Monday, 21 July, 2025


Faisal Al Ketbi: From Wrestling Roots to Jiu-Jitsu Greatness in the UAE
May, 2025
Faisal Al Ketbi

If you ever find yourself in a conversation about jiu-jitsu in the Middle East, chances are you’ll hear the name Faisal Al Ketbi come up. And not without reason. Over the last two decades, Faisal has carved out a name for himself—not just as a champion—but as one of the key figures responsible for shaping the face of Emirati jiu-jitsu.

But his path to success wasn’t straightforward, nor was it expected.

From the Wrestling Mat to the Jiu-Jitsu Arena

Faisal didn’t start out dreaming of gold medals in jiu-jitsu. Born in Abu Dhabi in 1987, he first fell in love with combat sports through Olympic-style wrestling. At just ten years old, he was already putting in serious hours on the mat. That early start led to him representing the UAE in various wrestling competitions, including the 2010 Asian Games.

But something didn’t quite click. Wrestling gave him a foundation, sure—but Faisal felt there was something missing. That “something” turned out to be Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

“I needed a discipline that allowed more creativity, more strategy,” he once said in an interview. “Jiu-jitsu gave me that. It felt like coming home.”

Climbing the Ranks—And Fast

Once he switched disciplines, things moved quickly. Under the guidance of top-level coaches like Alex Paz and Maiky Reiter, Faisal immersed himself in training. His hard work paid off in 2014, when he earned his black belt—a symbol of mastery in the sport.

From there, he was unstoppable.

He began dominating the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championships, winning gold medals in multiple years, including 2009, 2010, 2013, and 2014. Internationally, he became a regular fixture at the top of the podium in JJIF World Championships, securing gold in 2015, 2016, 2017, and again in 2019.

But to Faisal, medals were only part of the mission.

More Than a Competitor—A Mentor and Flagbearer

For Faisal, representing his country meant more than personal glory. As the captain of the UAE national jiu-jitsu team, he has been a mentor to countless up-and-coming athletes. At tournaments, he’s not just the guy everyone watches during matches—he’s the one people turn to for advice, encouragement, and leadership.

He played a key role in the UAE’s performance at the 2023 Thailand Open Grand Prix, helping the team bring home a slew of medals—including yet another gold for himself in the 94kg division.

Backed by a Nation That Believes in Sport

It’s impossible to talk about Faisal’s story without acknowledging the broader support system behind him. He’s spoken many times about the pivotal role played by UAE leaders, especially Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, both of whom have been strong advocates for martial arts and youth development.

Thanks to their vision, jiu-jitsu has become more than a niche sport in the UAE—it’s now a cornerstone of the country’s athletic identity, taught in schools and promoted nationwide.

A Legacy That’s Still Unfolding

Today, Faisal Al Ketbi is more than a decorated athlete. He’s an ambassador for a sport, a mentor to young fighters, and a symbol of what’s possible with dedication and national pride.

Ask him what his proudest moment is, and you might be surprised. It’s not the medals or the world titles. It’s seeing a young Emirati step onto the mat, confident and prepared, chasing a dream that he once had himself.