A CHAMPION’S JOURNEY

Winning in Xi’an: Boris, coach of Method MMA, reflects on his AJP Grand Slam Victory.
In this interview, Boris shares insights into his preparation, mindset, and the unwavering support of his team throughout his journey to victory.

1.Congratulations on your victory! How does it feel to be the champion of the AJP Grand Slam in Xi’an, China?

– Thank you! It’s not about being a champion, the most important for me is that I was able to really enjoy the process and had fun.

2.What was your preparation like leading up to this tournament?

– I had to deal with some injuries and wasn’t sure I would be able to compete until the very last moment. But then I thought to myself that there are never ‘perfect conditions’ to take action, so I decided to sign up on the very last day. I didn’t have much time to prepare, but the thing is, at Method MMA, we have the best training partners and the most dedicated students. When you’re surrounded by such people and this kind of environment, you always stay sharp, ready, and continuously develop your skills.

3.Can you describe your mindset going into the final match?

– It’s the same mindset as every match—just go out there and have fun.

4.Were there any specific strategies you focused on during the competition?

– Not for this one. This time, I didn’t want to limit myself by thinking about specific strategies or positions. I just wanted to have some good rolls.

5.Who were some of your toughest opponents in the tournament, and what made them particularly challenging?

– Both of my opponents were very tough and technical. We had pretty close matches, and it was nice to have such strong opposition.

6.How did you handle the pressure of competing on such a big stage?

– As I always say, try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Think of it not as a competition, but as a holiday or festival.

7.What role did your coaches and team play in your success at this event?

– Certainly, the entire Method MMA team played a huge role, not just in this particular competition, but in my whole Jiu-Jitsu journey. Over these almost two years, I feel like I’ve definitely grown as a coach, as an athlete, and as a person. The support we have for each other is something special. I really appreciate every member of our team, including all my training partners, students, and staff.

8.Can you share a memorable moment from the tournament that stood out to you?

– When my opponent ripped my pants (he obviously had super strong grips, haha), I had about one minute to find a new gi to change into. I was lucky to have some friends nearby, so they lent me a gi (big thanks to Yaroslav).

9.How do you plan to celebrate this victory?

– Since I had to cut some weight before the tournament (big thanks to Coach Bobo for that), the celebration was all about enjoying some delicious local Shaanxi meals.

10.What are your goals for the future, both in competition and in your overall career?

– My team is the biggest inspiration for me to compete and develop my Jiu-Jitsu. Some of the students manage to train twice a day despite having families and full-time jobs. I know they are capable of many things, and I hope that by seeing their coach compete, they’ll be encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and compete more as well.
Overall, the goal remains the same: to progress and improve in all aspects, both within and outside of Jiu-Jitsu.