TORRANCE, California - Team Mica, which is out of Las Vegas, competed at the first annual Gracie Jiu-Jitsu World Championships earlier this year, and they hit several "homeruns." In the last installment of Youth Spotlight, we met two of their young guns. In this issue, we've got another one. His name is Nelson Suarez.

Name: Nelson Suarez
Age: 13
Residence: Las Vegas
School: Molasky Middle School (8th grade)
Year Training: 15 months
Division: Orange belt
Place: Third

Do you get nervous before competition?
Nelson Suarez: Prior to this event, I had not competed for 8 months, so I had lost the rhythm of competition. Nevertheless, I thought I could win. In regard to nervousness, once the match actually starts, I am not nervous. I just hear my heart beat, and I get in a zone.

At the Gracie Tournament they push submissions. Do you like the concept?
Yes, and I like to go for the tap. If my opponent is on the same level, in regard to skill, I'll go for the win by points.

How does Coach Mica help you?
When I can, I train with him two times per day, and the sessions lasts for 2 hours. He is very technical. In each class, he does not hold back. He tells us everything he knows. When we compete, he gives input from the sidelines.

You're just getting started in life and in BJJ. Where do you rate your BJJ skills right now?
I may be better than most, and it's because of Mica. I've learned a lot of discipline from him, as well as his assistants. Everyone helps each other, and it's like a family team. He brings in a lot of instructors from Brazil to help us.

In regard to a career, where are you headed?
In the long term, I'll take acting classes, and I may try medicine. I am not really sure, but I know that I will be taking BJJ.

Team Mica
School: Las Vegas Team Mica
Address: 4130 S. Sandhill, Suite A-3, Las Vegas, Nevada 89121
Phone: (702) 214-6414
Web Address: www.brjiujitsulasvegas.com

Wanna Roll?
If you want to compete next year, following are a few ways to find out about the Gracie tournament.
  • Go to www.igjjf.com.
  • Check www.gracieacademy.com.
  • Call (310) 782-1309.