A young woman from Blenheim is on her way to Mongolia to defend her World Jiu Jitsu title and represent Canada.
Her name is Rain Pfaff, 23, of Armstrong Academy of Martial Arts in Chatham and she told CK News Today she feels a little pressure to defend her title, but is not as nervous as she was last year because it was her first time flying.
Pfaff fought her way to the top of the podium on behalf of Canada in Abu Dhabi last Fall by defeating her opponents in the 70+ kilogram division.
Pfaff said she knows what to expect this year more than she did last year and is ready for the challenge.
"You can't really predict what the other people are going to do, just try and better yourself. Yeah, they might be gunning for me, but at the end of the day I'm just trying to perform to the best of my ability and hopefully I'm able to pull off a win again this year," said Pfaff.
Pfaff said she is feeling good about her chances of repeating as world champion and has prepared for a rematch with her opponent in last year's title match, if it comes down to that.
"Feeling pretty confident. There's definitely some similar names. Like the girl I fought in the finals last year, she's registered again. So, that's a really tough opponent. I've been working my game plan in case I end up facing her again," the champ said.
Pfaff previously said her go-to move is a bow and arrow choke, adding she has been working on her guard and sweep moves and staying low.
"Definitely still have some of my favourite go to submissions. I like to pressure pass, be on top, and be heavy. The one thing that does change with these international competitions is a lot of these girls are Judo blackbelts and wrestling champs. So, potentially a lot better on their feet than I am," Pfaff added.
Pfaff returns home next weekend.
