ABU DHABI // Despite his tender years, Warren Tan, 9, is enjoying his time in jiu-jitsu.
He travelled from Singapore with his mother Wendy, a few colleagues from the same family and his Brazilian coach Bruno Amorim. Warren was soon accompanied with success, too, winning a gold medal in his first competition overseas in the grey belt 36-kilogrammme category in the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival at the Ipic Arena.
“My daughter Natalie took part in the girl’s division and won a gold last year in Abu Dhabi,” said his mother.
“She is taking part on Sunday’s Abu Dhabi World Youth Championship. I thought I’ll provide Warren the opportunity and he’s done well. It really isn’t about winning but the experience.
“I enrolled my kids for jiu-jitsu to keep them occupied and for fitness, and now, if they want to pursue it as a sport, they are free to do so.
“Abu Dhabi is an amazing place for the sport. We were overwhelmed when we arrived for the competition for the first time and even more impressed what we are seeing this year.”
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■ Day 2 highlights: Kazakh teenager lights up Ipic Arena
■ Day 1 highlights: Gabriella da Ponte 'delighted' to see pupils enjoy success
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Joining Warren in the four-member squad from the Singaporean club were the Bharucha siblings from the United States, Tyler, Dylaan and Naomi, who won a gold, silver and a bronze medal respectively.
“My wards have done well and now it is my turn to do so,” said Amorim, who has entered in the Abu Dhabi World Professional Championship starting from April 18.
Amorim was offered a job in Abu Dhabi three years ago but opted for the one in Singapore where he set up Fama Fitness and Martial Arts.
“Actually, the package was less lucrative than the one I was offered in Abu Dhabi but I love the rains and decided on Singapore for that reason. I later started on my own. Now I have more than 60 members. The sport is picking up in Singapore.”
The Biniatov siblings Fuad, 7, and Aslan, 6, from Russia were others to pick up gold medals on Wednesday.
“We live in Abu Dhabi and started training one year ago,” Fuad said. “My father says jiu-jitsu will help us grow but I’m enjoying it and want to achieve a good level when I grow up.”
Amadu Jorge, who coaches at Cobra Fitness in Abu Dhabi, says there is plenty of interest in the martial art in the capital.
“I have a clientele of around 60, including 20 kids,” said the Brazilian. “That’s a pretty decent number and I can tell you those who join the lessons will never leave, as there is so much for everyone in jiu-jitsu. You only have to pop in once and you’ll be hooked.”
The opening day’s competition for boys from age 4 to 13 saw more than 1,500 compete for the 83 gold, 83 silver 166 bronze medals on offer.
There were a sizeable contingent from Russia and the neighbouring states Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
The Russians bagged 15 gold, six silver and a bronze each to finish second behind hosts UAE, who won 34 gold, 41 silver and 60 bronze. Not surprising as they fielded the most entires.
“The Festival event is a boon for the kids,” said Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, chief executive of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
“This year we are experiencing a lot of entries from abroad, and some as young as four have travelled with their parents. This is a huge boost to our programme to stage competitions to all ages and levels. We are overwhelmed by the response.”
Ahmed Mohammed Al Breiki, winner of the white belt 46kg, said he experienced a higher level of competition than last year.
“Firstly, there were a substantial increase in foreign entries, and secondly, these guys were good,” he said.
“I love the competition this year. It provides us Emiratis an early exposure against foreign opponents. It’s a good experience and a good learning curve for the local fighters. I can only think this competition is getting better every passing year.”
SCHEDULE
Thursday:
11am to 4pm: Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu World Festival for boys
Friday:
10.30am to 5pm: Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival White belt adult and Masters. Abu Dhabi World Parajiu-jitsu Festival.
Saturday:
10.30am to 5pm: Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival Female Masters and Male Masters 3 and 4.
April 16:
11am to 5pm: Abu Dhabi World Youth Championship (girls)
April 17:
11am to 5pm: Abu Dhabi World Youth Championship (boys)
April 18 to 22:
11am to 6pm: Ninth Abu Dhabi World Professional Championship
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