Thursday, Aug 13, 2015
Abu Dhabi: Top Brazilian coach Ramon Lemos and Roberto Correa hailed UAE’s effort in developing the sport of Jiu-Jitsu within the region but also warned against the culture of ‘fast food’ among young people.
“I had been here in 2010 and that time, the sport was in the developing stage but this time round I’m amazed to see the progress UAE has made. I was in Al Ain and everyone knows everything about this sport that shows UAE has made giant strides,” said Lemos, who is here in the capital as the guest coach for the Mini Jiu-Jitsu Tournament that concluded here at the IPIC Arena on Thursday.
Lemos felt that, UAE was brimming with surplus amount of talent but it was important that the youngsters should be made aware that fast food can affect their body immensely.
“The kids here can be transformed into future champions because the infrastructure, good coaches are there but they have to concentrate in eating better food,” said Lemos, who has played a lead role in raising the games of star like Guilherme, Rafael Mendes, Gilbert Burns and Rodrigo Caporal to name a few.
“Everyday, I see the boys being put to a lot of rigorous fitness tests but these burgers and soft drinks with lot of sugar is not going to help. It’s like putting bad petrol for your high-end car and spoiling it. If you can stop these boys from eating junk food, then in four or five years you can have good champions,” added Lemos, who is also the co-founder of the famous Atos Jiu-Jitsu Team.
Lemos also stressed on the need to focus on a few set of talented youngsters and work with them separately.
“If you focus on everybody then it will become difficult. You have to identify talent and give them individual attention and try to develop them. Working separately on their fitness and skills can do wonders,” felt Lemos.
Brazilian black belt holder Correra, who also spent over two weeks with the boys, felt that the enthusiasm for the sport within UAE was a big plus and it can also help the boys to graduate into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
“I can see that eagerness among the boys to learn and improve. It is something that has impressed me in these couple of weeks. Without Jiu-Jitsu, you cannot do much in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. MMA is the next thing and I’m sure boys from here will be inclined toward it as well,” said Correra, who also expressed his coaching aspiration in UAE on a long-term basis.
“Yes, I’m keen to stay here for long and work with the Jiu-Jitsu federation in the development of the sport. But there are a lot of things you have to consider — family, as it is a big decision for me. However, what I have seen so far I’m happy and would love to coach here.”
By N.D. Prashant Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2015. All rights reserved.
