Muscat – Four martial artists did Oman proud by winning six medals – two gold, two silver and two bronze – in a jiu-jitsu championship held in Hamburg, Germany, from August 20 to 23.

AJP Tour Hamburg International Pro – GI and NO-GI saw participation of 600 athletes from 36 countries.

Abdullah bin Khamis al Farsi won gold in the NO-GI under 62kg weight category and silver in the GI brown belt category.

Mohammed al Farsi claimed gold in the NO-GI under 62kg weight category and silver in the GI blue belt category.

Fahad al Araimi won bronze in the GI under 69kg blue belt category, while Khalid al Araimi returned with a bronze in the GI under 85kg blue belt category.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Farsi, who hails from Sur, South Sharqiyah, said, “Reaching the finals required immense concentration and determination.”

Describing the sport, Farsi said jiu-jitsu is gaining popularity in the sultanate. Its philosophy is based on two pillars – the first is the use of mental strength to gain an advantage over opponents. This helps resist strikes. The second pillar is the use of unarmed combat to improve fitness, flexibility, self-discipline, focus and composure. The discipline and focus gained from the sport also help in setting and achieving targets.

Farsi informed that the jiu-jitsu practitioners in Oman are eager to set up an official committee in the sultanate. “Oman is the only country that doesn’t have a committee or federation for the sport. Private companies that help us financially will benefit from the formation of a committee because we will promote them in countries where we go to compete.”

There are eight academies and more than 2,000 athletes in the sultanate practising the sport.