Hello Oziel, can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi, my name is Oziel Santos de Carvalho. I’ve been practicing Jiu Jitsu for 17 years. I was born in Manaus (AM) Brazil and I’ve been practicing Jiu Jitsu since I was a child. When I was a blue belt I decided to get out of my comfort zone to run after my own dreams and I had the idea of going to Rio de Janeiro (RJ). I lived there for 7 years. Today I have represented the FELIPE PREGUIÇA TEAM BJJ for 4 years, and I became a black belt in 2018 under Professor Felipe Pena (Preguiça).
Is it your first time participating in Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu Jitsu Championship?
It will be my third time participating in the World Pro! I didn’t have a good result so far, but now I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m really looking forward to this great event.
How is your training going leading up to the ADWPJJC?
I’m training a lot for the ADWPJJC event, keeping a tight routine, doing everything that has to be done! Physical training, mental training etc…
How did the sport of Jiu Jitsu impact you on a personal level? Why do you recommend youth to practice the sport?
Jiu Jitsu impacted my life since I took my first class and from then on I saw that I was born for it. Something I felt good about doing! Jiu Jitsu is beyond a sport, it’s a lifestyle.
All young people should get to know Jiu Jitsu. It is a wonderful sport, that brings many benefits, gives you a lot of confidence, makes you a good person, makes you a person of character.
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?
This is a great opportunity for us athletes who dream of being world champions and being known worldwide, facing the best in my category is a great opportunity to make history in the sport.
Who influenced you the most in developing your BJJ game?
From my yellow belt I follow the finals of the multi-world champion Bruno Malfacine! I identify a lot with Malfacine’s game.
Would you like to give any advice to our readers that would help them either on the mat or in their lives?
My advice to anyone who wants to improve their Jiu Jitsu is to dedicate themselves, be disciplined and do your best both on and off the mat. Oss!
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!