Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete Enaile Dos Anjos made her highly anticipated return to the mats on Thursday at the Abu Dhabi Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship held at Mubadala Arena. Competing in the Women’s GI / Black Belt / Professional / 70kg division as the Brazil Qualifier, she represented M.O.D UAE. After a five-year break, during which she welcomed two children, the 29-year-old black belt re-entered the jiu-jitsu world with a renewed sense of purpose and passion.

Enaile’s journey is a testament to balancing motherhood with her unwavering love for jiu-jitsu. “I was away from championships for five years. But about a month ago, I competed in Qatar, and two weeks ago, I was in Italy. I wanted to rediscover the rhythm and flow of competition,” she shared. For Enaile, this hiatus was not just about stepping back from competition; it was a period of profound transformation.

“I had my first daughter five years ago, and my youngest is now one and a half. I was fully dedicated to motherhood,” she explained. Now, as a mother of two and a coach, she felt prepared to return to the mats, bringing with her a renewed sense of purpose. Enaile’s journey also serves as an inspiration to others, particularly her daughters.

“I want to be a role model for the next generation, especially for my daughters,” she said. “Even when fear is present, you must pursue your dreams. It’s not about the outcomes; it’s about being here, participating in something as extraordinary as the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.” Grateful for the opportunity, Enaile understands the global challenges athletes face to reach this level of competition.

“I thank God for the chance to be here. I know many people around the world aspire to experience this, but not everyone gets the opportunity. I push myself for them and for my family.” Meanwhile, the 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is in full swing at Mubadala Arena, featuring qualifying matches in the professional purple, brown, and black belt categories across various weight divisions. The first day of the three-day professional division competition saw elite athletes from around the globe compete in high-stakes matchups. In each weight category, two competitors from each country advanced, securing their spots in the main bracket competitions.

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