I did it!
We got to Paris on a Monday and I my match was on Thursday. A 4 day wait wit all the anticipations building up. I don’t know if I will ever do it like this. The reason I was this early in Paris is because I travelled with a teammate that was also competing. He competed on Tuesday. Unfortunately, he lost. I say unfortunately because his full potential did not materialize during the competition.
When we got to the hotel, after a 4-hour drive from Maastricht to Paris, we checked in and headed afterwards to the venue to drill. Luckily the venue where the European IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023 was next-door to the hotel. (20 steps door to door) We did a sold hour of drilling. Warm-Up / drilling mats were located in the basement of the facility. There were a lot of athletes drilling, warming up, sparring. The air was thick and heavy. (Sweaty air)
Drilling with Marvin ( a day before his match at the European IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023)
After practice we got back to the hotel room, we showered and went out to get dinner. On Tuesday, Marvin, my teammate and roommate had to compete. Marvin won his first mat but lost the second one. He was devastated with the loss. Btw, Marvin is European IBJJF NoGi 2022 champion.
On Wednesday Marvin and I drilled again for my match on Thursday. Before the drilling we watch another teammate compete, Konstantin. Unfortunately, he lost his 3rd match. It was an overloaded division, over 20 registrations.
It was a heavy drill for the same reasons stated before; heavy air, sweat, no air circulation. We drilled guard pass to armbar, DLR to back take. We sparred for 1 hour straight. I got mauled by Marvin.
A day before my match I got mauled by Marvin
After this brutal session we went and got dinner. On Thursday the day of the fight I was not feeling it. All the tension and nervousness build up during the 4 days. On top of it this was also the day that we had to check out of the hotel and drive home. In the morning I did not want to leave the room, but I had to because a teammate was competing, Sven. Sven is not only a teammate, but I train at his BJJ gym on Sundays. Sven is brown belt under my Sensei. So we have the same Sensei. Sven took 2nd place at European IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023. So close to get the gold. Btw, Sven is a European IBJJF NoGi Champion 2022.
The day didn’t go by fast like I wanted it. I was stressed out, and I even arranged to late check out. I took a nap at noon and stayed in the room till 14:00. We checked out and went to the venue. I had to eat but I had a knot in my stomach. Anyways, I bought a warm meal went and sat all by myself in a corner and forced myself to eat. I was rice with chicken. Never had checking that tasted so bad. I didn’t finish it. I started talking with some athletes that competed and won. I congratulated them and chatted for a bit. All of a sudden, my phone vibrates, It was my mom app-ing me; asking me how i was doing. I told my mom that i was nerves, because in 2 hours I have to compete. Mom told me: “None sense child. Start breathing through your nose and breathe out through your mouth”.
Ok before I continue I need to tell you this bit. Back when I was a kid, my mom was the one that took me to my competitions. She is the one that was sitting in the stands watching me fight. My Old Man, R.I.P., would have none of it.
After I finished chatting with my mom, I went back to look for my teammates. They were sitting in the stands at mat #2 where I have to compete. It was time to go down and go through registration. I changed into my competition Gi, I warmed up and stretched with my trusted resistance band and I went to check in. I got to Gi check and weigh-ins. I looked up a spot in the area where we need to wait with other athletes that are competing. I looked at the screen and my opponent has not checked in yet.
I stood in my spot, and I remembered what my mom told me, to breath. I started breathing and counting breathing cycles in my head. I zoned out the whole arena and kept breathing. people were bumping against me, and I did not react. I kept breathing. Suddenly, I heard my name: “Jairo Martinez!”. I walked to the mat, presented my IBJJF ID, stepped on the mat, greeted the referee and my opponent and the referee started the match. Marvin and Sven yelled their lungs out from the stands, and I could hear them too. 5 minutes after the match started the score on the board showed 12-0 in my favour. I did it, I won!
I looked uo to the stands to make eye contact with my teammates. After getting off the mat I called my wife and son. When they picked up I yelled; “I am European Champion! “
I could not have done it without our Sensei Jordy and my teammates at Gracie Barra Maastricht. Also the teammate at our affiliate dojo Kuma BJJ and Evolve JiuJitsu played huge role in my victory. I am so gratefull to have you all by my side, OSS!
Last but certainly not least, my Mom that knew how to keep me calm and focussed; Thank you Mom!
I did!