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Zayed Al Katheeri’s return to such a high level of competition and subsequent achievements is a testament to the effectiveness of the UAEJJF’s strategy of fostering a community of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.
bay today, Journalist
Zayed Al Katheeri made history when he became the first Emirati black belt to win a gold medal at the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Abu Dhabi.
Now, ten days on and his achievement fully revealed, the 22-year-old spoke about his incredible feat on the final day of the 14th edition, revealing that it only made him Reach new heights even more determinedly.
On 19 November, Katheeri defeated Brazilian Nathannael Fernandes in the final of the professional 56kg class at Zayed Sports City’s Jiu-Jitsu Arena. The Emiratis believed the referee’s decision favored him after a scoreless draw because of his more aggressive attacking style.
“The 2022 season is very intense – it’s my first year as a black belt,” said Katheeri, who finished the year with ten medals, including a sixth Asian title in Manama in March. Championship gold medal.
“This year has been very special for me as I have a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu. Although I am still learning and developing my skills in this class, I have already won several gold medals in the biggest regional and AJP competitions. Of course, I’m proud of what I did in World Pro, but I think I can do better,” added the UAE national team member.
On Saturday, the Baniyas Club star won the Best Asian Player award at the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards, which recognizes players who perform well throughout the season.
Katheeri says the best is yet to come and he will redouble his efforts to improve further in the coming months.
“Now is the time to review the schedule with my coaches – my main goal is to represent the UAE at upcoming events around the world,” said Al Katheeri, a prodigy at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu School program, which was organized in line with UAE President Sheikh His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan supports the vision of sports and athletes in the country.
According to Katheeri, the single most important factor in his repeated victories was his commitment — he never missed a training session.
“I follow a strict workout routine. Every day, I have four training sessions. I’ve been preparing almost every day for six years; with a special emphasis on honing my technical skills, training, conditioning and sparring,” he adds. “To be honest, I know my strengths, limitations and areas for improvement. In the next games, I will use my talents and overcome my obstacles.”
Katheeri won a gold medal at the 12th ADWPJJC in April 2022, fighting in the brown belt division.
He had to skip the 13th in November following an injury. His return to such a high level of competition and subsequent achievements is a testament to the effectiveness of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s strategy of fostering a community of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and staging international competitions in the capital.
The Jiu-Jitsu International Federation recently praised the respective roles played by the UAEJJF and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu School Program in identifying and developing the best talent in the country.
“I would like to reiterate that the UAEJJF deserves all the credit for what little I have achieved because it makes it possible for the players to compete at the top level,” Katheeri said.
“The federation has always been keen to foster a culture of winning, tenacity and perseverance among the players. The feeling of winning is unparalleled, but I feel a great responsibility on my shoulders. It is beautiful to achieve success, but maintaining success is a completely different thing.“
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