Akira Bua is smashing gender stereotypes with jiu-jitsu. The 12-year-old has won gold at multiple national tournaments – and not all of the matches she has won have been against girls:
“In the beginning, I thought it was a little weird fighting guys because I wasn’t really used to jiu-jitsu,” she said. “But now it’s pretty normal. I think the stereotype about boys being better than girls, it’s mostly because they’re physically stronger, but that doesn’t mean they’re better than us.”
Still, despite being a gold medalist at such a young age, Akira has not let her success go to her head.
“I think the most important lesson that jiu-jitsu has taught me is humility and discipline. Jiu-jitsu makes you an overall calmer person and not want to get into fights because you know how to defend yourself.”
She might not want to get into fights, but she and her dad both know that if anyone – male or female – tries to start something with her, that person is going to pay.
“Having my daughter be able to defend herself is the best thing in the world,” said her dad, Justin. “That is what every father wants. I’m not worried about those boys because I know what’s going to happen.”
Check out Akira Bua’s full interview below.
This 12-Year-Old Jujitsu Champ Is Smashing Gender Stereotypes
She may be small, but she can take you down! 💪 Via We Rise by PopSugar
Posted by PopSugar on Thursday, April 6, 2017
