Abu Dhabi: UAE’s poster-boy of jiu-jitsu — Faisal Al Ketbi — can’t wait to get on the mat and get going at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship that will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this week.
Al Ketbi is the only fighter who has figured in the World Pro every year and has subsequently made giant strides in the sport over the years.
The 30-year-old has plenty of cherished memories in the sport and his success clearly supersedes his failures.
Having started off in 2009 as blue belt at the World Pro he was so dominant that he remained unbeaten in the category for three years in a row.
A similar authoritative performance followed in the purple and brown belt categories and soon he became UAE’s blue-eyed boy. He is currently the UAE national team captain and the first Emirati black belt in jiu-jitsu.
The world is virtually at his feet but Al Ketbi is in no mood to rest on his laurels and wants to keep excelling.
“It has been a lot of blood and sweat for me on this long journey but I have been enjoying every moment,” said Al Ketbi adding that he has nothing to regret as his time in sport has been well spent, been very productive and taken him places.
“I have had a lot of success, some great moments and some sad moments as well but when I look back, it has been an amazing and incredibly beautiful journey,” said Al Ketbi, who will be vying for the elusive gold in the 85kg black belt category.
His maiden appearance in the black belt category in 2015 saw him crash out in the third round and the following year he missed out on a medal after pulling out of the semi-finals following a broken finger.
“I want to get my record straight this time round. My experience in the black belt is not that much when compared to the others. But into my third year, I’m aware the others have many years more than me. I have come through the ranks and know what to expect,” said Al Ketbi, who worked hard on shredding close to 10kgs to compete in a lower weight category from his regular 94kg.
“Usually I fight in the 94kg in most of the competitions but it will be 85kg for the World Pro. I have managed to lose some weight with the help of our dietitians. However, it has not affected my strength and fitness,” said Al Ketbi adding, “The competitions are going to be fierce as there will be the best fighters in the world here. I’m prepared to take them on and hopefully can be on the podium.”
