JitsCast #8 features one of the biggest legends in Jiu-Jitsu history, Marcelo Garcia. Not only is he one of the most successful competitors that the sport has ever seen, but he’s also an incredibly successful coach as well. Garcia won four ADCC World Championship titles and five IBJJF World Championship titles over the course of his career but he’s most fondly remembered for his incredible performances in the absolute division. Garcia historically competed at just 77kg at ADCC and 82kg at IBJJF events, but he still managed to beat several of the best heavyweights in the world and stood on the podium of several absolute divisions.
That was always going to be one of the main topics that we discussed with Garcia, and he was happy to explain why he chose to challenge himself by competing in absolute divisions. Garcia was also able to share some insight into whether he preferred gi or no gi competition throughout his career, and who the toughest opponent that he ever faced was. Although there have been plenty of elite opponents that Garcia came up against over the years, it was very easy for him to pick out the one that he thought was the toughest and he didn’t hesitate at all when asked.
Garcia also shared how his return to training after recovering from cancer has gone, and his experience opening a new gym in Hawaii. It’s certainly been a rollercoaster for Garcia over the last few years and that journey has continued into next year as well, as he recently signed to make his ONE Championship debut against Masakazu Imanari at ONE 170. Naturally we wanted to find out what made Garcia want to return to competition now and how he’s been preparing for Masakazu Imanari, along with what he has in mind for the next stage of his return to professional Jiu-Jits competition.
JitsCast #8 with Marcelo Garcia is now available to watch on the official JitsMagazine YouTube channel, click here to subscribe for more or check out the interview below:
