Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
TEAM PLAYER:
EMIRATES BJJ TEAM PLAYER:
Diver takes plunge in a national first
Adel Abu Haliqa, an Abu Dhabi resident, trains at the Armed Forces Officers Club
ABU DHABI // Every time Adel Abu Haliqa steps into the water he knows he could set another national record. He set two last week alone, which is fairly impressive for a 36-year-old whose day job is running a shop selling traditional clothing.
That is because Mr Abu Haliqa last weekend became the first Emirati to compete in a world championship for freediving, which involves plumbing the depths on only one breath.
He took up the sport only two years ago, but his progress has been so rapid that he competed in the world championships in Eindhoven, in the Netherlands, setting two UAE records in the process.
The sport uses the same skills harnessed by generations of pearl fishermen in the UAE, although practised in a safe and controlled environment.
Mr Abu Haliqa, who trains at the Armed Forces Officers Club in the capital, said he hoped other Emiratis could reconnect with their pearl-diving heritage and become interested in freediving.
The championships in Eindhoven were divided into two competitions. The first saw divers hold their breath underwater for as long as possible. Mr Abu Haliqa, who has also trained as a freediving instructor, recorded a time of three minutes, 31 seconds.
In the second part, competitors had to swim underwater over as long a distance as possible using one giant fin. Mr Abu Haliqa managed to swim 73 metres, almost one and a half times the length of an Olympic-size swimming pool.
“I know I can do better and I have done better before,” he said. “But you need to make sure you are fresh at the end, the judges are looking for a diver to be completely conscious at the end.
“I have seen many people black out and then get disqualified, so I had to be careful.
“The national records are both there now, but I am going to work harder and look to better them, and hopefully Emiratis will start noticing the sport so that, maybe, we will have more Emiratis competing next time.”
The championships were won by Mikko Pontinen, of Finland, who managed to stay underwater on one breath for seven minutes, 31 seconds, and, in the second competition, swim on one breath over 178 metres.
Freediving is seen as one of the most dangerous sports on earth, although Mr Abu Haliqa said it was perfectly safe if practised correctly. In April last year, Loic Leferme, a renowned French diver, died while freediving off the coast of Nice.
Sara-Lise Haith, Mr Abu Haliqa’s instructor, followed his progress in Eindhoven via live web updates, and said he could aim for even greater achievements in future.
“I was in tears. I know it sounds stupid, but I knew how badly Adel wanted to do this and he has worked so hard. There was a lot of patriotism behind him, and through what he has achieved, he has set an example for everybody else in this country, and shown that you don’t have to black out or take risks to be successful as a freediver.
“It was very emotional and he has set a very strong foothold for this sport in the UAE.”
Ms Haith said the next step could be for Mr Abu Haliqa to compete in a team championship in Sharm-el-Sheikh, in Egypt, in April, although he would need an Emirati teammate to do so.
“We would need only one other Emirati to come forward, and if they were to succeed, they will get points and a world ranking. We need to find another Emirati with the same sense of diving responsibly as Adel, and then we could move forward.”
In the meantime, Ms Haith said, some outdoor freediving sessions were at risk because of the “red tide” currently afflicting Fujairah.
Diver takes plunge in a national first
Adel Abu Haliqa, an Abu Dhabi resident, trains at the Armed Forces Officers Club
ABU DHABI // Every time Adel Abu Haliqa steps into the water he knows he could set another national record. He set two last week alone, which is fairly impressive for a 36-year-old whose day job is running a shop selling traditional clothing.
That is because Mr Abu Haliqa last weekend became the first Emirati to compete in a world championship for freediving, which involves plumbing the depths on only one breath.
He took up the sport only two years ago, but his progress has been so rapid that he competed in the world championships in Eindhoven, in the Netherlands, setting two UAE records in the process.
The sport uses the same skills harnessed by generations of pearl fishermen in the UAE, although practised in a safe and controlled environment.
Mr Abu Haliqa, who trains at the Armed Forces Officers Club in the capital, said he hoped other Emiratis could reconnect with their pearl-diving heritage and become interested in freediving.
The championships in Eindhoven were divided into two competitions. The first saw divers hold their breath underwater for as long as possible. Mr Abu Haliqa, who has also trained as a freediving instructor, recorded a time of three minutes, 31 seconds.
In the second part, competitors had to swim underwater over as long a distance as possible using one giant fin. Mr Abu Haliqa managed to swim 73 metres, almost one and a half times the length of an Olympic-size swimming pool.
“I know I can do better and I have done better before,” he said. “But you need to make sure you are fresh at the end, the judges are looking for a diver to be completely conscious at the end.
“I have seen many people black out and then get disqualified, so I had to be careful.
