Hello Derson, can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m Derson Xavier, I’m 22 years old, I’ve been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for 8 years at the GFTeam academy in Angola 🇦🇴 and I’m a brown belt under master Pakissi Njinga.
Is it your first time participating in Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu Jitsu Championship?
It’s the first time I’ve been able to come and participate in the professional Jiu Jitsu world championship in Abu Dhabi, I decided to come because my goal is to become a professional and make a living from Jiu Jitsu. As it’s my first time I’ve been able to get here, of course I’ve had many difficulties and that’s why right now I’m in Abu Dhabi with no place to stay and very little food, I’m getting help from some people I’ve just met, and it’s been commendable 🙏🏾 I believe this is my most memorable experience in the sport so far.
How is your training going leading up to the ADWPJJC?
My training so far has been tough, I’ve done tactical training, physical training, and bodybuilding and followed a strict diet, but since I arrived in Abu Dhabi things have changed, and I’ve had to adapt to be able to withstand the length of stay, I’ve been sleeping in different places and eating what I can get my hands on.
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 see Abu Dhabi as the city of those deeply passionate about Jiu Jitsu and I believe it will be a world power in this area.
Who influenced you the most in developing your BJJ game?
The people who most influenced my performance in Jiu Jitsu were my own training colleagues who always gave me a lot of strength and courage not to give up on my dream and their advice.
Would you like to give any advice to our readers that would help them either on the mat or in their lives?
I give to anyone who wants to make a living from this sport is: look at Jiu Jitsu as a lifestyle on and off the mat, nothing in life is easy or simple, even a drop of water is composed of several things and difficulties always come and go, just choose where we want to suffer to be worth it. OSSSS
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!