Left: H.H Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Right: Hassan Al Rumaithi
There are very few UAE Nationals who could boast that they have been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and other grappling arts since the 90’s. Back when the sport was still in its infancy in the Emirates and was strictly a private avenue for the Royal Family and a select number of people.
Hassan Al Rumaithi was one of those people!
Building up to the World Pro in April, the United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu star had a few things to say to ArabsMMA.
“Every year, it gets harder and harder as more fighters participate. It’s the 6th World Pro event this year and the biggest World Pro yet. It’s great for us and the Arab world too because we want to show everyone else (the US, UK, Japan, and Brazil) that we are made of.”
Hassan will be competing in the Masters Division this year. “I trained hard and went to Rio de Janeiro with tue UAE Jiu Jitsu team for a one month training camp at Alliance. We believe that we are ready and the rest is in Allah’s hands.”
Another big UAE name will be participating this year. Faisal Al Ketbi, who recently took part in Copa Podio 2014 as a Heavyweight and competed against BJJ greats such as: Rodolfo Vieira, Leo Lo and Alan Belcher to name a few.
“I believe Faisal will do great because he was in Rio and competed in a huge competition that had 10 other black belts. Although he is a brown belt, he did really good. I can’t say if he’ll get his black belt yet but we think he’s ready to fight against black belts because he is doing well.”
Hassan ended our conversation off with these last words:
“I want to thank God first and thank Sheikh Mohammed for everything… his support for Jiu Jitsu in the country. I would like to thank Sheikh Tahnoon for teaching my brothers and I Jiu Jitsu since we were kids.”
This will be Hassan’s first test in the Masters division after so many years competing in the Adult division. Will he be a favorite to medal this year for the UAE given the new division and serious training he has been involved in since the beginning of this year? Will this be the year Hassan realizes his potential and becomes a “Master” of his trade? Stay tuned to ArabsMMA as we will be on scene covering Abu Dhabi World Pro from day 1.
Stay tuned for more on the World Pro on ArabsMMA.com
