Interview with Sam Teague before ADWPJJC13

Hello Sam, can you please introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi my name is Sam Teague, I’m 35 years old from England. I have been training for just over 7 years and I am currently a Brown belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu.

Is it your first time participating in Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu Jitsu Championship?  If not, what is the most memorable experience from your participation?

My most memorable moment competing at the Abu Dhabi World Pro is from my first time competing in it as a purple belt in 2019, I achieved a massive goal by becoming the 56kg Masters 1 World Champion.

How is your training going leading up to the championship?

My training has been great, I’m currently living here in Dubai working as a coach at Matador Jiujitsu Academy, so I have been able to train everyday, as well as training in the gym 3 times a week. I’ve been working alongside my nutritionist Yiannis Flemming and I am confident to say that I am currently in the best shape of my life even though I am 35.

How did the sport of Jiu Jitsu impact you on a personal level? Why do you recommend youth to practice the sport?

For me Jiu Jitu has changed my life in a massive way, mentally, physically, and professionally.

I am a much calmer, happier person since I started training Jiu Jitsu; it has given me the tools to deal with any situation on and off the mats with a calm thoughtful approach which wasn’t always the case for me in my younger years.

Professionally it has change my life even more as I now am lucky enough to have a job in Dubai doing the thing I am most passionate about for a living. It also led to me starting my own company Suave BJJ Brand, manufacturing and selling Jiu Jitsu fight wear and apparel.

Physically it has developed my body to a fit, strong, healthy one. I started to take my diet and health seriously which has led to me becoming a lot fitter, healthier and confident in myself.

I would recommend youth practice the sport to lead a healthy lifestyle, to gain confidence in themselves, and develop the ability to defend themselves if ever needed.

Jiu Jitsu is also a great way to make friends, to learn how to interact with people, to meet people of all different cultures and backgrounds. It develops discipline, self control as well as the ability to problem solve in pressurised situations.  

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?

It is amazing, it’s such an great experience to be able to visit such a beautiful part of the world with so many other people from all over the globe to compete in one of the biggest Jiu Jitsu competitions there is. To be able to test myself against the best athletes in the world is a little daunting but also very exciting! It is something I am really looking forward to.

Who influenced you the most in developing your BJJ game?

My professor Valmyr Neto has been my biggest influence in developing my game, he has put a lot of time and effort into helping my development as an BJJ player and also as a person.

Would you like to give any advice to our readers that would help them either on the mat or in their lives?

To believe in yourself, set yourself some goals and work as hard as you can to achieve them.

If you sometimes fall short of your goals it’s fine, don’t stress about it! Everyone fails at one point or another, the key is to be consistent and never give up.