How Jiu-jitsu star Meggie Ochoa trains for the gold
Filipina Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu sensation Meggie Ochoa
Just a few days ago in London, Filipina Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu sensation Meggie Ochoa bagged another gold medal at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu Jitsu World Tour held at the Copper Box Arena.
This is just one of the many gold medals she has won in international competitions since she took up the sport after college. We arranged an interview with the former Ateneo Lady Trackster and current Under Armour athlete shortly before she left for the competition to get insights into her training regimen.
Philippine Star: How did your jiu-jitsu journey begin?
Meggie Ochoa: After college, I tried MMA with some friends. I really wanted to pursue this but I didn’t have any opponents in my weight class. So I went to another team, and the coach there told me to try out jiu-jitsu. I tried it and there were more ladies in my weight class. There was more competition and, because of this, you can get better faster.
What inspired you to pursue your dreams?
What drives me, from the very beginning, has been the love for the Philippines. It has been driving me so much and, in 2016, I got to know Christ a lot more. My drive would then become deeper. Every task I would do, it would be done to glorify God. When I do jiu-jitsu, I am super driven because I know God created me to do this because it brings Him glory.
What is the state of jiu-jitsu here in the Philippines?
I think it’s growing. In South East Asia, we’re at the top. In Asia, we’re close to Japan and Korea. Those two are ahead but we’re catching up. We’re growing and if everyone would allot time and effort to grow this sport, its potential to excel is huge.
Why is BJJ considered the ultimate functional fitness sport?
You use your entire body in jiu-jitsu, even the muscles you thought you never had before. It really works you out and, what makes jiu-jitsu amazing, no matter what body type you have, you can excel in this sport.
What is your workout routine?
I do strength and conditioning, 2-3 times a week. I train (jiu-jitsu) six times a week, with mat time around once or twice during those days. I do sparring but not all the time. Sometimes, it’s technique studies. It changes and varies. We mix it up so that we don’t get burned out.
What is your diet like when you’re preparing for a competition as opposed to when you’re on off-season?
Whenever I have to cut weight, I have to cut the quality and quantity of the food I take. I don’t have any specific diet program. I just consciously take a more balanced and healthy diet. I don’t eat white rice. I eat red rice. I consume more white meat than red meat during the competition season. Fruits and vegetables are always there. I eat a lot of those. It’s all about just consciously eating healthy.
Aside from flexibility, speed, and fitness, what are the other benefits of engaging in BJJ and Martial Arts?
One may learn a lot. Aside from the physical benefits, I gained a better presence of mind. Jiu-jitsu helped me hone my mind, especially in high pressure situations. It also gives you confidence. I’m not a tall person. Before, back when I used to do track, my height was such a disadvantage. Taller people have longer legs, and they would have longer strides. However, in jiu-jitsu, you can customize different techniques to fit your body type. It’s an art. There’s a multitude of moves that will become ingrained into your game. This confidence that I get from this sport spreads to different aspects of my life as well.
How can women, specifically, benefit from learning MMA?
One solid benefit is learning to accept your body. Whether you’re big, healthy, small, tall, skinny, or anything, one can excel in jiu-jitsu. It teaches you to be creative with your technique and maximize the use of you body. I know that body-image and self-affirmation is a prevalent issue today. For me, jiu-jitsu helps in that regard.
What is your advice for aspiring MMA enthusiasts?
Be open-minded. Learn the different facets of the sport. If you’re only focusing on one aspect or technique, you’re limiting yourself when the sport can give you much more. Some people shy away from competitions but joining competitions is one of the best ways to grow. You’re able to utilize what you’ve learned and experience what it is like to compete.
* * *
Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph or mylenedayrit@gmail.com.
