Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete Osmary Dos Santos at Mubadala Arena, Abu Dhabi on November 7, 2024.

Osmary Dos Santos, a 38-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete, won silver at the Abu Dhabi World Para Jiu-Jitsu Championship held at Mubadala Arena on Thursday (November 7). Although he aimed for gold, he has already made history in para-jiu-jitsu as the only athlete to date to claim titles at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship in every belt category, —white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Osmary’s life changed forever in 2014 when a car accident left him wheelchair-bound. Determined to rebuild his strength, he initially turned to equine therapy. However, it was jiu-jitsu that truly captured his heart. “From the first moment I stepped onto the mat, I knew this was where I belonged,” he said. Now a multiple-time champion in para-jiu-jitsu, Osmary has earned gold at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship in previous years. Despite physical and financial challenges, often organising raffles and borrowing funds to support his travel, Osmary remains committed to training and inspiring others. “Para-athletes are an inspiration to thousands, especially in jiu-jitsu. I am honoured to be part of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship once again, and I thank the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for organising this incredible event,” he said. “Jiu-jitsu has changed my life, It has taught me that nothing is impossible if you don’t give up,” he shared when asked about the message he wants to convey to people of determination. Earlier on Friday (November 8), Santos faced compatriot Ezequiel Da Luz Geraldo in the ParaJiu-Jitsu Men / K2 - K4 division, securing a silver medal after an impressive performance. ICA/Expat Media
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