Getting to know Juliana Maira ( A Black Belt Jiu Jitsu Athlete and Mother)

In an article published by the BMJ (British Journal of Sports Medicine), Professor Kari Bo from the University of Sports Sciences Norway notes that there’s not much quality maternity and high-performance sports research out there "but it seems that many choose to practice when they are pregnant and that this will not negatively impact them. Neither the mother nor the child seems to get hurt." 

Juliana Maira was no different. Juliana started Jiu Jitsu at the age of 16, at that time she was looking for something different to just a workout, as a result she ended up practicing Jiu Jitsu. She has been competing since the beginning of her journey, always giving her best to get incredible results. Jiu Jitsu took over Juliana’s life. She works in a big jiu jitsu company which manufactures various jiu jitsu products, and also doubles up as a gym. There she works as a production engineer. Juliana runs a beautiful project for kids which she is responsible for coaching as well. That’s how she met her husband and had her beautiful child. 

Now, we will get to know Juliana's training during the pregnancy, because she was one of “many women who decided to practice jiu jitsu while pregnant.” 

When you realised you were pregnant, did you consider stopping Jiu Jitsu?

No, I fought in the Brasileiro Competition in 2018 while pregnant (without knowing it) because I knew the pregnancy could take me away from competitions but perhaps only for a short period. However, I trained until the end of the pregnancy. 

What were the restrictions from the doctor for a pregnant woman to train jiu jitsu??

The first 3 months of any pregnancy requires a lot of care. When I exclaimed how often I had been practicing the sport, all the doctors were scared, most of the doctors weren't even sure what Jiu Jitsu was. They recommended that I take care of myself and the baby and from the moment I discovered I was pregnant I only trained with my husband. 

How was your BJJ training during the pregnancy?

I trained normally, with rolls, drills etc., but only my husband … Nobody better than the father to take care of the baby bump!

Did you train BJJ for your whole pregnancy and how did you feel?

At the beginning of the pregnancy I used to feel very sleepy and nausea was also a big issue. I felt better from the 3rd month of pregnancy. After this period I felt my strength increase and it was very good.

I stopped at the beginning of the 8th month because FG (my head coach) recommended that I stop training. He would prefer to keep both of us safe at that stage (me and my baby) and relieve me of my training (responsibilities/duties). Although, I would continue a little bit longer, to practice more drills. 

Do you believe training jiu jitsu during your pregnancy helped you with the baby’s birth?

Yes, not only with the baby’s birth but throughout the pregnancy, I joined a women’s pregnancy group where the ladies had so many complaints, yet I had nothing. 

About the birth itself, it was normal and painful [laughs], but the training definitely helped my physical and mental toughness (only those who already held an armbar, know) so I have no doubt that training during my pregnancy helped more than anything else.

What was the hardest part for you when you returned to training?

The hardest part of returning was my ego, it took me a little longer to come back than I expected. I wanted to dedicate myself to Flora (my daughter), I officially returned after giving birth. When I came back I sensed a loss of BJJ positions, straightening & conditioning due to my (long) absence. 

What has changed in your training compared to before the pregnancy?

It was necessary to create a new routine for my family. Before that we used to train in the evenings, but nowadays we try to go more in the day time.  I’ve changed my personal goal as well in Jiu Jitsu, I no longer have competition in mind, so I can do my routine training without any pressure for the competition and relax more while I’m training.

On this Mother's Day do you have a message for Fighting Mums?

When I became a mom, I noticed that actually all mothers are fighters. So, I wish that everyone can find a mat/tatame where they can feel confident, and to get to know the women they are because BJJ is a great tool for empowerment and self-worth.