Jiu-Jitsu at the theater, Zola’s daughter is among the protagonists

CAGLIARI – A bit like boxing in the sixties. In a theatre, without the wisps of smoke but with the screaming spectators a handful of centimeters away. Thesis and participate. Even in perceiving sweat, adrenaline, fear. Martial arts, better Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, among the velvets and woods of Teatro Doglio, in the heart of the capital. A challenge in the land of “Sa strumpa”, a fight with bare hands and feet born in the mists of time and still in vogue in Sardinia. A challenge and a bridge without borders. Towards the East and the Arab world. In particular, the Emirates.

It is no coincidence that Sheikh Tarik bin Faisal Al Qasimi was also in the audience enjoying the fourth edition of the Honor Submission Challenge. He was also present with a Qatari delegation, attentive to the development and strengthening of economic relations. So much so that the future move of the Challenge to Doha with some of the world’s leading Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes could be in the pipeline. In short, a green thread that combined sport, socio-economic relationships and international media visibility for a weekend.

Also because the event held last Saturday was broadcast on the FloSports streaming platform and on other world-class portals. “Our goal has been to promote the real values ​​of martial arts in an era where entertainment is king. Having the legend of the discipline Roger Gracie here in Cagliari, who – explains the organizer of the event, Alberto Diaz – was ambassador of the event and ten times world champion, has allowed us to create the right atmosphere: competitive, linked to the values of martial arts, attentive to the context”.

Sardinia and the East together. Distant continents but very close. Mamuthones and samurai, a risky combination. But then, if one thinks of rigor and pride, lifestyles, traditions and behavior, one discovers that one is not that far away. At the Teatro Doglio, not far from the ring-mat, also the vice president of the Serie C football league, Gianfranco Zola with his wife Franca, excited and anxious as they followed their daughter Martina’s fight. The second daughter of the champion of Oliena and Baronetto della Regina, 31 years old, enrolled in the 10th Planet London Academy, showed full stubbornness, technique, pride and Barbagia blood. She came out of the event with her head held high, defeated only in the final and on points by an opponent, Gamila Kanew, 27 years old, a German from Berlin with six kilos of extra muscles.

In detail, in the men’s field applause for Fabricio Andrey, Brazilian from Manaus, born in 2000, who defeated the 25-year-old Armenian, Keith Krikorian. In closing, hugs, group photos and selfies. With a slightly modified third movement: a pleasant journey of taste between sushi and typical island cold cuts and cheeses. An inclusive moment. Is it tasty. Even for Middle Eastern athletes.