Monique Ricardo
Where are you from/where do you train?
I train in Plano, Texas at Cobra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
How long have you been training and how did you get into Jiu-Jitsu?
I have been training eight years. I got into Jiu-Jitsu through my husband Eddie Ricardo who invited me to try a class.
How much time do you spend training every week? What does an average day look like for you?
I train every day except Saturday, for about two hours per day.
An average day consists of me running around and living in my car. I get kids ready for school, get my weight training in, pick kids up, run errands, then lunch, then back to the gym for kids BJJ for my oldest son, then adults class, and my drills and training. It’s about 8:30 pm when I head home for homework and cook dinner! I get the kids bathed and ready for bed, plus then a shower for myself! It’s about 11:30 before I’m finally finished. Every day is like this, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What are your biggest accomplishments in Jiu-Jitsu?
Winning double Gold at Worlds No Gi Master in 2016.
What are the ages of your kids?
They are 5 and 3
How did pregnancy affect your training? Did you have to take time off/ how much?
I stopped once I had a belly because sitting up was hard to do! I took a few months before the baby and about one month post baby.
How soon did you start training again after having a baby? Competing?
About one month post baby. I started w just mobility drills, and I was competing 4 months later.
Did having a baby lead to any physical changes in what you could do/how you trained after pregnancy?
Yes. It changed my whole game each time. I had to learn more hip movements after my second baby. I had a lot of muscle memory, but it was an opportunity to fix some bad habits. I had to kinda relearn Jiu-Jitsu.
How do you balance the training schedule of a competitor with the responsibilities of being a mother?
I’m still trying to figure it out, haha. It’s important to have a balance! And, mostly, for me to have my kids around me throughout the day.
Did you ever have any doubts about whether you could be both a mom and a competitor? If so, how did you overcome them?
No, I always knew I would make it work somehow. Plus, the support of my husband helps tremendously. It’s all I know, to train and compete.
How, if at all, has motherhood made you a better grappler/training partner/teacher/coach?”
Well motherhood definitely makes you more patient! I bring my kids to my training so I know they are always watching. You never know what they see or hear. I make sure to always be aware how I carry myself. My kids both train jiu-jítsu , so sometimes after class I do a few drills w them. I love being able to teach what has given me such passion! It’s amazing to see how they learn and train jiu-jítsu. Now , my oldest son who is five years old , moves exactly like my husband! We use to put him in his car carrier pointing towards the mats while we trained!
My kids are always motivation for me. I want to be a role model for them, an example! My priorities are always my family first, so if my kids are sick, they come first.
What do you love about being a jiu-jitsu mom?
I love that I can share a passion of mine and my skills to my kids. I can teach them something valuable that will benefit them throughout their whole lives.
What would you say to a mom who is interested in training competitively?
I would say there will be a lot in your plate, but if you have the will and the drive, it can be done. It takes good planning, with time management, and great focus in your training! Oss!
Follow Monique:
Instagram: @moniquericardobjj