Inspiration and resilience abound at Abu Dhabi World Para Jiu-Jitsu Championship

ABU DHABI // Every disabled player at the Abu Dhabi World Para Jiu-Jitsu Championship had a story to tell and every tale had an awe-inspiring message behind it.

The para-athletes poured out their feelings and displayed high-level skills on the mat after overcoming adversity with discipline and courage.

Those who saw them compete were treated to not only quality competition but some truly touching moments in this inaugural championship at the Ipic Arena on Friday.

A total of 54 disabled athletes from 13 countries lined up. Among them was Roland Mann, an ex-serviceman from the United States Army. He took just 22 seconds to overcome Brazilian Marcelo Silva to claim gold in the Class 1 white to black belt category.

Mann lost his left leg in a motorcycle accident soon after he returned to California after serving in South Korea in 1995.

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“I used martial arts for recovery and have been practising it for the last 20 years,” he said. “I compete in MMA to show people that we can fight adversaries and live a normal life.

“It was my day today. I seized the opportunity to win my bout but I have come here with no ego. All those who fight are best of friends once the game is over.

“When you get the opportunity, you go for it. There’s some very good jiu-jitsu players here. They a tactically masters of the art. When I went through the practice session I was able to roll with people from five different continents the other day.”

Mann, 45, said the sport is getting popular in the US and believes more American para jiu-jitsu competitors will enter the Abu Dhabi event next year.

“It was a huge honour for me as the only American in this inaugural event,” said Mann, who was in the US Army taekwondo team before the accident in which he lost his left leg from above the knee.

Stuart Penn, 39, the Briton who was born with only one fully formed limb, went up against a taller and heavier Sean Fong of Australia, in the Class 7 category.

His spirits were not dimmed one bit after his defeat on points to an opponent, an amputee of a leg and hand.

“For me, it was just amazing to be out there,” Penn said. “He was a strong and big guy. He paid me a compliment by saying it was very tough for him to hold on to me. I put him under some pressure and I can walk out smiling away.

“The atmosphere was great, the crowd was great and we were greeted well. I’m already looking forward to next year.”

Stacy Duchscherer, 50, has put his retirement plans on hold to compete next year in Abu Dhabi after going down to Edson Silva of Brazil in the Class 1 C category.

“I had a blast,” said the Canadian, who lost his left foot in a work-related accident. “I can’t wait to do it again. I’m already looking forward for the next one.

“It was an excellent experience and I’m going to be glowing for the next three months when I go home. I wanted to retire after this and go back to my regular training of three times a week.

“It has been seven times a week for the last three months and I lost around 60 pounds. I have been starving to come to Abu Dhabi and I wanted to go back and eat. But now I’m going to have a nice meal and then straight back to the gym to prepare for next year.”

He said that Abu Dhabi stood-out from all the competitions he and his son, Ryan, 15, have participated in outside Canada.

“It’s the best for the simple reason it’s so well done with all those glitzy lights and the cameras on,” he said. “Wow, what a feeling for a disabled athlete like me. That’s the best experience I had in my lifetime.

Ryan, a silver medallist in both the Gi and No-Gi (without the traditional kimono) at the World Championship in Los Angeles, is taking part in the Abu Dhabi World Youth Championship on Monday.

“He was instrumental in getting me into jiu-jitsu and I am looking forward for his appearance at the World Youth,” Duchscherer said. “I wish he does better than me.”

apassela@thenational.ae

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