
Gabriel Silva is a young Jiu-Jitsu prodigy and put in an impeccable performance at the World Pro last week. The orange belt scored three impressive victories in the -60kg category and came out on top.
Gabriel put his skillful Jiu-Jitsu into practice and wrapped up his opponents with his ingenious guard. In addition, the American showed a vast repertoire of techniques and executed various plastic techniques throughout the competition.
Gabriel is a student of his own father, black belt Vicente Junior, who helped him on his way to the top of Abu Dhabi. He and Vicente form a successful partnership and Jiu-Jitsu has brought father and son even closer together.
Gabriel Silva lists challenges of fighting in the World Pro
In an interview with VF Comunica, Gabriel mentioned the main obstacles of competing in Abu Dhabi.
“One of the biggest difficulties was dehydration. I first had to deal with it at American Nationals this past July, and it almost cost me the title. Here though, even trying to stay hydrated between and before my matches, I started to get dehydrated. It peaked during the second match, but I knew that no matter what, I had to push until the end. Luckily I was able to get a lot of rest time for my final, which helped me win the tournament”, said the orange belt.
Despite his young age, Gabriel already likes adrenaline and thrives on the most challenging fights. So, Gabriel Silva pointed out that the World Pro final was the fight he enjoyed the most.
“I enjoyed my final match, even though I believe it was the most difficult. I love really tough matches, I think they are fun sometimes. The fact I won the match just helps me enjoy it even more. Competing is one of my favorite things ever, and winning is always the best part, when it happens. Also, a lot of fun moves were demonstrated during the entirety of the fight, and as I said, I had lots of fun. Not that my matches weren’t fun, if I had to pick one, though, that would be it”, added the champion.
Gabriel tells how he shields himself from nerves
Gabriel explained how he prepares himself mentally for fights so as not to let nerves interfere with his performance.
“Usually in order to prepare for a match, and I only need to do this for my first, I listen to music and do a little warm-up. Everyone has a different way of getting ready and letting out the nerves. I’ve come to learn that this method works best for me. It did take me a while to learn the working method, but now that I know it, I am able to make myself best ready for a tournament by doing that”, told the orange belt.
Constant evolution
Gabriel analyzed the evolution of his Jiu-Jitsu in recent months and highlighted that he is increasingly motivated to learn.
“I think I’m constantly improving a little part of everything everyday. I’m always learning how to use my strength a little better, what works better for a certain technique, which grip is more useful in a specific pass, and just everything. I’m always learning, and my knowledge is growing quickly. I believe I’ve been improving majorly, to highlight a specific moment, since after returning from American Nationals. Since then, I’ve been better than I ever have, and there is still so much more to learn as I get older”, declared Gabriel.
Competing in the World Pro was not only memorable for Gabriel Silva because of the title, but also because he collected new memories with his father Vicente.
“Traveling with my dad is always an amazing time. We not only enjoy the location but we enjoy each other. We always have a funny memory to remember from each trip. My dad is definitely one of the best travel buddies ever”, commented Gabriel.
Gabriel cites “hero” treatment
The American praised AJP and stressed that he felt like a hero while competing in the World Pro.
“What I liked most about the federation was how great of a job they do to be professional and make everyone feel like the best. The major promoting point I noticed was how Abu Dhabi is the capital of heroes, and when I walked through the tunnel to my mat, I felt like one. They do a great job making everyone feel like a hero, whether it be the person on the top of the podium or the person who just didn’t make it there. Also, the entire show is just absolutely stunning. The lights, the screens, the music for the opening of the new day. Everything about it was amazing. I hope to come back next year to defend my World title, and if not, I will be back sometime in the future”, concluded Gabriel.