UAE president casually offers flydubai hero Smit Machchhar jiu-jitsu lessons — All about Japanese martial arts | Today’s news
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a light-hearted offer to teach flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar jiu-jitsu during an awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi, honoring the Indian pilot for his courageous actions.
Sheikh Mohamed gave him a warm hug and joked: “When you recover, I want to have a session with you to train you how to fight,” noting the UAE’s prominent position in jiu-jitsu. Machchhar laughed and replied that it would be his “greatest honour”.
Machchhar’s head injuries, including an ax wound and surgical stitches, were visible for the first time during the interaction, offering insight into the severity of the attack. The attack fractured his skull and the bone fragments pushed inward to the brain tissue. He also suffered stab wounds, serious injuries to his hands and limbs, and injuries to his chest and upper abdomen.
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After making an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia on September 30, the pilot was rushed to several hours of surgery during which medical teams reconstructed his fractured skull. After initial procedures, he was transferred to a specialized medical facility in Abu Dhabi for advanced neurological monitoring and post-trauma treatment.
What is jiu-jitsu? Everything you need to know about the martial art, its techniques, rules and origins
Jiu-jitsu is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grounding, controlling the opponent, and using techniques such as knuckle locks and choke holds to get submissions, rather than relying primarily on punches and kicks.
Often described as a “fine art”, it emphasizes technique, leverage, balance and timing to help a person defend themselves, even against a physically stronger opponent.
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The martial art has Japanese origins, while Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) developed as a distinct form in Brazil. It has gained international popularity through martial arts competitions, self-defense training and mixed martial arts (MMA).
What does jiu-jitsu mean?
The term jiu-jitsu, also spelled ju-jutsu or jujutsu, comes from Japanese words. “Ju” means gentleness or pliability, while “jutsu” means art or technique. The name reflects his basic principle of using an opponent’s strength, balance and movement to his advantage instead of relying solely on physical strength.
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According to the International Ju-Jitsu Federation (JJIF), various schools and styles of martial arts have developed in Japan over several centuries. His techniques have traditionally included methods of unarmed combat, throws, joint manipulation and control of the opponent.
How did jiu-jitsu come about?
Jiu-jitsu has its roots in Japan, where it developed as a form of unarmed combat. Brazilian jiu-jitsu later emerged after Japanese martial arts expert Mitsuyo Maeda traveled to Brazil in the early 20th century.
According to the International Judo Federation Historical Report, Maeda was a Kodokan judoka who came to Brazil in 1914. His teachings influenced Carlos Gracie and other early Brazilian practitioners who subsequently adapted and developed the techniques.
Over time, Brazilian jiu-jitsu evolved into a distinct martial art that placed more emphasis on ground fighting, positional control, and submission techniques. Its popularity has spread internationally, especially through MMA competitions.
What are the main techniques used in jiu-jitsu?
Unlike martial arts based on striking, Brazilian jiu-jitsu primarily involves anchoring, taking the opponent to the ground and controlling their movements.
Some commonly used techniques include:
1. Stop the spread: Bringing the opponent from standing to the ground while maintaining control.
2. Hinged locks: Applying controlled pressure to the joints, especially the elbows, shoulders and knees, with the aim of forcing the opponent to surrender.
3. Choke: Applying pressure to the neck to restrict blood flow or airflow, depending on the technique, to force the opponent to submit.
4. Guard position: Using the legs and body to control an opponent, especially when fighting from the ground.
5. Escapes and sweeps: Techniques used to escape from disadvantageous positions or to reverse control and gain a better position.
According to the JJIF, the goal is generally to secure submissions through joint locks or takedowns, or to win through points awarded for actions such as takedowns and positional control.
What are the different types of jiu-jitsu?
Jiu-jitsu has several styles, but the two commonly discussed forms are:
1. Japanese Jujutsu: A traditional Japanese martial art that includes unarmed fighting techniques, throws, joint locks and ways to defend against attacks. Its historical applications included close combat techniques.
2. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): A Brazilian-developed form that focuses heavily on ground fighting, grounding, positional control and holds. It is widely practiced as a competitive sport and self-defense discipline.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is also practiced in two formats:
- Gi Jiu-Jitsu: Participants wear a traditional uniform called a gi or kimono. Competitors can use their opponent’s clothing to create holds and perform techniques.
2.No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu: Participants wear sportswear, usually pads and shorts. Grabbing the opponent’s uniform is not allowed, so the match relies more on body grabs and positional control.
The JJIF recognizes both Gi and No-Gi formats in its competition framework.
How does a jiu-jitsu match work?
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu match usually begins with both competitors standing up. They try to destroy each other before moving to ground combat.
1. Submission: To force an opponent to submit using a knuckle lock or choke hold, usually by tapping the opponent or the mat.
2. Points: Scoring points through actions such as takedowns, guard passes, and achieving dominant positions.
3. Referee’s decision: Win when the match ends without a submission, based on the applicable scoring rules.
Unlike boxing or kickboxing, standard Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions do not allow punches and kicks.
What are the belt levels in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian jiu-jitsu uses a system of colored belts to indicate a practitioner’s experience, technical knowledge and progress.
For adult practitioners, the commonly accepted belt progression is:
