Sophomore Maansi Murty adopts jiu-jitsu as a lifestyle

Sophomore Maansi Murty was only seven years old when she started practicing jiu-jitsu, after her  cousin, sophomore Melia Ewing, asked her to join her studio. As the years passed, Murty’s love for  jiu-jitsu steadily grew, eventually leading her to adopt the sport as a lifestyle.

“I love the control I have in a fight and the friendships I create,” Murty said. “I even love the injuries—they are a reminder of my accomplishments.”

Murty practices at John Barrett American Martial Arts in Lomita and has earned a red belt. In the
studio, she participates in what is known as “Black Belt Boot Camp,” which is an advanced program of  cardiovascular training, fighting drills and obstacle courses that test agility and fitness.

“When Maansi started [jiu-jitsu] in elementary school, she was an amateur fighter,” Ewing said.

“Now, she is holding gold medals [earned from her tournaments] because she never gave up.”

She placed third in the Los Angeles International Tournament, second in the All-Americas and first at the Sports Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (SJJIF) Worlds Tournament, which is held annually in December. Fighters of all ages come from around the world to compete at this event held in Long Beach, Calif. Murty feels excited and jittery at tournaments, but she never lets fear get to her when she steps  on the mat.

“When I fight, my surroundings become a white background and my focus is only on my opponent and on
my next move,” Murty said. “I feel energized, yet calm.”
Murty hopes to continue the sport in college and beyond.
“It has become a lifestyle I can’t let go of,” Murty said. “It is shaping me into a better,
stronger and more confident person—I can’t imagine my life without it.”