“The national records are both there now, but I am going to work harder and look to better them, and hopefully Emiratis will start noticing the sport so that, maybe, we will have more Emiratis competing next time.”
The championships were won by Mikko Pontinen, of Finland, who managed to stay underwater on one breath for seven minutes, 31 seconds, and, in the second competition, swim on one breath over 178 metres.
Freediving is seen as one of the most dangerous sports on earth, although Mr Abu Haliqa said it was perfectly safe if practised correctly. In April last year, Loic Leferme, a renowned French diver, died while freediving off the coast of Nice.
Sara-Lise Haith, Mr Abu Haliqa’s instructor, followed his progress in Eindhoven via live web updates, and said he could aim for even greater achievements in future.
“I was in tears. I know it sounds stupid, but I knew how badly Adel wanted to do this and he has worked so hard. There was a lot of patriotism behind him, and through what he has achieved, he has set an example for everybody else in this country, and shown that you don’t have to black out or take risks to be successful as a freediver.
“It was very emotional and he has set a very strong foothold for this sport in the UAE.”
Ms Haith said the next step could be for Mr Abu Haliqa to compete in a team championship in Sharm-el-Sheikh, in Egypt, in April, although he would need an Emirati teammate to do so.
“We would need only one other Emirati to come forward, and if they were to succeed, they will get points and a world ranking. We need to find another Emirati with the same sense of diving responsibly as Adel, and then we could move forward.”
In the meantime, Ms Haith said, some outdoor freediving sessions were at risk because of the “red tide” currently afflicting Fujairah.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
JORDAN BJJ:
The Capital Challenge International is aiming to be the World's biggest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prize competition by offering an incredible total prize of $150,000. As if it weren't enough, the Challenge will feature a $100 bonus for each submission, making it the biggest and most exciting BJJ Challenge to compete in and to watch
Capital Challenge International for BJJ
Date: December 19-20, 2008
Time: Doors open at 12:00 P.M.
Place:Amman, Jordan
Orthodox club-Abdoun
Airport: Queen Alia International Airport
Transportation from airport to hotel: Yes, included
Visa: can be purchased at the airport upon arrival for $20.00
www.bjjcapitalchallenge.com
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
BJJ DEMO:
TODAY IN AL TAMAYOZ MODEL SCHOOL IN AL AIN,
EMIRATES TEAM MAKE JIU-JITSU DEMONSTRATION
TO 400 KIDS TO INTRODUTION
THE BASE MOVIMENTS OF BJJ SPORT.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
SCHOOL:
AL GHARBIA MODEL SCHOOL-MADINAT ZAYED
COACH:MOHAMAD JEHAD
SEND PICTURE FROM THE BEST JIU-JITSU STUDENT
FROM THE FIRST MONTH PROJET,
AHMAD HASSAN AHMAD AL HAMMADI
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
NUMBER 1:
BRAZILIAN ALSO NUMBER 1 IN BULL RIDER !
Guilherme Marchi
The Professional Bull Riders World Finals
have been held in Las Vegas since 1994.
World Champion Bull Riders
2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
++1
2008 Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship – Masters ChallengeAbu Dhabi: -- Lt. General (rtd) Mohammed Hilal Surour Al-Ka'abi, Board Chairman of the Armed Forces Officers Club (AFOC) and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the 2008 Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship – Masters Challenge, has expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation so far for the hosting of the championship, which is being held under the auspices of Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as part of the activities marking the UAE's 37th National Day anniversary.
Prizes totalling more than US$38,000 are up for grabs during the championship, to be held in Abu Dhabi from December 12 – 13, 2008 at the auditorium of the UAE Wrestling and Judo Association.
In a comment after his meeting with Carlos Santos, UAE national coach and Director General of the championship, Al-Ka'abi said the AFOC is committed to organizing and ensuring the success of the annual championship in collaboration with the UAE Wrestling and Judo Association, headed by Mohammed bin Thaloub Al-Darae, and other contributors, including sponsors, adding that AFOC also remains committed to ensuring that the championship continues to achieve better technical and organizational successes as witnessed in the previous championships.
He said the championships were all part of the UAE's preparation to host the 2009 World Jiu-Jitsu Masters Championship, to be held under the umbrella of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council as part of Abu Dhabi's sports and tourism promotion efforts.
The organising committee continues to hold regular meeting to ensure the strict implementation of the plan of action for the great success of the championship, which will bring together masters of the Jiu-Jitsu from all parts of the world to vie for honor. The previous championship brought together 100 Jiu-Jitsu players from 26 countries, including UAE contestants who succeeded in winning a number of titles.
Meanwhile, the UAE national Jiu-Jitsu team continues with its daily training under the supervision of its coach, Carlos Santos. More than 30 players of various belts, levels and ages are busily working towards the great event.
