Dream Art’s Anna Rodrigues has won an incredible 10 major IBJJF titles as a black belt. With a 27-2 IBJJF record, Anna has established a 93.10% win rate, with her only losses coming outside of her weight class. We caught up with Anna ahead of the 2023 Brazilian Nationals to get her thoughts on her career as a black belt, her next challenge, and her role at Dream Art.

You’ve gone undefeated at light-feather and featherweight in IBJJF competition since receiving your black belt in 2019. What does that accomplishment mean to you?

“Since blue belt I dreamt of many things for my career, and losing some fights in my view would never be something unusual. The fact that I’m not afraid of losing made me win a lot. When you’re afraid of something you end up attracting this for your life. I feel so honored to have built something solid and beautiful. I went through a lot to achieve this so I’m able to take a deep breath and feel relieved that everything has worked out.”

In 2023 you’ve had some amazing performances and looked extremely confident throughout. What has been the key to developing your competition mindset?

“I have very positive results because I am extremely accountable to my dreams! So, the majority of people have dreams but they are not accountable and they know it. They know how much they are flawed! I may be flawed in a few aspects of my life but I will never fail at my dreams, and my confidence doesn’t stop there. I love to win and I believe that everyone has a gift in the world. I’m sure I’ve found mine and that’s why when I’m on the mat I use that gift without any fear, with confidence that I’m in the only place where I belong.”

At the 2023 Brasileiros, you’ll be in the featherweight division with another World Champion in Bianca Basilio. What do you think about Bianca’s jiu-jitsu and how do you see a potential match with her going down?

“Bianca is the current World Champion at this weight. I think Bianca is a good opponent to make me evolve. We’ve faced each other five times. I’ve won three and lost two. Looking from the outside this fight seems exciting. I haven’t decided yet if I want to play on top or on bottom. We have very versatile games so it will depend on my mood that day.”

Dream Art had an incredible performance at the 2023 Pans. How exciting is it to be a leader of a team that is having such great results?

“Dream Art and I have been through a lot together. The team is like a son to me! It’s managed by two men that I admire a lot, Pimentel and Isaque. We have a dream of becoming World Champions together and we are working hard for that. I am happy to be so young and at the same time living with such a great responsibility. Dream Art helps many lives and this title will help more!”

Don’t miss Anna competing at the 2023 Brasileiros on Saturday May 6th. The event can be streamed exclusively on FloGrappling.