Nivaldo de Oliveira clinched a silver medal at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championships in the Master 1 94kg category, losing to compatriot Eduardo Inojosa in the final.

An Abu Dhabi resident from Guaruja in Brazil, de Oliveira works for the UAE Armed Forces in Souhait where he balances his gruelling schedule between work and his love of jiu-jitsu.

After competing in the sport for over 16 years, the 34-year-old’s crowning moments came in 2007 when he won the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships and the World Jiu-Jitsu Cup as a brown belt.

He may not be competing as regularly anymore, but the Brazilian star is still hugely passionate about jiu-jitsu.

“I never give up. It’s a big part of my life. If I miss training or competitions I don’t feel the same guy. I feel like I’m missing something,” said de Oliveira.

“For me, it’s very good to be in shape, to be confident. It’s good for your mind, especially after training. It means everything to me.”