The Dubai-born talent says he’s excited for the next rounds at Landings Golf & Athletic Club, Deer Creek, Georgia and is loving the challenge of competitive golf
sports1 day ago
In 2019, when Brazilian athlete Mario Torquet first visited Abu Dhabi, he was impressed by the thriving jiu-jitsu culture in the Capital. He fervently aspired to compete in the prestigious World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, an annual event held in the emirate. However, a significant obstacle stood in his path - Mario's weight was a formidable 180kg, while the highest weight category for the championship was set at 120kg.
"I promised myself that the following year I would compete," he said, speaking to Khaleej Times from Brazil. "Unfortunately, when the pandemic came, I had to postpone my dream."
During the peak of the pandemic, Mario gained more weight and touched 193kg. A certified para jiu-jitsu teacher, Mario works regularly with students who have reduced mobility, amputations, motor and intellectual deficiency, as well as visual impairment. “I also wanted to demonstrate to my students that nothing was impossible if you were committed to the goal,” he said. “I wanted to do my students proud as well.”
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
In early 2022, he turned his focus on weight loss programme. On the day he started, he weighed 178kg. Over the course of the next couple of months, he focused solely on the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC).
“It was very difficult,” he admitted. “It took almost two years, doing all the dietary reduction, weight training, and jiu-jitsu every day – just exercises, supplements, and nothing else.”
Torquet said the hardest part was staying focused. “There were times when I wanted to give up,” he said. “At one point, I did not lose any weight for three months. I was about 140kg at the time and I was really discouraged. But I just focused on my goal of being able to participate in ADWJJP.”
Currently weighing 118kg, Torquet said that he has noticed a marked improvement in his performance since the weight loss. “My trainer focused on fat loss and muscle gain,” he said. “I feel a lot of difference in the weight and now I feel very agile.”
After discovering jiu-jitsu in 2010, Torquet won a few competitions before realising he was in love with the sport. He got the opportunity to move to the state of Mato Grosso in Brazil, where he trained more than 150 children and adults with physical disabilities.
Now, he is hoping that he can cap his inspiring journey with a podium finish. "I arrive in Abu Dhabi on October 31,” he said. “I am excited for it. I know that the competition is tough because the tournament attracts some of the best talent from all over the world. But I am hoping that I can win a medal."
ALSO READ:
The Dubai-born talent says he’s excited for the next rounds at Landings Golf & Athletic Club, Deer Creek, Georgia and is loving the challenge of competitive golf
sports1 day ago
A new Champion will be crowned at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club on Thursday
sports1 day ago
At the Jumeirah Golf Estates, Bertoche transformed the DP World Tour Championship's atmosphere into art
sports2 days ago
Host UAE’s Rayan Ahmed and Ahmad Skaik shine in second place as Adam Bresnusets the pace at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman
sports2 days ago
The Emirati golf icon recalls the emotional moment that brought back memories of a lifelong friendship with the Spanish great
sports2 days ago
Missed opportunities: 'The course was there for the taking If only my putting had been better,” admits the Dubai-born golfer
sports2 days ago
The top two finishers advance directly to the World Cup whereas those finishing in third and fourth in the group will go through further qualifying
sports2 days ago
Over 80 Players from 13 Nations Set to Compete in This Year’s Championships
sports2 days ago