Q&A: Sarah Dowling (10)

Cami Lollis, Print Staff

Q: What is jiu jitsu?

A: “It’s a martial arts, kinda like wrestling. It’s ground fighting.”

Q: What got you into jiu jitsu? How long have you been in the sport?

A: “I did a mixed martial arts class that had kickboxing and jiu jitsu and I decided I liked jiu jitsu better.  I’ve been in it for six years.”

Q: What’s it like being in a male-dominated sport?

A: “I mean it kind of sucks cause a lot of them don’t give you credit or take you seriously especially cause I’m  a young girl.  But it helps my game by constantly having people that are bigger than me as my opponent.”

Q: Do you feel it has benefited you? How?

A: “Yes. I used to be a lot more awkward and shy and it helped with that.  And I’m not afraid to go places alone anymore.”

Q: What do you enjoy about it?

A: “It’s a good way to get out aggression and I’m pretty good at it.”

Q: How else are you involved?

A: “I help teach the kids self defense class.”

Q: What are you looking forward to this year?

A: “I have four tournaments coming up and there is a belt promotion ceremony in December so I’m looking forward to that.  Also some of my kids are competing and I’m excited to see them.”

Q: Do you have any goals?

A: “I want to get my blue belt.”