Hello Artem, can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Artem Kaigarodov, and I’m a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt. I’ve competed and medaled, including taking several golds, many times at national grappling and jiu-jitsu championships in Russia and Brazil.
I am from Siberia, Russia and for the last few years I have been living in St. Petersburg, a city with a legendary history.
I am a professional athlete. I also teach jiu-jitsu for children and adults.
Is it your first time participating in Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu Jitsu Championship?
No, I competed at the last World Championship 2020, and was greatly impressed by the city, country, and people.
Last year I didn’t achieve my desired results, so I’m returning to try again and do what I have to do. This competition means a lot to me as this is an opportunity to compete with the best athletes in the world.
I do my best to become my best self, and for this I need to win the World Cup.
How did the sport of Jiu Jitsu impact you on a personal level? Why do you recommend youth to practice the sport?
Jiu Jitsu is a major part of my life. I train 2-3 times every day and also teach Jiu Jitsu for children and teens – they grow up as real men. My students have already shown impressive results, and I believe that in the future they, like me, will go to the World Championships in Abu Dhabi.
I believe that young people need to participate in sports. With the help of Jiu Jitsu, we can identify and develop each child’s strengths, which will help them as they grow up.
How is your training going leading up to the ADWPJJC?
I started preparing for the Abu Dhabi World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championships as soon as I returned from the 2020 World Championships. I can’t afford to make the same mistakes as last time and I’ve worked hard to fix the holes in my Jiu Jitsu.
I traveled to Brazil, Sao Paulo to one of the strongest academies in the world, headed by Professor Cicero Costa.
After two months of hard, daily training, I returned to Russia, and continued to train 2-3 times a day. I gave my all preparing for this competition. I donated all my time, all my money. But now I’m ready and I can’t wait to show my skills at the World Championships.
How do you see Abu Dhabi hosting global jiu-jitsu championships and giving the chance for athletes to compete against the best in the world
I am very impressed with the work of the tournament organizers and I am grateful to them and the Abu Dhabi authorities for the fact that we can compete with them.
Everyone in the world wants to compete in Abu Dhabi.
They have done a great job of spreading our sport. And their tournaments are my priority.
Who influenced you the most in developing your BJJ game?
I want to be unique and don’t imitate anyone. I have my own style and my own techniques and I look forward to showing my skills to the world!
But all successful people inspire me. They each have something special!
Would you like to give any advice to our readers that would help them either on the mat or in their lives?
If you really want something, then you have to take action.
Neither emotion nor circumstance will help you. Only your action.
We care about Jiu Jitsu so much that we decided to create this page for all the people like us – that eat, breath and live the Jiu Jitsu Lifestyle! We truly hope our content will make every one of your days better, on the mat and off the mat!