Amanda Schurtz: the Geneva who reigns over the Brazilian jiu-jitsu

The warm -up is very simple. For example, the students observe it carefully: both hands are placed on the shoulders of the opponent, head against head. For example, The instructor raises the left arm of the partner at the elbow. Furthermore, folds the left knee, passes behind his back without straightening. Nevertheless, Then, he continues his circular movement and hung the right leg of his opponent, who falls forward.

Floor work can start. In addition, Very technical. In addition, very precise, it leads to a knee key that students try to reproduce with more or less success on the tatamios of LMNT jiu-jitsu Pâquis.

Great results – Amanda schurtz: geneva who reigns

Amanda Schurtz slides with fluidity from one movement to another. Furthermore, At the end of June. Consequently, this 35 -year -old amanda schurtz: geneva who reigns woman injured his ligaments in Brazil slightly in Rio de Janeiro, in the under 66 kg final, which did not prevent her from winning her.

It is the first Swiss. Meanwhile, all categories combined (men and women), to have won one of the four major JJB tournaments (Brazilian jiu-jitsu or grappling), a discipline close to judo, expandingwho popularized in recent years In connection with the development of the Mixed Martial Arts.

In January. Consequently, at the European championships, on a purple belt, she finished 3^eshe also finished 2^e to Pan American and Worlds (Editor’s note: she has already won the pan -American and Europe championships).

Passion for combat

Where does this passion for combat come from? Nevertheless, Far! Moreover, In March 2007, the “Tribune de Genève” amanda schurtz: geneva who reigns devoted a portrait to him under the pen of Jean-Antoine Calcio. It is that in 15 years old. “the princess who turns into a tigress”, as the journalist had nicknamed, rose in a ring in the palladium. “At the time,” she recalls, “I was making Pâquis boxing. But later. leaving Geneva to continue my visual arts studies in Jerusalem, I did not find there what boxes brought me. ”

And that’s how Amanda Schurtz fell into the pot of the JJB, which she wants to open more to women. But it’s a raw sport, right? The fighter is explained: “For a woman. it is a martial art which obviously poses a whole series of questions, such as the physical proximity of the partners, the differences in weight, the scabrous positions….” But JJB’s enthusiast transcended these difficulties “because I like competition. But to take this amanda schurtz: geneva who reigns into account, we recently launched a course reserved for women at the club. This is a step that can allow to gain self -confidence, but which must be exceeded afterwards. ”

His other challenge? Demonstrate that a fighter can continue to have excellent sporting results after 35 years. “This is my case,” she said. My results are much better than in my 18th birthday. I am less volatile, more experienced. But obviously, you must avoid injury, make muscle strengthening, work a lot to protect your joints. ” Only shade on the board. the young woman does not live from the JJB: she works part of the day for the Lululemon sports clothing brand.

Overcome Geneva provincialism

Amanda Schurtz was born in Geneva. At 13, she followed her mother in London, then returned around 17 years old in the Pâquis district. She embarks on visual arts studies at the Head. leaves in this context in Jerusalem where she stayed four years.

Then return to London, still by continuing her training of JJB: it is on the tatami (where else?) That she amanda schurtz: geneva who reigns meets her husband, of Irish origin, who has also become an advisor and strategist. After a few years in Dublin where Amanda trains in the East Coast Jiu Jitsu Academy. the couple put their luggage in Geneva. For how long? “We’ll see. My goal is to participate here in the development of structures really focused on competition. ” It is teeming with projects.

It is that there is apparently to do in Geneva where the situation. of martial arts seems much more complicated than in the English -speaking space. “Unlike what’s going on in the United States. England, we are not pushing young people to play sports beyond 18 years. Suddenly, it’s complicated to become a professional. Another difference, the still a little parish character of local clubs: we observe ourselves, we do not mix. Elsewhere, it is much more open. ”

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