Coach Santos expressed gratitude to Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his continuous support to Jiu-Jitsu sport in the country. He thanked Lt. General (rtd) Al-Ka'abi for his sustainable care and professional handling of the championship, and applauded Mohammed Thaloub Al-Darae for giving the UAE national team unfettered access to all the facilities of his association for the team's preparation towards a successful championship.
He also thanked all sponsors of the Jiu-Jitsu championship for their unflinching support which made the annual event a great success
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
OPEN :
“Emirates Cup open to all athletes”
GRACIEMAG.com interview with Carlao Santos
After holding the trials for the Emirates Asian Super Cup, at the start of November, in Porto Alegre, a lot of people were left in doubt as to whether they would be allowed to participate in the event, to take place on the 12th and 13th of December, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Carlos Santos clarifies the question and others for GRACIEMAG.com readers in the interview to follow.
GRACIEMAG.com: Carlao, a lot of athletes contacted GRACIEMAG, regretting not being able to participate in the trials. Do those athletes still have a chance of participating?
Carlao: Of course, it’s important to stress the fact that not just this, but all the events we organize here are in the gi and open to whoever wishes to come. The idea of the qualifier was to market the event and provide a free ticket to the champions. But anyone wishing to come on their own expense is welcome.
GRACIEMAG.com: The event is already very near, so we presume there will be no other qualifiers, correct?
Carlao: No, this qualifier was just for Brazil. IN April we’ll have the first Copa do Mundo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Professional Championship. It will be held on the 23rd, 24th and 25th of April in Abu Dhabi with 100 thousand dollars in prizes. For that one we’ll have trials in Brazil, the USA, Canada, Japan, Europe and Australia.
GRACIEMAG.com: As you can imagine, the Arab Emirates to most of the athletes is a mystery. Is getting a visa a simple process?
Carlao: I get them for all the athletes here, it costs around 100 dollars, and it takes four days. Anyone interested can contact me by email: emiratesbjj@hotmail.com.
GRACIEMAG.com:And what about the plane ticket?
Carlao: These days there are direct flights from several countries, including Brazil. If it doesn’t go straight to Abu Dhabi, it goes to Dubai. From Dubai to Abu Dhabi is an hour’s drive by car.
GRACIEMAG.com:Yes, but what will the athletes do, can they rent a car there, as one normally does in the USA and other better-known places in the western world?
Carlao: Yes, for sure, with an international driver’s license you can rent a car, and there are also taxis going all over the place. Within Abu Dhabi taxis and food are really cheap.
GRACIEMAG.com: Another question athletes have is regarding hotels in the Emirates, famous for its super-expensive hotels.... Are there decently-priced ones too?
Carlao: A room for two comes to 175 dollars a day. Depending on the athletes CV, though, the organization will bank half the price of the hotel, as a courtesy. Or in other words, it will come to 88 dollars.
GRACIEMAG.com: Would you go, if you were an athlete?
Carlao: Look, besides prizes, the trip is sensational. Getting to know new cultures and a country that will become the capital of Asia. I think the opportunity is a really good one.
GRACIEMAG.com: Can you remind us what the prizes and format of the event are?
Carlao: The fights last six minutes, with the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation rules valid for black belts. I remind you purple, brown and black belts all fight together, there are two groups:
Group B = purple, brown and black
5 categories:
Under 70KG, under 80KG, under 90KG, over 90KG, and Absolute
First place = US$ 2800
Second place = US$ 600
Group A = White and blue
10 categories:
Under 62KG, under 67KG, under 72KG, under 77KG, under 82KG, under 87KG, under 93KG,
under 99KG over 99KG, and Absolute
First place = US$ 1400
Second place = US$ 600
Further information on the event: www.supercup8.blogspot.com.
GRACIEMAG.com interview with Carlao Santos
After holding the trials for the Emirates Asian Super Cup, at the start of November, in Porto Alegre, a lot of people were left in doubt as to whether they would be allowed to participate in the event, to take place on the 12th and 13th of December, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Carlos Santos clarifies the question and others for GRACIEMAG.com readers in the interview to follow.
GRACIEMAG.com: Carlao, a lot of athletes contacted GRACIEMAG, regretting not being able to participate in the trials. Do those athletes still have a chance of participating?
Carlao: Of course, it’s important to stress the fact that not just this, but all the events we organize here are in the gi and open to whoever wishes to come. The idea of the qualifier was to market the event and provide a free ticket to the champions. But anyone wishing to come on their own expense is welcome.
GRACIEMAG.com: The event is already very near, so we presume there will be no other qualifiers, correct?
Carlao: No, this qualifier was just for Brazil. IN April we’ll have the first Copa do Mundo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Professional Championship. It will be held on the 23rd, 24th and 25th of April in Abu Dhabi with 100 thousand dollars in prizes. For that one we’ll have trials in Brazil, the USA, Canada, Japan, Europe and Australia.
