IBJJF 2017 Pan Jiu-Jitsu ChampionshipMar 17, 2017 by FloGrappling
17-Year-Old Art of Jiu-Jitsu Prodigy Wins IBJJF Pan Gold
17-Year-Old Art of Jiu-Jitsu Prodigy Wins IBJJF Pan Gold
People often talk about the transformative power of jiu-jitsu, and here's a great example of how the arte suave can change people's lives.
People often talk about the transformative power of jiu-jitsu, and here's a great example of how the arte suave can change people's lives.
Sophia Flores, a student of the Mendes brothers at of Art of Jiu-Jitsu academy in Costa Mesa, California, won gold in the blue belt light featherweight division today.
With five matches for the gold medal, she emerged champion in a stacked division of 27 athletes.
What's even more amazing is that Flores is only 17 years old, and only started fighting in the adult division earlier this year.
"It's amazing to see a young kid full of dreams walk into the academy and tell you that they want to be like you," says coach Gui Mendes.
Sophie Flores with Gui Mendes (left) and Mason Monsevais (right). Photo: Art of Jiu-Jitsu
She started competing with adults this year, and won the IBJJF European Championships in Lisbon, Portugal in January.
Flores trains four times a day at Art of Jiu-Jitsu and helps coach the kids classes.
"I'm proud to watch her becoming a strong woman that will be a great example to all the little girls in the academy," says Mendes. "The future looks bright and we will keep working hard."
Watch Sophia Flores in action at the IBJJF 2017 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Sophia Flores, a student of the Mendes brothers at of Art of Jiu-Jitsu academy in Costa Mesa, California, won gold in the blue belt light featherweight division today.
With five matches for the gold medal, she emerged champion in a stacked division of 27 athletes.
What's even more amazing is that Flores is only 17 years old, and only started fighting in the adult division earlier this year.
"It's amazing to see a young kid full of dreams walk into the academy and tell you that they want to be like you," says coach Gui Mendes.
Sophie Flores with Gui Mendes (left) and Mason Monsevais (right). Photo: Art of Jiu-Jitsu
She wasn't confident when she started training at Art of Jiu-Jitsu. We worked hard to develop a strong mindset and improve her game to win everything in the juvenile division.Flores has an incredible 2016, winning Pans, Worlds and No-Gi Worlds as a juvenile.
She started competing with adults this year, and won the IBJJF European Championships in Lisbon, Portugal in January.
Flores trains four times a day at Art of Jiu-Jitsu and helps coach the kids classes.
"I'm proud to watch her becoming a strong woman that will be a great example to all the little girls in the academy," says Mendes. "The future looks bright and we will keep working hard."
Watch Sophia Flores in action at the IBJJF 2017 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Opening Round: Lilian Tran vs Sophia Marie Flores
2nd Round: Sophia Marie Flores vs Christina Zynko
Quarterfinal: Sophia Maria Flores vs Evelynn Alba
Semifinal: Sophia Marie Flores vs Luana Cristina De Silva Fernandes
Final: Sophia Marie Flores vs Roya Darvishian
Related Content
- IBJJF Worlds 2024 Schedule
May 14, 2024
- How To Watch IBJJF Worlds 2024
May 14, 2024
- Here Are The All-Time Rooster IBJJF Weight Class Winners At Worlds
May 14, 2024
- Romulo Rocha Gets Shark Tanked At Alliance Worlds Training
May 13, 2024
- Anna Rodrigues Will Compete At Worlds Alongside Dream Art Rising Stars
May 10, 2024
- Guard Retention & Modern Back Takes | Fix My Game With Tommy Langaker
May 9, 2024
- Kennedy Leonardo Maciel vs Raimundo Diego Pinto Sodre 2024 Brasileiro Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF
May 5, 2024
- THEO CAMARGO DE LOYOLA vs MICHAEL GUSTAVO FORNAZARI 2024 Brasileiro Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF
May 5, 2024
- Resultados finais do Brasileiro 2024 | Análise FloGrappling Ep. 11
May 3, 2024