“The Jiu-Jitsu ‘Queen’ of Queens, Vianca Jager”

Vianca Jager is a veteran in Jiu-Jitsu, having trained for over 14 years. She is a trailblazer for women’s Jiu-Jitsu in many ways. When she first started, she was one of very few women training in New York and often struggled to find opponents, sometimes moving up weight classes just to compete. Jager is an active competitor, but balances her love for competition with a passion for coaching and instructing at her gym in Queens, NY. The Pan No Gi champ also enjoys salsa, karaoke, and horror films, and is motivated by the fact that there is always something new to work on in Jiu-Jitsu. Let’s get to know East Coast United black belt VIanca Jager.

Name: Vianca Jager Age: 28 Team: East Coast United Queens Academy BJJ Tees: Where are you from, and where do you currently train?

Jager: I was born in Queens, NY. I grew up in Yonkers, NY, but recently moved to Queens. I currently train in Whitestone, NY under third degree Black Belt Rob Gutierrez. How long have you been training? What got you into Jiu-Jitsu?

I've been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since I was 14 years old. When I found Jiu Jitsu, I was a freshman in High School. Growing up, I was always active and competitive in sports. I wanted to join a team, but wasn't sure which sport I wanted to focus on. One of my friends at the time informed me about a self defense class after school, so I gave it a try. After trying out the self defense class, I noticed that the boys started to do a completely different type of class, which happened to be Jiu Jitsu. It looked very interesting and I was immediately mesmerized. My teacher at the time, who started the after school program, introduced me to his Jiu Jitsu academy where I then started my BJJ career.

What are some of your biggest accomplishments in Jiu-Jitsu?

I have accomplished a lot in my Jiu Jitsu journey and I have several memorable moments. Here are some accomplishments from blue to black belt:Blue Belt - NAGA 10th Anniversary I had ten matches and competed in both the Teens and Women's divisions. I went 9 and 1. I won a belt and silver medal. Purple Belt - Gold Medal 2012 Abu Dhabi Trails NY I competed against tough accomplished well-known women in my division. I made it to the finals. It was a very close match, went to referee decision, and I ended up with the win. Brown Belt - Silver Medal 2015 Pan Jiu Jitsu Championship IBJJF. That was the last tournament I competed in as a brown belt. I had some awesome matches and made it to the finals. I made a mistake that my opponent capitalized on and ended up with silver that day. Black Belt - Gold Medal 2015 Pan NoGi NY IBJJFI felt strong and sharp that day. I finished all my matches by submission, taking home the gold. How much do you train every week? What is your daily schedule like leading up to a big competition?

When not focusing on competition, I am on the mat 2-3 hours a day Monday through Friday, This includes teaching kids, helping beginners, and training for myself.Leading up to competition, I train two hours in the morning when possible. I try to be very conscientious and disciplined about what I eat, making sure I eat right, especially when having to cut weight. I schedule time to go to the gym for weightlifting. I like to keep every part of my body strong. Later that night, I train 2-3 hours, focusing more on my own training and working a lot of drilling and sparring. How has being a coach impacted you as an athlete?

Being a coach has impacted me a lot because I'm not there just for myself, I'm there for my students as well. Being a coach disciplines you to focus on all the little detailed mistakes you see your students making, and correct them right away. What are some of the challenges you have faced along your journey as a competitor?

One challenge I have faced as a competitor is not being able to find opponents for certain tournaments and sometimes having to move up a weight class just to compete. The biggest challenge I have been dealing with lately is getting unexpected injuries that have been pulling me back from the competition scene.

You mentioned having trouble finding opponents in the past. What, in your opinion, will help to grow this sport for women?What I think would help grow this sport for women is having more women only tournaments, just like they recently did in EBI. Having more events like that will expose more women BJJ practitioners and attract more women who are thinking about training Jiu Jitsu. In what ways have you seen women's Jiu-Jitsu grow since you started?Jiu Jitsu has grown a lot from when I started. In the past you saw a lot of guys from one school and they only had one or two women competing. Today you see a whole team of women competing from one school. You also see a lot more women only open mats and seminars which I think is fantastic and a great way to get women involved. Is there anything special you do to help you get pumped up before a competition? Do you have any superstitions?

I really don't have anything special that gets me pumped up for competition, but when my Professor threatens me to do burpees or any other punishments for lack of effort, I seem to step it up two notches. Like I always say, "I'm not doing burpees."Do you have any hobbies outside of Jiu-Jitsu?

When I get a chance, I enjoy dancing and practicing to Salsa music. I also enjoy karaoke from time to time. I actually have the Rocky Horror theme song nailed down. I also enjoy watching horror films, if that is considered a hobby. What are some of your goals?

To compete as much as I can. To pass down my knowledge to the next Jiu Jitsu generation. To continue to be a role model to kids and women. What drives you/ motivates you on this journey?What drives me is my professor and training partners constantly pushing and challenging me to better myself always. What motivates me is knowing that there is always something new to work on for every part of the game. I love learning new moves and perfecting old ones.What is some advice you would give to other girls (or guys) who want to be competitors?

Just have fun and enjoy every moment of it. Win or lose, you went in there and represented yourself.

Are there any shout - outs you want to give, to sponsors, supporters, etc.?-Nick Mitria and BJJ Tees for being awesome sponsors and always making sure I'm good with gear. -Professor Rob Gutierrez for always being there for me on and off the mats. -My ECUBJJ Queens Family. Come check us out at ecuqueensbjj.com Give us a like on our Web, FB and IG. Follow me on Facebook: Vianca Jager Facebook Fan Page: Vianca BJJInstagram: @viancajager_bjj

nick mitriaMarch 31, 2020