GRACIEMAG.com: As you can imagine, the Arab Emirates to most of the athletes is a mystery. Is getting a visa a simple process?
Carlao: I get them for all the athletes here, it costs around 100 dollars, and it takes four days. Anyone interested can contact me by email: emiratesbjj@hotmail.com.
GRACIEMAG.com:And what about the plane ticket?
Carlao: These days there are direct flights from several countries, including Brazil. If it doesn’t go straight to Abu Dhabi, it goes to Dubai. From Dubai to Abu Dhabi is an hour’s drive by car.
GRACIEMAG.com:Yes, but what will the athletes do, can they rent a car there, as one normally does in the USA and other better-known places in the western world?
Carlao: Yes, for sure, with an international driver’s license you can rent a car, and there are also taxis going all over the place. Within Abu Dhabi taxis and food are really cheap.
GRACIEMAG.com: Another question athletes have is regarding hotels in the Emirates, famous for its super-expensive hotels.... Are there decently-priced ones too?
Carlao: A room for two comes to 175 dollars a day. Depending on the athletes CV, though, the organization will bank half the price of the hotel, as a courtesy. Or in other words, it will come to 88 dollars.
GRACIEMAG.com: Would you go, if you were an athlete?
Carlao: Look, besides prizes, the trip is sensational. Getting to know new cultures and a country that will become the capital of Asia. I think the opportunity is a really good one.
GRACIEMAG.com: Can you remind us what the prizes and format of the event are?
Carlao: The fights last six minutes, with the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation rules valid for black belts. I remind you purple, brown and black belts all fight together, there are two groups:
Group B = purple, brown and black
5 categories:
Under 70KG, under 80KG, under 90KG, over 90KG, and Absolute
First place = US$ 2800
Second place = US$ 600
Group A = White and blue
10 categories:
Under 62KG, under 67KG, under 72KG, under 77KG, under 82KG, under 87KG, under 93KG,
under 99KG over 99KG, and Absolute
First place = US$ 1400
Second place = US$ 600
Further information on the event: www.supercup8.blogspot.com.
AMMAN BJJ:
Capital Challenge – AMMAN
After the great success of the Capital Challenge - Brasilia (Brazil) on October 23rd 2008, the tournament is heading to more familiar ground in Amman – Jordan with an open tournament and a whopping 125,000.00 US Dollars in cash prizes up for grabs. The largest cash prize payout in the history of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions.
The tournament will take place on the 19th and 20th of December in the Capital of Jordan - Amman, the event will be a great bonus for fighters already travelling to the area to compete at Emirates Abu Dhabi Pro one week earlier on the 12th and 13th of December. Registration forms will be online this week. International Competitors flying in, will get discounted hotel prices, airplane offers and other assistance they may need. It’s good to know that all South American Countries, North America and Europe do NOT need a Visa to Jordan. All belts are welcome to compete. For those that are interested in competing please email us at bjjfed.jo@gmail.com.
"On the 21st of December the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Jordan has organized and allocated buses to take the competitors around the Kingdom, to enjoy the wonderful sights that are a must see. They will be showing them Petra which is one of the seven wonders of the world where Hollywood blockbuster movies such as Indiana Jones were filmed. We will also take them to the Holly River of Jordan where Jesus Christ was baptized. And finally to the "Dead Sea" where you can float on water and experience our famous skin sea mud that cures any skin disease" says the Black Belt organizer Zaid Mirza.
Competition Details:
5 weight classes per belt
BRN & BLK 1st - 10.000USD 2nd 6000USD 3rd 3000USD
PRPL 1st 2000USD 2nd 1000USD
BLU 1st 1100USD 2nd 550USD
WHT 1st 700USD 2nd 350USD
Open weight class combining blk, brown, purple 10,000USD
100USD Cash Prize Money for each Submission!!
After the great success of the Capital Challenge - Brasilia (Brazil) on October 23rd 2008, the tournament is heading to more familiar ground in Amman – Jordan with an open tournament and a whopping 125,000.00 US Dollars in cash prizes up for grabs. The largest cash prize payout in the history of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions.
The tournament will take place on the 19th and 20th of December in the Capital of Jordan - Amman, the event will be a great bonus for fighters already travelling to the area to compete at Emirates Abu Dhabi Pro one week earlier on the 12th and 13th of December. Registration forms will be online this week. International Competitors flying in, will get discounted hotel prices, airplane offers and other assistance they may need. It’s good to know that all South American Countries, North America and Europe do NOT need a Visa to Jordan. All belts are welcome to compete. For those that are interested in competing please email us at bjjfed.jo@gmail.com.
