Hello Karl Pegers, can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Karl Pegers and I’m a 22 year old brown belt under Eduardo “Teta” Rios and Christian Dellevag. I been training martial arts for many years and BJJ for about 10 years. I recently moved to Stockholm and joined forces with Stark Jiu Jitsu.
Is it your first time participating in Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu Jitsu Championship?
This is my third time fighting at the World Pro and I’m always astonished by how the event feels. It’s always professional and the feeling stepping on the mat in the final is crazy so good energy!
How is your training going leading up to the championship?
The training is hard as usual! I get my ass kicked in class everyday but it’s nice! I have so many high level competitors to fight with that every round could be a fight at the World Pro. It’s so good to have guys that really push you to continue fighting hard and never giving up!
How did the sport of Jiu Jitsu impact you on a personal level? Why do you recommend youth to practice the sport?
Jiu Jitsu has affected all parts of my life and I’m very grateful to have it and been introduced to it so early. I got to know so many of my friends and people close to me through it and received so many lessons that apply to not only Jiu Jitsu but life in general. And to have had the opportunity to travel the world at such a young age has given me many experiences. Not only what it has done for me but it has given me the opportunity to help kids the same way so they can make the best out of their life.
It’s a real good place to grow and still feel like a kid at the same time. Jiu Jitsu teaches you many good lessons. How you can get setbacks and still come out on top and being able to handle problems that comes your way without stressing out to much. It also gives the kids a sense of belonging. I have had some of the kids that I brought up show me some really good techniques and that they have a valid opinion and we can learn from each other regardless of age, is beautiful.
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 love it the more opportunities we can get to compete and showcase and test what we been working on in the gym. Especially more competitions for us that don’t live in the US – I love to compete over there but it is expensive to travel there multiple times a year. Also I really like what AJP are doing with the rules, I love that they make Jiu Jitsu more intriguing to watch for the people that don’t practice themselves.
Who influenced you the most in developing your BJJ game?
I had so many good people help me with my game over the years and developing my style, But the last years I been so inspired by watching Renato Canuto he is such a pleasure to watch, no matter the results you know that he will bring a fight and that really gets me interested in watching a match! And that is what I wanna do.
Would you like to give any advice to our readers that would help them either on the mat or in their lives?
It sounds like such a cliche but people need to remember to have fun and enjoy what they are doing. Of course life is hard and everyone has periods of hardship but try to pick something that you will enjoy in the long run sometimes Jiu Jitsu sucks but sometimes it’s the best thing ever so just try to enjoy the ride and appreciate life more. Don’t forget the people around you and always keep it real.
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!