There are few sports as powerful, graceful and awe-inspiring as a well-contested jiu jitsu match. Two opponents going head to head after months of training, dieting and drilling their technique until they’re a finely tuned machine is quite a sight. It’s almost a chess game (except the proponents get to throw each other around a bit) as much as it is a physical confrontation. From April 10-13 martial arts fans in Abu Dhabi can see the cream of UAE jiu jitsu talent go up against the best fighters in the world. With over 700 entrants from around 50 different countries competing it should be an explosive, entertaining affair.
Meet the coach
One of the coaches for Team UAE this year is Samuel Hertzog Canquerino from Brazil (himself a black belt). We caught up with him to get an insider’s view on the UAE camp and what the life of a jiu jitsu athlete is really like.
What are your hopes for the UAE team this year?
There’s me and five other coaches who train the team. They have a high altitude room and swimming pool and more. Everything is there to help the guys perform well so they train in the morning, but it isn’t too tough and they work more on their techniques. In the afternoon we train a bit harder. We think they’ll get some medals.
How good are the UAE team?
Good. Some of them have already succeeded really because they’ve won medals. We’ve got faith in them and we’re doing our best for them. It’s difficult because jiu jitsu is tough and sometimes you don’t want to train. We have to keep them focused. We believe in them and that’s why we’re teaching them.
How strict are the diets these guys are on in order to maintain the requirements of their weight classes?
They have to be dedicated if they want to be good at this sport. They have to pay the price. They need to get used to their bodies. The most professional guys eat really well.
It’s a very physical sport so what sort of injuries tend to get picked up by competitors?
It’s normal to get some injuries in your knees, feet, back, shoulders and elbows. It depends how well you prepare yourself. You have to remember as well that you can always ‘tap out’ if you think you’re in trouble. Every move in jiu jitsu has an escape – if you have time to think about it.
What’s the attitude like between fighters after their match?
There seems to be a lot of respect once the actual fight is over. For example, even if you win your fight but you say something disrespectful to your opponent the referee can still disqualify you and take the win away. Jiu jitsu gives a lot to your life, it focuses on education and good behavior. It teaches you how to lose as well as how to win. Even if you lose you learn.
How to score
Takedown
Opponent must land on their back or behind and you must maintain top control for three seconds. This is worth two points.
Sweep or reversal
Must initiate reversal from guard and maintain top position. This is worth two points.
Passing opponent’s guard
Must have all legs and arms cleared from opponent’s guard/legs for three seconds. This is worth three points.
Need to know
A fighter’s diet
Should consist of complex carbohydrates such as wheat, cereal, rice as well as vitamins, minerals and fibre from vegetables and fruits. Dairy and meat products ensure the right amount of protein, calcium, zinc and minerals are taken on board for the growth of strong bones and muscles. A small amount of fats, oils and sweets can also be included. Fluid intake is vital.
Bring the family
In an effort to encourage wider participation entry to the tournament is completely free and there’ll even be a raffle where you can win either a Jaguar FX 2.0 or a Land Rover LR2.
Key moves to look out for
The mount
Simply resting all of your weight on your opponent’s stomach or chest with your knees on the ground.
The guard
Your opponent is said to be in your guard when you have your legs wrapped around them. Although you are on your back you are actually in a more dominating position.
Side control
An intermediate position where you are resting and pushing all of your weight onto your opponent, from the side, thus controlling them on the ground.
North-south
When you force your chest onto your grounded opponent, thus making it hard for them to move or breath.
Scarf hold
Controlling your opponent from the side (while standing) by sitting with your back against the side of their chest and arm placed around the back of the neck.
The back mount
Being behind your opponent with your legs ‘hooked’ around them.
Knee on chest/stomach
With one hand holding the opponent’s belt and the other hand holding their collar, one foot is used as a solid base and the other knee to control the opponent on their back by pushing down on their stomach or chest.
Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu Jitsu Championship 2013 runs from April 10-13 with the kids’ event on April 10 and the adults taking over from April 11-13 at ADNEC. Entry is free.
Understanding jiu jitsu
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the sport, here are some simple guidelines.
Team UAE
The homegrown fighters you should be rooting for
Faisal Fahad Al Ketbi (brown belt).
Ahmad Mosa Al Nuaimi (blue belt).
Abdullah Al Ketbi (seniors – purple belt).
Shamsa Hassan (female blue belt).
Prize fund
Fighters will be looking to take home a share of the increased prize fund for 2013 – a whopping Dhs1.45million.
Star fighter
Although there’ll be many great fighters on show, all eyes will be on Brazilian superstar black belt Rodolfo Vieira Srour, the reigning 2012 heavyweight champion, who’ll be looking to retain his crown and pocket US$30,000 (Dhs110,000) in the black belt final. If he gets that far, of course. It’s worth noting that the competition is a straight ahead knockout affair: if you lose, you’re out. No second chances.
How to win
1. Causing an opponent to physically ‘tap out’ or quit by using a technique within the guidelines of the rules in each division.
2. Highest score at end of regulation time period or overtime.
3. A referee stoppage.
Jiu jitsu fact!
In a rigorous jiu jitsu training session an athlete can lose between 700-800 calories per hour.