"On the 21st of December the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Jordan has organized and allocated buses to take the competitors around the Kingdom, to enjoy the wonderful sights that are a must see. They will be showing them Petra which is one of the seven wonders of the world where Hollywood blockbuster movies such as Indiana Jones were filmed. We will also take them to the Holly River of Jordan where Jesus Christ was baptized. And finally to the "Dead Sea" where you can float on water and experience our famous skin sea mud that cures any skin disease" says the Black Belt organizer Zaid Mirza.
Competition Details:
5 weight classes per belt
BRN & BLK 1st - 10.000USD 2nd 6000USD 3rd 3000USD
PRPL 1st 2000USD 2nd 1000USD
BLU 1st 1100USD 2nd 550USD
WHT 1st 700USD 2nd 350USD
Open weight class combining blk, brown, purple 10,000USD
100USD Cash Prize Money for each Submission!!
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OPEN 2008:
Carlson Gracie Open 2008
Tournament in Texas next December
The month of December is reserving a great attraction for Jiu-Jitsu athletes and lovers. The Texas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation will be organizing the Carlson Gracie Open 2008. The event will be open for all ages and will feature Gi and No Gi competitions.
The event is scheduled next December 13th at the YMCA gym , which is located in Dripping Springs, Texas. The cost for registration will be US$ 25 (US$ 30 at the door). For more info, go to www.tbjjf.com
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
ABERTA PRA TODOS:
'A Asian Cup é aberta a todos'
Confira entrevista com Carlão Santos
O organizador do Emirates Asian Super Cup e o mais jovem praticante de Jiu-Jitsu da família real, H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Mohamad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Após a realização da seletiva para o Emirates Asian Super Cup, no início de novembro, em Porto Alegre, muita gente ficou em dúvida se apenas os campeões poderiam participar do evento, que acontecerá nos dias 12 e 13 de dezembro, em Abu Dhabi, nos Emirados Árabes. Carlos Santos esclarece a questão e outras mais para os leitores do GRACIEMAG.com na entrevista a seguir:
GRACIEMAG.com: Carlão, muito atleta entrou em contato com a GRACIEMAG, lamentando não poder ter participado da seletiva. Esses atletas ainda têm chance de lutar?
Carlão: Lógico, é importante frisar que não só esse, mas todos os eventos que organizamos aqui são de kimono e abertos pra quem quiser vir. A idéia da seletiva foi de divulgar o evento e assim dar de prêmio a vinda grátis para os campeões. Só que quem quiser vir por conta própria será muito bem recebido.
GRACIEMAG.com: Já está muito perto do evento, então a gente presume que não vai ter mais nenhuma seletiva, certo?
Carlão: Não, a seletiva para esse foi só no Brasil. Em abril teremos a primeira Copa do Mundo Profissional de Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Será nos dias 23, 24 e 25 de abril em Abu- Dhabi com total de 100 mil dólares de prêmio. Para esse realizaremos seletivas no Brasil, EUA, Canadá, Japão, Europa e Austrália.
GRACIEMAG.com: Como você deve imaginar, Emirados Árabes para a maioria dos atletas é um mistério. É simples o processo do visto?
Carlão: Eu tiro daqui pra todos atletas, custa em torno de 100 dólares, e demora quatro dias. Quem estiver interessado, pode entrar em contato comigo pelo e-mail emiratesbjj@hotmail.com.
GRACIEMAG.com: E em relação à passagem aérea?
Carlão: Hoje em dia tem vôos diretos de vários países, inclusive do Brasil. Se não for direto para Abu Dhabi, tem com certeza pra Dubai. De Dubai pra Abu Dhabi é uma hora de carro.
GRACIEMAG.com: Sim, mas como os atletas vão fazer, dá para alugar carro aí, como é feito normalmente nos eua e em outros lugares mais conhecidos do mundo ocidental?
Carlão: Sim com certeza, com carteira internacional de motorista você pode alugar carro, e também tem taxi para todo lado. Dentro de Abu Dhabi é muito barato taxi e comida também é bem barata por aqui.
GRACIEMAG.com: Outra dúvida que os atletas têm é que você vê muita reportagem sobre hotéis milionários nos Emirados... Tem hotéis com preços razoáveis?
Carlão: Hotel com quarto duplo sai por 175 dólares a diária. Dependendo do currículo, inclusive, a organização vai fazer melhor e custear metade do hotel, como cortesia. Ou seja, vai sair por 88 dólares.
GRACIEMAG.com: Por que você iria, se fosse atleta?
Carlão: Olha, além da premiação, a viagem é sensacional. Conhecer novas culturas e um país que vai se tornar a capital da Ásia. Acho que a oportunidade é muito boa.
GRACIEMAG.com: Vamos relembrar a premiação e o formato do evento?
