“You really have to use your mind”

Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom Helena Crevar of the United States shared what makes ‘The Gentle Art’ so enticing for her.

The 18-year-old certainly enjoys the physical nature of the sport but admits she’s more hooked on its mental aspect.

Speaking to the home of martial arts in an exclusive interview, Crevar gushed about submission grappling’s cerebral nature.

“You know, they do call it ‘the gentle art’, so you’re not punching anyone or kicking them or causing them to bleed or anything like that. But still, there are so many techniques that you really have to use your mind when you’re doing it, and you’re always finding new ways to do things.”

Meanwhile, Crevar has proven to be a true student of the game over at Kingsway BJJ, under the watchful eye of legendary coach John Danaher in Austin, Texas.

The Las Vegas native will finally display her prodigious skillset at ONE Fight Night 39 on Jan. 24. Crevar battles Teshya Alo in a 10-minute bantamweight submission grappling contest inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Helena Crevar praises ONE’s grappling ruleset

Another big reason why Helena Crevar chose to sign with ONE is its unique submission grappling ruleset.

Grapplers who chase submissions are incentivized on the scorecards, promoting non-stop action.

“ONE’s rule set is a straight 10-minute round and submission only, so that is my favorite ruleset. It has been since I started competing in no-gi,” she told ONE.

The youngest ADCC podium placer added:

“I really love it because it forces both of us to go for it in the match. There are no points or penalties. We both have to try to submit each other.”

Fans across the United States and Canada can stream ONE’s first Prime Video event of the year for free, live in U.S. primetime.