Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, December 12, 2024: Every move Brazilian Gabriel Figueiro makes over the next few days will be followed closely at the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy in Abu Dhabi.
Like a Pele of football, Gabriel has all the moves in jiu-jitsu. He will be at the centre of attention as the Olympic Council of Asia-Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union Development Programme for coaches and referees goes into overdrive.
“It is a big privilege for me to be part of this programme and to give a little bit of my knowledge,” said Gabriel who is the lead coaching instructor at the five-day camp being attended by 123 participants from 36 Asian National Olympic Committees.
Since 2022, the OCA has carried out regular development programmes for coaches and referees in various sports. This, the fourth such camp, is a first for jiu-jitsu.
The ancient martial art of jiu-jitsu, founded by the Samurai of Japan, was a form of self-defence and seen as a way of defeating an armed opponent without using a weapon.
Gabriel, who came to Abu Dhabi from Rio de Janeiro three years ago, explains further pointing out that there are four main elements to the sport: to defend and minimise the damage that an attacker can inflict; to escape by finding a way to break free; to control – once free establishing dominance; and submission – once in control forcing your opponent to submit.
“The most important aspect is to force your opponent into submission. There is no punching in this sport, only grappling and trying to take your opponent to the ground. Once you do that, then there are various moves to get your opponent to submit,” described Gabriel.
A black belt, Gabriel is the head coach at Al Wahda club in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi. His services were much in demand for the camp jointly run by the OCA and JJAU.
More than 60 coaches from all over Asia, men and women, listened to every word from Gabriel. And in this age of social media, many were recording with their smartphones as he demonstrated his techniques.
His moves floored many.
Photo: OCA