As lutas são de seis minutos, com regras da Federação Internacional de Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (www.ibjjf.org) que se aplicam para a faixa-preta. Lembro que roxa, marrom e preta lutam juntos, são dois grupos:
Grupo B = roxa, marrom e preta
5 categorias:
-70KG, -80KG, -90KG, +90KG, e Absoluto
Primeiro lugar = US$ 2800
Segundo lugar = US$ 600
Grupo A = branca e azuis
10 categorias:
-62KG, -67KG, -72KG, -77KG, -82KG, -87KG, -93KG,
-99KG +99KG, e ABSOLUTO
Primeiro lugar = US$ 1400
Segundo lugar = US$ 600 US$
Mais informações no site do evento: www.supercup8.blogspot.com.
Confira entrevista com Carlão Santos
O organizador do Emirates Asian Super Cup e o mais jovem praticante de Jiu-Jitsu da família real, H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Mohamad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.Após a realização da seletiva para o Emirates Asian Super Cup, no início de novembro, em Porto Alegre, muita gente ficou em dúvida se apenas os campeões poderiam participar do evento, que acontecerá nos dias 12 e 13 de dezembro, em Abu Dhabi, nos Emirados Árabes. Carlos Santos esclarece a questão e outras mais para os leitores do GRACIEMAG.com na entrevista a seguir:
GRACIEMAG.com: Carlão, muito atleta entrou em contato com a GRACIEMAG, lamentando não poder ter participado da seletiva. Esses atletas ainda têm chance de lutar?
Carlão: Lógico, é importante frisar que não só esse, mas todos os eventos que organizamos aqui são de kimono e abertos pra quem quiser vir. A idéia da seletiva foi de divulgar o evento e assim dar de prêmio a vinda grátis para os campeões. Só que quem quiser vir por conta própria será muito bem recebido.
GRACIEMAG.com: Já está muito perto do evento, então a gente presume que não vai ter mais nenhuma seletiva, certo?
Carlão: Não, a seletiva para esse foi só no Brasil. Em abril teremos a primeira Copa do Mundo Profissional de Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Será nos dias 23, 24 e 25 de abril em Abu- Dhabi com total de 100 mil dólares de prêmio. Para esse realizaremos seletivas no Brasil, EUA, Canadá, Japão, Europa e Austrália.
GRACIEMAG.com: Como você deve imaginar, Emirados Árabes para a maioria dos atletas é um mistério. É simples o processo do visto?
Carlão: Eu tiro daqui pra todos atletas, custa em torno de 100 dólares, e demora quatro dias. Quem estiver interessado, pode entrar em contato comigo pelo e-mail emiratesbjj@hotmail.com.
GRACIEMAG.com: E em relação à passagem aérea?
Carlão: Hoje em dia tem vôos diretos de vários países, inclusive do Brasil. Se não for direto para Abu Dhabi, tem com certeza pra Dubai. De Dubai pra Abu Dhabi é uma hora de carro.
GRACIEMAG.com: Sim, mas como os atletas vão fazer, dá para alugar carro aí, como é feito normalmente nos eua e em outros lugares mais conhecidos do mundo ocidental?
Carlão: Sim com certeza, com carteira internacional de motorista você pode alugar carro, e também tem taxi para todo lado. Dentro de Abu Dhabi é muito barato taxi e comida também é bem barata por aqui.
GRACIEMAG.com: Outra dúvida que os atletas têm é que você vê muita reportagem sobre hotéis milionários nos Emirados... Tem hotéis com preços razoáveis?
Carlão: Hotel com quarto duplo sai por 175 dólares a diária. Dependendo do currículo, inclusive, a organização vai fazer melhor e custear metade do hotel, como cortesia. Ou seja, vai sair por 88 dólares.
GRACIEMAG.com: Por que você iria, se fosse atleta?
Carlão: Olha, além da premiação, a viagem é sensacional. Conhecer novas culturas e um país que vai se tornar a capital da Ásia. Acho que a oportunidade é muito boa.
GRACIEMAG.com: Vamos relembrar a premiação e o formato do evento?
As lutas são de seis minutos, com regras da Federação Internacional de Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (www.ibjjf.org) que se aplicam para a faixa-preta. Lembro que roxa, marrom e preta lutam juntos, são dois grupos:
Grupo B = roxa, marrom e preta
5 categorias:
-70KG, -80KG, -90KG, +90KG, e Absoluto
Primeiro lugar = US$ 2800
Segundo lugar = US$ 600
Grupo A = branca e azuis
10 categorias:
-62KG, -67KG, -72KG, -77KG, -82KG, -87KG, -93KG,
-99KG +99KG, e ABSOLUTO
Primeiro lugar = US$ 1400
Segundo lugar = US$ 600 US$
Mais informações no site do evento: www.supercup8.blogspot.com.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
KG:
TOTAL PRIZE: 38.000 US$OPEN TO ANY COUNTRY AND ACADEMY !
