Muscat – In a milestone achievement for the sultanate, Abdullah bin Khamis al Farsi, a 29-year-old sportsperson from the wilayat of Sur in South Sharqiyah, has become the first Omani to get a black belt in jiu-jitsu.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Farsi expressed his delight at this major achievement. “I was blessed to be promoted to a black belt in jiu-jitsu,” he said.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a self-defence martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds.

“The Jiu-Jitsu International Federation granted me a certificate on December 18 that allows me to wear a black belt.”

BJJ black belts are often addressed within the art as ‘professor’ or ‘coach’, although some schools and organisations reserve this title for the more senior black belt instructors.

“Jiu-jitsu took a huge portion of my last 12 years due to the time I have been spending on the mats and outside,” the Omani athlete said. 

“Getting promoted to black belt really made me feel that the time that I have dedicated to train myself with discipline, commitment and hard work was worth it.”

At the same breath, Farsi pointed out that this is never an individual achievement. “It’s a team work! I’ve been among the best coaches and with big teams, and this is a collective achievement,” he said.

“Jiu-jitsu is based on a key philosophy – the use of one’s mental strength to gain advantage over opponents.”

He is of the opinion that with this certificate coming, jiu-jitsu in Oman will greatly benefit. “People would feel encouraged and confident to take up this sport, with an internationally acclaimed professional available for guidance and coaching.”

However, “this achievement comes with many responsibilities”, Farsi understands. He would now have to play even a bigger role to train young people, hold workshops and promote the art across the sultanate.

According to him, jiu-jitsu is gaining popularity in the sultanate.

Currently there are eight jiu-jitsu academies in Oman and many athletes, including a few are now professionally involved in this sport. 

“I will keep on learning, training and contributing to the growth of this sport in my country (Oman) and in the region. I will continue representing Oman in international tournaments and take our national flag to global arenas.”