"It was very important in my life" - Mayssa Bastos shares how judo background immensely helped her BJJ development

Brazilian jiu-jitsu superstar Mayssa Bastos credits judo for allowing her to unlock her full potential in 'The Gentle Art'.

Before fully immersing herself in BJJ, the 26-year-old tried the Japanese martial arts firsthand, which became the foundation for her martial arts journey.

Bastos revealed in an interview with ONE Championship:

"I started when I was 11 years old. But before jiu-jitsu, the first martial art I did was judo, perhaps a year before starting jiu-jitsu. I was very young."

Apart from the obvious physical and technical skills that translate well to BJJ, Bastos said it was the judoka mentality that prepared her to become the best that she could be.

The nine-time IBJJF world champion continued:

"I think it was a good first experience of learning, not only movement and techniques, but also learning about discipline, respect, and dedication, and also improving my motor coordination. It was very important in my life."

Mayssa Bastos is indeed a master when it comes to utilizing balance and leverage in BJJ, something that was instilled in her when she practiced judo.

Those skills should come in handy this coming Friday when she attempts to unseat Danielle Kelly from the atomweight submission grappling throne in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs Balart on Prime Video.

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Mayssa Bastos unbothered by what Danielle Kelly brings to the table

Mayssa Bastos is not the type to fixate on her opponents' skills and would rather use the time to fine-tune her own arsenal.

It's practically why the Brazilian ace rose to the top of the female grappling world.

Suffice it to say, Bastos will carry the same mentality in her title showdown with Danielle Kelly. The Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy star said in the same interview with ONE:

"I really believe in my work my team does. I try not to focus so much on her game."

ONE Fight Night 24 will emanate from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, live in US Primetime. The full event is free for those with a Prime Video subscription in North America.