https://arab.news/rg6q7
- The 41-year-old’s journey in the sport almost came to an end 4 years ago
ABU DHABI: Swiss jiu-jitsu athlete Gionathan Campana took to the mats at the 16th Abu Dhabi World Masters Jiu-Jitsu Championship on Wednesday, marking an extraordinary comeback from a life-threatening injury that left him in a coma.
Representing Jiu-Jitsu School Ticino, Campana competed in the Men’s GI/Black/Master 3/85 kg division in the competition, which is currently taking place at Mubadala Arena.
The 41-year-old’s passion for jiu-jitsu started over a decade ago.
“I’ve been practicing martial arts for several years, and around 12 years ago, I started with jiu-jitsu,” he said. “I immediately fell in love with it and continued training, even when I couldn’t find a teacher nearby.”
With no coach available, he trained on his own and eventually earned his brown belt two years ago, followed by his black belt this year.
Four years ago, however, an accident almost ended his sporting career.
“It was a bad injury that put me in a coma,” said Campana.
“When I woke up, I decided that I had to get back in shape and that I wanted to do something great for myself … so I decided to resume my jiu-jitsu training. Above all, I wanted to teach my daughter that nothing is impossible.”
Campana has since returned to competition with a new determination.
“So I am here to participate in my first-ever Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship,” he said. “Here’s to many more years of participation, hopefully.”