Hello Rodnei, can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello, my name is Rodnei Barbosa, but my friend and teammates call me Roy. I’m a black belt under Paulão Rezende and I represent Vision BJJ. I’m from Formiga Minas Gerais Brazil, but I’m currently living in Doha Qatar.
Is it your first time participating in Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu Jitsu Championship?
I already participated in Word Pro couple of times and I always have a great time competing in Abu Dhabi. It’s always a great show and always thought opponents to fight. I’m very excited to be able to compete again for a second World Pro title. I won in 2017 when it was the first time that they created a division for 56kg and I got second place in 2018, however this time I’m going to get the belt again.
How is your training going leading up to the ADWPJJC?
We are doing a Camp here in Qatar with more than 30 athletes from Brazil that just came to prepare for the ADWPJJC. The head coach from Vision BJJ’s Fabrício Morreira, and he is the responsible for our Jiu Jitsu training. I’m feeling great, training hard every day with amazing partners. For sure, this will be one of my best performances.
How did the sport of Jiu Jitsu impact you on a personal level? Why do you recommend youth to practice the sport?
I come from a very small city in Brazil and I started training Jiu Jitsu when I was 9 years old. Today I’m 26, and I’m very happy with everything that I achieved in my life. I was able to work with what I love, teaching, and competing all over the world. Also, I am able to help my family in Brazil, so I’m very thankful for everything that Jiu Jitsu gave to me.
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?
What the UAEJJ doing is amazing! Every federation should treat the athletes that way. They are offering a good prize for the winners, and everyone knows how hard it is for a professional athlete to keep competing in all the important tournaments. It is very expensive to pay for the flights, tickets, and hotels, so I really appreciate what they are doing for us in this amazing event.
Who influenced you the most in developing your BJJ game?
Many people helped me during the years to develop my game, but for sure the one who helped me the most are my coaches , Paulão Rezende, Lourenço Nascimento, Rodrigo Ranieri, Fabrício Moreira and all my friends that training with me every day.
Would you like to give any advice to our readers that would help them either on the mat or in their lives?
I would say that Jiu Jitsu taught me very important lessons, but one of the most important is to never give up. Always keep fighting, even if you are in a bad situation. This always help me to keep moving forward in Jiu Jitsu and also in my life.
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