The first female Jiu-Jitsu fighter from Vietnam to earn a gold medal in the Newaza adult competition
As a female fighter representing Vietnam participating on the last day of the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2021, Phung Thi Hue unexpectedly brought the gold medal in the 45kg Newaza contest. Although she has only been training in Jiu-Jitsu for a year, with her hard work and top performance when competing, she has won against experienced opponents.
Phung Thi Hue is also the first female Jiu-Jitsu fighter to win a gold medal for Vietnam in the Newaza adult competition. What makes this girl achieve such an achievement? Join with TheGis to find out Hue's story through the article below!
Hue's image at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2021, when she won the Newaza division.
1. Hi Hue, can you introduce yourself to everyone?
My name is Phung Thi Hue, and I'm 28 years old this year. Wrestling (wrestling) and Jiu-Jitsu are my current sports in Thai Nguyen province. In addition, I am in the process of becoming a coach.
Hue in her daily training uniform
2. You finally earned the Gold Medal for Vietnam in the Newaza content at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2021. What were your feelings at the time?
Not only am I shocked that I was able to achieve the gold medal, but everyone else is. I've only been doing this sport for a short time, but I've already defeated opponents who were Asian champions or had won World Championships. On the other hand, I haven't had much of a chance to fight on the international stage. I was even more amazed when I became Vietnam's first female Jiu-Jitsu competitor to earn a medal in the Newaza adult content.
Hue's image in the international arena.
3. Could you tell me more about the competition's content?
Newaza is content that focuses on wrestling - tight locks. It's known as Kimura BJJ Jiu-Jitsu in Vietnam. In Newaza, I think contributing to the success is the martial arts competition uniform. I have chosen TheGis martial arts uniform - a Vietnamese brand with me to compete in arenas, domestically and internationally, such as the 2021 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Gi of TheGis fits me well; thick and heavy makes it difficult for the opponent to pull, so it helps a lot in competition.
Hue wore a Made in Vietnam martial arts uniform in the world arena.
4. What made you choose TheGis martial arts uniform to wear during your Jiu-Jitsu training, especially for this world championship?
At first, I didn't know about Jiu-Jitsu's martial arts uniforms and didn't have the money, so I kept borrowing martial arts uniforms from other subjects to practice. After that, the professional trainer introduced TheGis' specialized Jiu-Jitsu martial arts uniform, so I ordered it immediately. I enjoy TheGis because it allows me to customize my martial arts outfit to the desired size and color.
Portrait of a customized TheGis competition uniform.
The Vietnamese team designed the Gi of TheGis sets. I'm confident and proud that I'm not only competing on a national level but also worldwide. Thus, I only use the Gi of TheGis set for all competitions, especially international championships like the last World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in 2021.
5. How long have you been pursuing martial arts? What was your original reason for starting training?
Before the entrance exam, I failed athletics; then, I passed Wrestling again. At that time, I didn't know what it was, so if I passed the exam, I would practice. Thanks to the guidance of professional coaches, I have been persistent and accompanied with martial arts for 12 years. I found the martial arts movements relatively quick and related to other martial arts. I also want to participate in new subjects and competitions to gain more experience. Those are the factors that influenced my decision to pursue Jiu-Jitsu.
Jiu-Jitsu team of Viet Nam at the World Championship.
6. When you switched from wrestling to jiu-jitsu, what were the advantages and disadvantages you experienced?
My trainer directed me to Jiu-Jitsu to practice more in July 2020. Jiu-Jitsu has a wide range of techniques and a solid capacity to control competitors. I have practiced as a wrestler for over ten years, so I have a lot of advantages in terms of physical and technical ability to practice Jiu-Jitsu.
Everyone, including myself, was excited and curious about how easy it was to hit in the early training days. We trained for two weeks before competing in the first competition. To control the competitor, I usually hit the top (top position) with the advantage as a wrestler.
I encountered some technical difficulties while practicing Jiu-Jitsu and had to compete in two or three competitions to memorize the names of the basic techniques. Because this is a new topic, the province does not have much money to support it and invest in the necessary equipment. Our coaches and athletes were required to apply for training in Hanoi two to three weeks before the competitions to receive technical support from professionals to fight better.
7. Many say that Jiu-Jitsu helps them calm down when dealing with problems in life. Do you think so?
With Jiu-jitsu, some people like to hit fast; others patiently hit slow to show technique. I'm used to wrestling with a lot of movement, so I want to attack Jiu-Jitsu actively. This way of fighting helps me think to handle the attack in the allotted time to pin down the competitor quickly. Because of that, my calmness also increased significantly.
Athlete Phung Thi Hue in a training session at Thai Nguyen.
8. Even though you have only known Jiu-Jitsu for about a year, your training time with a professional coach is limited. What motivated you to decide to participate in the world match?
My coaches encourage me to participate in the big match to gain more experience; if I'm lucky enough to achieve, the reward is also more. I concentrate very hard when I go to the competition and fight my best. Although I may not get good results, I am satisfied, and everyone will see that effort.
Normally, our coaches have researched and oriented us to practice and compete in big tournaments. Therefore, I also work hard to be ready to seize the opportunity because sometimes it only comes once in a lifetime. I feel very honored because this was the first time my province had owned an athlete competing in an international tournament. I contend not only for myself but also to represent my coaches, family, province, and national flags and colors.
9. And you finally won the gold medal at the 2021 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Can you share about the process and your feeling at that time?At the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2021, organized by the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation (JJIF) in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), my friends and I competed in different content such as Fighting, Duo/Show Mixed, and Newaza. I competed in Fighting and lost, so it was pretty stressful. However, on the last day of the competition in the Newaza 45kg content, I suddenly won against the host UAE. The feeling at that time was highly nervous and indescribable.
10. In your opinion, what else helps you win this tournament apart from your efforts?
TheGis' specialized Jiu-Jitsu martial arts is a factor that has supported me very well in the competitions. We must have a professional martial arts uniform to practice, especially with the specific Newaza content of Jiu-Jitsu martial arts.
Usually, I can choose a thin and cheap training shirt when I practice. Still, in competition, The rule is obligatory to wear a thick, well-fitted martial arts uniform to compete at the best level. The Gi set of TheGis brand responded very well to the above, so I chose it as a companion and won this competition.
TheGis uniform is always carefully sewn to provide good quality when competing.
11. Although you have just approached the martial art of Jiu-Jitsu for a year, you have joined through many big and small seasons. Do you have any advice for beginners?Jiu-Jitsu is a popular martial art for everyone; even 30 or 40 years old can still train. At that age, you may not be suitable to play other sports, but with Jiu-Jitsu, it is entirely possible. Besides, office workers who are not athletes can also take advantage of the time to practice Jiu-jitsu to exercise and maintain their health.
Thank you for sharing, Hue! TheGis wishes you to stay well and achieve many achievements in your martial arts career!