Biography

Raz “La Garrapata” Dekel is 9 years old, from Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. He trains at least 4 days a week. He’s been training BJJ for 3 years. He has 8gold medals and 1 bronze medal. Proud to be joining the Elite team. In between training Raz likes to surf, skate, hang at the beach and build with LEGO. Raz is missing the growth hormone in his body and every night he needs to inject the hormone before bedtime. BJJ is a huge confidence boost for him...

Q&A Session Between Raz Dekel and Elite Sports

Question: What inspires you about BJJ? MMA?

Answer: B JJ is not necessarily about size, it’s about the technique. In BJJ little guys can still rule.

Question: Who inspires you, past or present? Why do they inspire you?

Answer: My grandfather, he’s 73 and in better shape than me. My dad for being such a hard worker. My BJJ coach and also some amazing black belts I met traveling during the last 3 years that I train like Cyborg and Josh Hinger, it’s unreal the level they are at and still so so humble, really good and inspiring people...

Question: What are your goals for this year? Next 3 years? Next 5 years?

Answer: My goal is to keep winning the nationals and compete internationally as well.

Question: How long have you been training?

Answer:3 years

Question: How often do you train?

Answer:At least 4 days a week.

Question: What do you think it takes to be a champion in your sport?

Answer: I think you need to really love what you do. It’s all about who wants it more.

Question: Do you have a go-to finishing move?

Answer: I love it when I have the chance to go for the back and go for the rear neck choke.

Question: Do you have any advice for your competitors?

Answer:Think fast, plan your moves.

Question: What sort of gear do you usually keep in your gym bag before hitting the gym? Do you have different items for specific days?

Answer: Water bottle, No-Gi, belt, Gi, mouth guard, extra clothes for after the class