Abu Dhabi: UAE national team fighters Zayed Al Ka’abi and Nasser Omar Al Breiki warmed up in style for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship at hand on Tuesday.
The second day’s competition at Abu Dhabi Festival has attracted more than 1,100 competitors for 48 gold medals that were up for grabs.
Al Kaabi made lightwork of his bout and went on to clinch gold in the brown belt 110-kilogramme at Mubadala Arena on Tuesday. “It was a nice little trial ahead of the World Pro. Obviously, it’s not the toughest competition as compared to the World Pro, but it’s always a challenge for myself before the bigger test,” said Al Kaabi after the medals ceremony.
“I had two fights because there were not many in the brown belt. So it worked out well for me in my preparation. Being in the Armed Forces myself, I know how much these chaps enjoy to be on spotlight,” said Al Kaabi, adding that jiu-jitsu has become very popular since its introduction to the Armed Forces.
“Jiu-jitsu is part of the training in the Armed Forces and it’s nice to see them pitting their skills against each other in a competition. There are hundreds of them who took up to jiu-jitsu after joining the services and I’m sure everyone enjoyed this outing regardless they reached the medal round or not,” revealed Al Kaabi.
Unlike Al Kaabi, who had some easy outings, Al Breiki was stretched and had to battle hard to get his hands on the gold in the blue belt 77kg.
“The final was easier but the fights before that were a bit tougher than I expected. I’m pleased with my performance and the result. I got around six days to return to a tougher competition. My preparations for the World Pro has gone well and we’ll see what’s around the next corner for me,” said Al Kaabi, who beat Omar Ali Al Mazrouie with a triangle choke in the final.
In the other noteworthy bout of the day, Thamir Al Shamsi, 31, despite taking to the sport recently, struck gold in the blue belt 69kg Masters-1 with a comprehensive 8-0 win over Humaid Essa of the Air Force.
“I got into jiu-jitsu by accident. I tried out once and the coach told me I should start competing. I won my first competition and have been successful in a few others.
“I won gold in the white belt last year in the competition for Armed Forces and joined Al Jazira Club to continue to build on that success,” said a beaming Al Shamsi.