GROUP A = WHITE & BLUE BELTS
10 DIVISIONS:
-62KG, -67KG, -72KG, -77KG, -82KG, -87KG, -93KG,
-99KG +99KG & ABSOLUTO
FIRST PLACE = 1400 US$
SECOND PLACE= 600 US$
++++++++++++++++++++++++
GROUP B = PURPLE, BROWN & BLACK BELTS
5 DIVISIONS:
-70KG, -80KG, -90KG, +90KG & ABSOLUTO
FIRST PLACE = 2800 US$
SECOND PLACE= 600 US$
INFO:
+971 50 8218485
2 COPA CATALUNYA:
The Event
The Catalan Association of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, FUJI MAE and the Co-Sponsors, are proud to present the II Copa Catalunya de Jiu-Jitsu that will take place in Barcelona on the 6th and 7th of December, 2008. The competition will be held at the Bonpastor Poliesportivo Gymnasium located on Calle Costa Daurada, nº 12-16, in Barcelona, Spain.
Prizes
The event will reward a total of 5,000€ in prizes. + INFO www.acjjb.com
Divisions
The categories are divided by white, blue, purple, brown and black belts. + INFO www.acjjb.com
How to Subscribe
Online registration is now available @ www.acjjb.com
+INFO
info@acjjb.com
http://www.acjjb.com/
The Catalan Association of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, FUJI MAE and the Co-Sponsors, are proud to present the II Copa Catalunya de Jiu-Jitsu that will take place in Barcelona on the 6th and 7th of December, 2008. The competition will be held at the Bonpastor Poliesportivo Gymnasium located on Calle Costa Daurada, nº 12-16, in Barcelona, Spain.
Prizes
The event will reward a total of 5,000€ in prizes. + INFO www.acjjb.com
Divisions
The categories are divided by white, blue, purple, brown and black belts. + INFO www.acjjb.com
How to Subscribe
Online registration is now available @ www.acjjb.com
+INFO
info@acjjb.com
http://www.acjjb.com/
Friday, November 07, 2008
NEW INTERVIEW CS:
Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Interviews Carlos Santos
Topic started by Administrator on Friday, 07 November, 2008 11:16 AM
Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Interviews Carlos Santos
Topic started by Administrator on Friday, 07 November, 2008 11:16 AM
Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Interviews Carlos Santos
http://www.emiratesjiujitsu.com/
Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Interview (1)
With: Carlos Santos
By: Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Website
Where: Abu Dhabi Combat Club
When: Tuesday, November 4th 2008
We had the opportunity to meet this past week, 3-time BJJ World Champion and current Emirates Team Head Coach, Carlos Santos, for a sit-down interview in what is our first feature interview for this website.
Emirates Jiu-Jitsu: Carlos, we would first like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to interview you knowing your tight schedule these days.
Carlos Santos: You're most welcome. It's my pleasure.
Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Interview (1)
With: Carlos Santos
By: Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Website
Where: Abu Dhabi Combat Club
When: Tuesday, November 4th 2008
We had the opportunity to meet this past week, 3-time BJJ World Champion and current Emirates Team Head Coach, Carlos Santos, for a sit-down interview in what is our first feature interview for this website.
Emirates Jiu-Jitsu: Carlos, we would first like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to interview you knowing your tight schedule these days.
Carlos Santos: You're most welcome. It's my pleasure.
EJJ: First, we would like to know your beginnings in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). When did you start and how were you introduced to the sport?
CS: I started BJJ when I was 15 years old in the Carlson Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As everyone knows, Brazil is known around the world as the "Football Nation" because of its homegrown football talent, but there was also a fascination with being a superhero, like Superman. The closest thing to being a superhero was being a fighter, a BJJ fighter to be exact, given how big of a sport BJJ was because of the Gracie Family's exploits. It originally started as a hobby but it all changed once I won my 1st championship as a white belt at the age of 16, and the rest is history.
EJJ: You won the BJJ World Championship 3 times, can you tell us when and against whom?
CS: I won the BJJ World Championship in 1996 against Fabio Martins, 1998 against Rolles Gracie, and 2000 against Walter Pinto.
EJJ: What was the defining moment of your professional career?
CS: It was when I beat Rolles Gracie in the 1998 BJJ World Championship because I considered it an "against all odds" fight, given that all of the Gracie Family were siding with Rolles Gracie while I only had Carlson Gracie on my side. I think after that fight, I had the Gracie Family's respect but I will also never forget Carlson's support at that time.
EJJ: Shifting towards your beginnings in the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi to be exact. How did it all begin?
