At the 2009 Worlds, in a photo by John Lamonica
Livened up with beer and finger food, samba fills the air at the Azeitona & Cia bar in Leblon, Rio de Janeiro’s upscale neighborhood. One customer asks only for water, though, and, when she feels the urge to eat, gets the waiter to bring her some crackers with gorgonzola cheese.
It is Kyra Gracie, who made the most of her encounter with the GRACIEMAG.com reporter to recount how the waning moments of 2009 went and what her plans are for 2010. In terms of competition, she should only be back for the Worlds. But that doesn’t mean she’ll be taking rest.
“I spent New Year’s in Fortaleza, and it was the best one of my life. I went several beaches, with Cumbuco standing out for its dunes and dune buggy rides that were like a roller coaster,” she said.
Kyra with boyfriend Leo Leite, on the beaches of Ceara. Photo: Personal archive
“The plan is to take a break from championships, and come back strong for the Worlds, in June. But my agenda isn’t empty. I’m teaching the gang at a social project in Vargem Grande, where Combate TV channel went and did a really cool show. It should be broadcast on the 21st.”
Kyra’s latest project, however, is a Jiu-Jitsu camp exclusively for ladies, which has been sought after by students from all around the globe.
The camp shall take place in Rio de Janeiro from February 24 to March 3, and the champion is already excited about it.
“It’s my first camp and if all goes well we’ll organize one a year. Everything will be included for the girls and they’ll train with me every day. We put together a program for them to get to know the whole city, even the touristic parts like Sugarloaf mountain and the samba schools, beaches, Pedra da Gavea mountain and even boxing lessons for anyone who feels like it. I’m psyched, it’ll be real fun,” she said.
Places are limited. Greater information can be obtained via email: graciekyra@gmail.com or at the www.graciekyra.com website.