Five-time jiu-jitsu champion Kyra Gracie’s six-pack abs –

Watching Kyra pose with her belly bare for the photos, it’s hard to believe that her first child, Ayra, was born exactly one year ago. The drawn abdomen returned to shape a few weeks after giving birth. “I had a certain panic about the pregnancy, but breastfeeding helped a lot to eliminate the extra weight”, she reveals. After 40 days, she was exercising again. “During pregnancy, I abandoned the fight because of the impacts, but I kept working out until the end. I prioritized light functional exercises using a ball and elastic, focusing on the lower back and arms.”

The truth is, Kyra’s body still hasn’t forgotten the six hours of training she used to do when she competed. “It was total dedication to the sport: physical preparation in the morning, fighting in the afternoon… Not to mention the physiotherapy and massage sessions.” So much effort brought unprecedented results – far beyond muscle memory. Kyra was the first woman from the Gracie family (responsible for spreading the sport in Brazil and the world) to earn a black belt. And today she is the greatest martial art champion.

FOCUS ON THE TANK
You can’t be a five-time world champion without strong muscles. “In jiu-jitsu, we use all the limbs. Sometimes I need to hold the opponent with my legs. Other times, I’m on top, pushing with my arms,” she explains. What is never left out is the abdomen: the lateral movements are so intense and frequent that the love handles disappear! Another secret to neutralizing the opponent (when she taps three times, as a sign of giving up) is yoga. “Hey? What does this Zen practice have to do with fighting?” you might wonder. The breath! To make the most of her strength, Kyra maintains fine control of her exhalation. “I let out all the air when it’s time to react.”

The former fighter still practices the modality, in addition to being passionate about kitesurfing and stand up paddle. “I think the gym is boring. I prefer to work out on the beach, ”she confesses. That’s where she does her functional training four times a week (check out the exercises that guarantee the athlete’s wonderful body on the next page). What doesn’t change at all is her menu: no fried foods – she’s never tasted fries! – and industrialized. “My family has always preferred a more natural diet. Like lots of fruits and vegetables.” The big enemy is chocolate, which she doesn’t even buy so as not to find it at home. When the craving for sweets strikes, quench the craving with honey and dates.

For the future, Kyra has not ruled out the possibility of venturing into a new sport: MMA. “I got to train before the pregnancy, but for now the plans are on hold”, she reveals. This year, she recorded the first chapters of the program Viver para Lutar, on the UFC YouTube channel. “I travel the world telling a little about different martial arts.” While the new challenges do not arrive, the athlete continues giving classes and lectures on jiu-jitsu and teaching some moves to her husband, Malvino Salvador. “Sometimes, we play fight, but I always give a stick”, she laughs.