Tasmanian woman fighting solo to represent the State at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championships

In just over four weeks Carla Johnson will be representing Tasmania and Australia on the world stage in the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ).
The 30 year old Hobart woman is the only Tasmanian (male or female) traveling to the USA next month to compete at the World Championships in Los Angeles.
Having already taken out the Tasmanian State Championships in her division two years running, bronze at the National Championships and Silver and Bronze at the Pan Pacific Championships, plus a suite of other titles, Ms Johnson said “Worlds” was next on her bucket list.
“This sport has allowed me to become someone I didn’t think was possible and is taking me to places I never thought I could go,” Ms Johnson said.
“Life is short and I have an amazing opportunity to take on this challenge and tick off a pretty big bucket list item, so I’m going to grab it with both hands, who knows when and if I’ll be able to do this again.
“I’ve been 3 hours a day, 5-6 times a week in BJJ and Judo plus strength and conditioning with my coach and team mates at Sorell Martial Arts Academy and will go over there give it my best shot and leave everything on the mats, no regrets”.
Ms Johnson took up Brazilian Jiu-jitsu after being diagnosed with anxiety and depression.
“It’s what I call mat therapy; it’s the most incredible sport for your body and mind,” she said.
“When I’m training, I’m only thinking about what my body is doing, what my breathing is doing, I guess it’s a bit like mediation in that respect and I can tell you it’s worked, I feel great now.
“Not to mention the physical benefits, I’m strong, fit and healthy now, having lost nearly 15kgs since taking up BJJ.”
Ms Johnson’s World Championship endeavour is being made possible thanks to sponsorship from Tasmanian company, Moreton Group Medical Services, who are running a first aid training course to fund the cost of travel and registration for the Tasmania.
“It’s an honour to be receiving sponsorship from Moreton Group to represent Tasmania at the World Championships. They are hosting a first aid training course on the 28th April so that Tasmanians can get behind it, but also receive a great qualification in return.” she said. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art and combat sport system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting and submissions. It is the fastest growing Martial Art in the world today, 20 years ago it only existed in Brazil but now tens of thousands of BJJ academies are thriving all over the planet.

• First Aid Course to get Carla to the Brazilian Jiujitsu World Championships, HERE
Carla Johnson