Mateus (EFN): Carlos, after a 2023 filled with notable achievements in the purple belt category, including first places at the PBJJF Baltimore Winter Open, Pan American Championship, New Jersey Fall Open, Charlotte Summer Open, and Washington D.C. Fall Open, as well as a prestigious second place at the PBJJF World Championship, how do you plan to face the challenges of 2024 in the new brown belt category?
Carlos Gimenis: 2023 was a memorable year, Mateus. Each victory was an important step in my journey, reflecting the dedication and effort in training. Moving up to brown belt raises the expectations for 2024, but I am ready to face even more challenging opponents and seek excellence in every competition.
Mateus (EFN): With so many titles last year, what are your goals for 2024?
Carlos Gimenis: My goals for 2024 are clear: to continue competing in major PBJJF tournaments and bring home more victories. I am particularly aiming for the PBJJF World Championship, where I hope to reach the highest step on the podium. Each competition is a new opportunity to test my skills and strategies against the best in my category.
Mateus (EFN): How are you preparing to achieve these goals?
Carlos Gimenis: Preparation is intense and focused. I am refining my technique, fight strategy, and physical conditioning to be at my best in each tournament. Analyzing past fights and learning from them is a crucial part of my training, as well as maintaining a positive and resilient mindset in the face of challenges.
Mateus (EFN): What do these achievements mean to you?
Carlos Gimenis: Each achievement is a validation of hard work and commitment to jiu-jitsu. They represent not just trophies or medals, but moments of overcoming, learning, and personal growth. They are reminders that, with determination and focus, any goal is achievable.
Mateus (EFN): Is there something you learned last year that will help you in 2024?
Carlos Gimenis: I learned that resilience and the ability to adapt are as important as technique and physical strength. Every opponent and every fight bring valuable lessons. I take these lessons into 2024, ready to face new challenges and achieve even more success.
Mateus (EFN): Any message for those who follow you and aspire to follow in your footsteps?
Carlos Gimenis: To those who follow me, I deeply appreciate your support. For those aspiring to a similar path, I say: believe in yourselves, be persistent, and never stop learning. Jiu-jitsu is an incredible journey of self-discovery and overcoming. With dedication and passion, there are no limits to what you can achieve.
Mateus (EFN): Carlos, thank you for sharing your experiences and plans with us. We wish you all the success in 2024.
Carlos Gimenis: Thank you, Mateus. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that 2024 holds. Let’s go all out!
Carlos Gimenis ends 2023 with an undeniable legacy of success and enters 2024 with a brown belt and high ambitions. His achievements are not only a testament to his talent but also to his tireless dedication and love for jiu-jitsu. With his sights set on new victories, Carlos is an inspiration to rising athletes, proving that with hard work and determination, the podium is within reach.