CS: I was initially invited by Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on January 20, 2002. At the time, there was an agreement between Sheikh Tahnoon and Brazilian Top Team (BTT) where every month, BTT would send a coach to train students in Abu Dhabi at the Abu Dhabi Combat Club. I was one of those coaches but I ended up extending my stay because I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity and showcase BJJ like it has never been showcased before.
EJJ: What do you think of the sport globally right now?
CS: I don't think it is where it ought to be yet. I want it to be a professional sport, like football or basketball (NBA). In 2009, there will be a big step-up for the sport as it will turn into a professional sport that it should be thanks to the support of the Abu Dhabi Government.
EJJ: How does BJJ in the Middle East stack up globally? Are we where we need to be?
CS: Not yet. There is a problem here. Most people start BJJ old. It's a new sport in this region, specifically the United Arab Emirates. The students here lack discipline, which is the most important element of any martial art, let alone Jiu-Jitsu. Students will have to maintain a healthy lifestyle and it will take time for us to get there, but we are on the right track.
EJJ: When will you know that you have accomplished your goal in the United Arab Emirates?
CS: I will achieve my goal once all students take the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a way of life, and we have local Black Belts who will continue what I, and the rest of my team have started.
EJJ: What is your biggest accomplishment so far as Emirates Team Head Coach?
CS: No doubt it's the introduction of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into schools' curriculum in Abu Dhabi, and the UAE is the only country in the world to do so. This is the beginning of a new era as this step will create a new breed of BJJ athletes from a young age. It also sends a message to the rest of the world as to the intentions of the United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi, to be specific.
EJJ: You have recently brought in 12 new coaches to the team, so Emirates Jiu-Jitsu has 18 instructors altogether. That is amazing. How did you go about choosing the coaches you brought in?
CS: I chose good fighters with experience in teaching and a good personality. I don't want great fighters who are bad teachers. We needed the extra help because of the Abu Dhabi Education Council's decision to add BJJ into the schools' curriculum. Two 50-minute lessons of BJJ per week will become part of the curriculum at 14 public schools. The number of participating schools is expected to double next year.
EJJ: On a more general note, what do you think of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), or Vale Tudo, as it is known in Brazil?
CS: I think it's a good sport but it caters to a small market, dominated by one company. If you're not fighting in the UFC, you're not going anywhere. How many times have we seen companies go bankrupt and close shop during the past couple of years?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more marketable as a sport because MMA is too brutal for most. You can't teach kids MMA, but you can teach them BJJ. After BJJ turns PRO next year, there will be more opportunities for everyone.
EJJ: Since we're talking about MMA, let's talk about the Ultimate 2008 in December. What are your predictions for the World Heavyweight Championship fight between Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Frank Mir?
CS: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira easily.
EJJ: What about the Light Heavyweight Championship fight between Forrest Griffin vs. Rashad Evans?
CS: Forrest Griffin.
EJJ: Last, but not least, the fight between Wanderlei Silva vs. Quinton Rampage?
CS: Wanderlei Silva.
EJJ: Ok, now for the fun part. I will mention 5 names or places and you tell me the first thing you can think of when you hear those names. Ready?
CS: Yes.
EJJ: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed
CS: Changes Lives
EJJ: Murilo Bustamante
CS: Stubborn
EJJ: Mario Sperry
CS: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Role Model
EJJ: Abu Dhabi
CS: My new house
EJJ: United Arab Emirates
CS: Sheikh Zayed
EJJ: In conclusion, what are your expectations for the Emirates Jiu-Jitsu website? There is also a surprise you would like to share with everyone?
CS: Yes, but about the website first. I want it to be the connection between us at Emirates Jiu-Jitsu and all the BJJ clubs in the world. I want people who come to the UAE to come train with us and share their knowledge with everyone. Our doors are open to everyone, including kids and women.
Now, for the surprise. Starting in January, we will be organizing in-house friendly competitions between our clubs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, under the theme "Team Abu Dhabi vs. Team Dubai". We will pick 2 guys from each team in each weight class and organize a competition to be held in Abu Dhabi Combat Club January 30, 2009. Depending on how things go for the first event, we are planning to do this every month, except for months where there is a competition to be held. We are doing this to prepare our fighters for competitions and get them in a competitive mood so that they can be more confident during our big competitions.
EJJ: Good stuff!! Can't wait for that. Anything else you want to add?
CS: I would like to thank Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his continued support of the sport and would also like to thank Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for inviting me to this beautiful country to ply my trade in the first place.
Thanks for the interview and here is hoping you continue providing our members exclusive access and interviews in the future.
EJJ: Will do. Thanks for your time Carlos.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
ABU DHABI PRO-BRASIL:
ABU DHABI PRO-BRASIL:
WINNERS
1-70kg- Rafael Mendes
1-80kg- Guto Campos
1-90kg- Otávio de Souza
1-+90kg- Charles Cachoeira
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