ABU DHABI: On Tuesday, the opening day of the Abu Dhabi World Masters Jiu-Jitsu Championship, part of the 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship at Mubadala Arena, hundreds of athletes took to the mats, hoping to clinch medals. For Italian competitor Prisco Casertano, however, the journey to the world stage in Abu Dhabi was anything but typical.

According to Emirates News Agency, representing Crossfight Academy in the Men’s GI / Purple / Master 1 / 94KG division, the 34-year-old carried years of intense training and memories of a challenging chapter in his athletic career. Formerly a professional judo athlete on the Italian National Team, he once fought to qualify for the Olympics.

‘I was trying for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics,’ he said. ‘To qualify, I was supposed to be ranked in the top 35 in the world, but I broke my knee.’ Driven by fierce dedication, he pushed himself in hopes of reaching the global stage, but the severe injury ultimately derailed his Olympic aspirations and led him
to step away from judo.

As Casertano recovered, he began exploring jiu-jitsu to enhance his ground skills for judo. Yet, as he adapted to life after injury, jiu-jitsu’s focus on technique and ground combat captivated him.

‘With jiu-jitsu, I can fight again and feel alive,’ he added. Soon, jiu-jitsu became his primary pursuit, providing a sense of renewal and a chance to compete again.

Now training at Crossfight Academy, Casertano has fully committed to the jiu-jitsu circuit. ‘This is my first time in the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship,’ he said. ‘I’ve competed in European jiu-jitsu events, but this championship is very important to me. After breaking my knee, it feels like a rebirth.’

Despite his achievements, Casertano faces challenges as jiu-jitsu in Italy is still growing. ‘I jiu-jitsu in Italy is expanding,’ he explained, hopeful for its future. ‘I’m hopeful it’ll grow more in the coming years, and I hope I can be part of that growth.’