Introducing the XP Athlete Program and Our First Athlete: Camila Posada
At XP, we are proud to launch the XP Athlete Program, an initiative aimed at supporting talented athletes in Colombia who aspire to compete professionally in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This program helps create a bridge between Colombia and countries where BJJ has greater recognition, such as Brazil and the United States. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce our first selected athlete: Camila Posada, a rising star in Jiu-Jitsu from Manizales, Colombia.
Camila Posada’s Journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Camila Posada’s story is one of passion, resilience, and growth. After a childhood dedicated to competitive skating, she transitioned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu during the pandemic. “I started Jiu-Jitsu after trying other sports like volleyball, swimming, athletics, and aerial dance, but none captivated me like Jiu-Jitsu did. Since 2020, I haven’t stopped training.”
Her dedication to Jiu-Jitsu training has grown immensely. The combination of discipline and passion makes her an excellent fit for the XP Athlete Program, and she’s well on her way to a professional career in the sport.
Pursuing a Professional Career in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Camila’s drive to pursue Jiu-Jitsu professionally stems from her deep connection to the sport and a life-long passion for athleticism. “From a young age, I’ve felt that my life is oriented toward sports. The opportunities I’ve received confirm that I’m on the right path.”
Jiu-Jitsu’s growing popularity worldwide, particularly in countries like Brazil and the U.S., has given Camila the motivation to continue training. The XP Athlete Program aims to help her and other talented athletes achieve professional recognition and compete on the international stage.
Overcoming Challenges as a Jiu-Jitsu Athlete in Colombia
Growing up in Manizales, Colombia, Camila faced unique challenges on her path to becoming a professional Jiu-Jitsu athlete. “One of the biggest challenges is that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t well-known in Colombia, so there aren’t as many people practicing or competing compared to countries like Brazil or the United States. But that’s also an opportunity for me to inspire and guide others.”
Camila’s experience reflects the broader challenge of growing the sport of BJJ in Colombia, something that the XP Athlete Program hopes to address by connecting local talent with international exposure and support.
Personal Challenges and How Jiu-Jitsu Helped Camila Overcome Them
One of the most personal challenges Camila faced was the loss of her father, which had a significant impact on her life and training. “The death of my dad was the hardest part of my process. Beyond the emotional burden, I felt like I no longer had the privilege of dedicating myself to what I love. I had to focus on other important things at home and support my family through the grieving process.”
Camila explains how she has been overcoming this difficult time by staying dedicated to her routine and the discipline she has developed through Jiu-Jitsu. “I’ve been able to get through it by sticking to my routine and maintaining my discipline in training. Every day it gets a little easier, and I’m also organizing all my household responsibilities alongside my training schedule.”
In addition to the emotional challenges, Camila also faced the physical demands of balancing her work and training. “Another challenge has been keeping up with my work while maintaining a strong training routine every day. I’ve managed this by organizing my schedule, but sometimes the fatigue is overwhelming. I plan to start supplementing and incorporating muscle recovery more regularly.”
Why the XP Athlete Program is a Game Changer for Camila Posada
Becoming the first athlete in the XP Athlete Program is an important milestone for Camila Posada, a 23-year-old marketing professional and Jiu-Jitsu athlete who likes to go by Cami. Even though this is a newer project, XP has explained the vision: to create opportunities for athletes to keep growing. “It’s a huge step towards achieving my goals as a Jiu-Jitsu athlete. I feel honored that XP recognized my work, and I’m both excited and nervous for what’s to come.”
Cami draws inspiration from many Jiu-Jitsu athletes for their technique and lifestyle. “I follow many athletes in Jiu-Jitsu to learn from their preparation and training. My main inspirations are Ffion Davies—I admire her mentality, her leg lock game, and her ability to perform well in both gi and no-gi. I also look up to Mayssa Bastos for her incredible technique, as well as Giulia Gregorut and Julia Alves for the community and environment they create at their academies, alongside their competitive level.”
This program will give Cami opportunities to train with top-level athletes, compete internationally, and gain visibility within the Jiu-Jitsu community. “The XP Camp offers amazing training, and being part of something bigger motivates me to inspire others,” she adds.
Helping Other Athletes in Colombia Pursue Professional Jiu-Jitsu Careers Through the XP Athlete Program
The XP Athlete Program is designed to help athletes like Cami live the life of a professional Jiu-Jitsu competitor. Twice a year, XP Camp provides the experience of what it’s like to train as a professional, offering coaching from world-class instructors.
Camila explains how the camp has already helped her: “XP Camp allows me to immerse myself in an incredible experience. The camp is a huge opportunity to learn directly from top-level coaches and create relationships that will help my career.”
Camila’s Definition of Success as a Jiu-Jitsu Athlete
For Camila, success as a professional Jiu-Jitsu athlete goes beyond medals and wins. “Success, for me, is mainly about feeling like I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing by training, feeling like I’m in the right place, and never feeling stuck. It’s about staying happy, enjoying every fight and competition, and knowing that all the hard work is worth it. I also love sharing this journey with other people who train—Jiu-Jitsu connects me to a wonderful network of people.”
Camila’s Future Aspirations in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Camila has ambitious goals for her future in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. “I want to continue improving my skills and aim for major tournaments like the Brasileirão, the European Championship, or the World Championships. I want to podium at one of these events in each belt rank until I reach black belt.”
In addition to the Brasileirão, competing at the World Championships in the U.S. would be a dream for her. These international tournaments represent new challenges and opportunities that Camila is eager to face.
The Impact of BJJ Camp XP on Camila’s Journey
Camila’s connection with BJJ Camp XP has played a major role in her development as an athlete. “Each time a camp ends, I’m already looking forward to the next one. The level of instruction is incredible, and the relationships I’ve built with fellow athletes and instructors have been invaluable.”
The camp offers more than just training. “The beauty of the location, the fun activities like paddleboarding and kitesurfing, and the sense of community are just as important. The camp has become a family, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Bridging the Gap Between Colombian and International Jiu-Jitsu Scenes
One of the main goals of the XP Athlete Program is to bridge the gap between Colombian Jiu-Jitsu athletes and the larger international scene. “The camp gives us direct access to world-class instructors, and we build real relationships with them. Unlike seminars, where you might only see an instructor for a day or two, the camp provides two daily training sessions and time to bond,” Cami explains.
As Colombian athletes like Camila pursue international recognition, the XP Athlete Program creates the connections and opportunities necessary for them to thrive on the global stage. “We’ve already built relationships with coaches in Brazil and the U.S., and knowing we have those connections gives me confidence.”
A Look Ahead
As we continue to support Camila’s journey, the XP Athlete Program will play a vital role in the development of other talented BJJ athletes in Colombia. Next week, we will present Camila with her very own XP Athlete shirt as a thank-you for partnering with us, which features a fearless stance of her in the gi along with her favorite quotes that inspire her daily.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to expand the XP Athlete Program and support the next generation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stars!