-belt from Atos, has been establishing herself as a strong name in the elite of professional Jiu-Jitsu competing in the AJP. For two consecutive years, the athlete from Manaus topped the rankings in the up to 49kg division, adult black-belt, earning a reputation as the favorite in her division.
In an interview with VF Comunica, the 23-year-old champion, who won four gold medals at AJP Grand Slams this season, in Abu Dhabi, Turkey, Rio de Janeiro and Moscow, spoke a little about her plans to travel the world competing in Jiu-Jitsu.
“In 2022, I had the opportunity to go to Abu Dhabi to compete for a club. I started receiving a salary and was able to travel. One of the main challenges to achieving the ranking was living in Abu Dhabi for a year and a half, away from my family and friends. During that time, I met Pablo Mantovani, who supported me as soon as I started competing in events, with the goal of reaching the top of my first ranking in the AJP.”.
Cash prize at AJP allowed Diana to compete in Grand Slams around the world
As she is focused on competitions in a federation that awards cash prizes, upon topping the AJP ranking for the first time, she invested the prize money to be able to continue traveling to the countries that would host Grand Slams next season, all with the goal of achieving the feat again.
“My professor and I have been working smart, competing in all the Grand Slams and thus maintaining the highest scores in the events. This year I am much closer to achieving our goal.”.
Next stop will be ADGS in Dallas, Texas
Now, at the end of September, Diana has another challenge ahead of her and she is very confident about facing it. After all, she is the name to beat in the up to 49 kg division. It will be at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in Dallas, Texas, that she will go in search of another gold medal of the season.
“I’ve worked hard over the years. At the Dallas Grand Slam I’m ready to be champion and end the year with seven AJP gold medals. In this count I already include the World Pro medal, which is my biggest goal for this year.”.
Regarding strategy, Diana Teixeira said that she considers herself a versatile athlete, who adapts to the needs of the fight, whether it be applying takedowns, passing or playing guard from the bottom. If she had to mention just one quality, the black-belt says that she always enters the fight with a greater desire to win.
“I consider myself a complete athlete. If I need to takedown, pass or play guard, I do it. That’s what sets me apart, in addition to having a lot of desire to make things happen. I’m from Manaus. So, you know where my strength comes from.”.
