Luiza Monteiro is one of the most accomplished women in the jiu-jitsu. Currently, she holds the record for winning the most IBJJF Pans titles; she shares that record with her Professor Andre Galvao. They are both nine-time IBJJF Pan Champions.

Luiza won the IBJJF Pans in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and she recently secured the 2023 title, her ninth, defeating Ffion Davies in the ligthweight final. 

In addition to her nine titles, she has closed out with teammates in two finals. She closed out with Angelica Galvao in 2018, and with Rafaela Guedes in 2021 in the absolute division. On both occasions, Monteiro took the silver.

Monteiro has been a black belt since 2010 and has never stopped competing and winning. She utilizes an old school game, but still keeping up with the new generation. What is the secret to her staying on top for so long?

“This is a remarkable achievement. It is not easy to stay at the top for so long,” Luiza said in an exclusive interview with Flograppling. “I never planned this, it just happened. Every year I’m training and I say that I’m not going to compete anymore, but when the tournaments come, I just go there and sign up. I can’t see myself getting out of this party." 

The 9-time Pans champ won three tough matches on her way to another title in the liightweight division. In here career, she has also earned titles in the feather, middle, medium-heavy, and open-class divisions. This time, she decided to cut her weight to compete in light, and for her, it was the hardest of her career.

“It was the hardest cutting weight of my career for many reasons,” she said. “I was in Brazil, and my travel back to the US had many complications. I had some injuries from IBJJF Europeans, and I was unable to train as I planned. At this time, my Pans camp was crazy."

After winning the 2023 IBJJF European and Pans, she is ready for the IBJJF Grand Slam this year. Her next stop will be the IBJJF Brazilian Nationals in May.

“I think what motivates me today is a commitment to myself. For the first time in my career, I feel connected to myself and my own goals. At this point in my career, my purpose is to inspire, motivate, and show that everything is possible when you believe, work hard, and have no fear. I want to inspire children, women, and people who doubt themselves.” she said.