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UAE JIU JITSU TEAM MEDAL HOPEFULS
Faisal Al Ketbi
Faysal Al Ketbi’s passion for Jiu-Jitsu began in 1998 thanks to the encouragement shown by Sheikh Tahnoon and his support for Jiu- Jitsu in the Emirates. In 2009, as a blue belt he claimed his first gold medal at the Abu Dhabi world Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship going on to win two more gold medals the following year. Turning his attention to international challenges Al Ketbi performed against the world’s finest at the 2010 Jiu-Jitsu European Championship in Portugal and was thrilled to walk away with a silver medal in the purple belt category.
In 2012 Al Ketbi’s success continued with four more gold medals including another triumph in Abu Dhabi and in the Brazil open.
He credits Jiu-Jitsu as changing his style of life, understanding the importance of discipline, appreciation and timing. He also appreciates the opportunities that Jiu-Jitsu has opened up for him such as the ability to train and travel all over the world.
When asked how it feels to be competing in his home country, Al Ketbi says he is proud and honored to fight in Abu Dhabi and hopes to continue to work with the government of the UAE to support Jiu-Jitsu in the emirates and abroad, one day seeing Jiu –Jitsu become an Olympic event.
Yahia Al Hammadi
Yahia Al Hammadi is a two-time world champion in Jiu – Jitsu, medaling in 2009 and 2010. He took up Jiu-Jitsu due to the encouragement from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his formative years and never looked backed.
Al Hammadi has participated in over twenty tournaments, including ten on the international stage. In 2009 he was awarded his first gold medal in the World Pre Championship and then went on to achieve a silver and bronze in the 2011 and 2012 event. Known as a fierce competitor on the Jiu-Jitsu circuit, he values the lessons he has learnt competing on the world stage and is a disciplined and skilled member of the UAE team.
Al Mammadi works with the UAE Jiu – Jitsu federation to help encourage youth to practice the sport. Preaching that the sport helps students build self-defense and discipline, practicing Jiu – Jitsu can lead to better results at school. Ahead of this year’s World Championship Al Hammadi completed intense for training in Brazil.
Ali Salem Al Darai
Ali Salem Al Darai has been a strong contender on the UAE Jiu – Jitsu circuit both within the UAE and abroad. After completing an intense five week training in Brazil ahead of this year’s tournament, he enters the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu – Jitsu Championship prepared to take home a win in his home country.
Ali’s interest in Jiu – Jitsu was influenced by HH Sheikh Tahnoon back in 1997 but he didn’t begin practicing the sport himself until 2007. Al Darai considers His Highness as the spiritual father for Jiu – Jitsu, encouraging many locals to learn the sport and embrace the principles taught through Jiu – Jitsu.
Proud of the UAE’s support for Jiu – Jitsu, Al Darai believes that government’s commitment to sport helps encourage local athletes. Fighters know that they have support in helping Jiu – Jitsu grow in the region and around the world. This tournament is of special importance due to the opportunity to have family and friends attend, providing even more motivation.
Ali hopes to see more young people embrace Jiu – Jitsu and its training principles as the sport grows. When he’s finished his competing career he plans on coaching youth and serving as an inspiration for others to put health and fitness as a priority in life.
Issue 19 available now! See what's inside HERE .
Faysal Al Ketbi’s passion for Jiu-Jitsu began in 1998 thanks to the encouragement shown by Sheikh Tahnoon and his support for Jiu- Jitsu in the Emirates. In 2009, as a blue belt he claimed his first gold medal at the Abu Dhabi world Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship going on to win two more gold medals the following year. Turning his attention to international challenges Al Ketbi performed against the world’s finest at the 2010 Jiu-Jitsu European Championship in Portugal and was thrilled to walk away with a silver medal in the purple belt category.
In 2012 Al Ketbi’s success continued with four more gold medals including another triumph in Abu Dhabi and in the Brazil open.
He credits Jiu-Jitsu as changing his style of life, understanding the importance of discipline, appreciation and timing. He also appreciates the opportunities that Jiu-Jitsu has opened up for him such as the ability to train and travel all over the world.
When asked how it feels to be competing in his home country, Al Ketbi says he is proud and honored to fight in Abu Dhabi and hopes to continue to work with the government of the UAE to support Jiu-Jitsu in the emirates and abroad, one day seeing Jiu –Jitsu become an Olympic event.
Yahia Al Hammadi
Yahia Al Hammadi is a two-time world champion in Jiu – Jitsu, medaling in 2009 and 2010. He took up Jiu-Jitsu due to the encouragement from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his formative years and never looked backed.
Al Hammadi has participated in over twenty tournaments, including ten on the international stage. In 2009 he was awarded his first gold medal in the World Pre Championship and then went on to achieve a silver and bronze in the 2011 and 2012 event. Known as a fierce competitor on the Jiu-Jitsu circuit, he values the lessons he has learnt competing on the world stage and is a disciplined and skilled member of the UAE team.
Al Mammadi works with the UAE Jiu – Jitsu federation to help encourage youth to practice the sport. Preaching that the sport helps students build self-defense and discipline, practicing Jiu – Jitsu can lead to better results at school. Ahead of this year’s World Championship Al Hammadi completed intense for training in Brazil.
Ali Salem Al Darai
Ali Salem Al Darai has been a strong contender on the UAE Jiu – Jitsu circuit both within the UAE and abroad. After completing an intense five week training in Brazil ahead of this year’s tournament, he enters the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu – Jitsu Championship prepared to take home a win in his home country.
Ali’s interest in Jiu – Jitsu was influenced by HH Sheikh Tahnoon back in 1997 but he didn’t begin practicing the sport himself until 2007. Al Darai considers His Highness as the spiritual father for Jiu – Jitsu, encouraging many locals to learn the sport and embrace the principles taught through Jiu – Jitsu.
Proud of the UAE’s support for Jiu – Jitsu, Al Darai believes that government’s commitment to sport helps encourage local athletes. Fighters know that they have support in helping Jiu – Jitsu grow in the region and around the world. This tournament is of special importance due to the opportunity to have family and friends attend, providing even more motivation.
Ali hopes to see more young people embrace Jiu – Jitsu and its training principles as the sport grows. When he’s finished his competing career he plans on coaching youth and serving as an inspiration for others to put health and fitness as a priority in life.
Issue 19 available now! See what's inside HERE .
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