Hong Kong dojo Team Grips eyes success at Abu Dhabi

A large black dragon curls its way over the sculpted torso of Rodrigo Caporal, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and one of Asia's best mixed martial artists. Signifying strength and wisdom at any cost, summoning the mythical reptilian master has allowed the Brazilian to dominate the Hong Kong scene since moving here three years ago.

This week, he is hoping the victorious serpent will inspire others, as he leads a dedicated team of grapplers at the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Abu Dhabi.

Though not the only Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) world tournament, it has become the most popular because it has a prize pot of almost US$400,000 and because wins at qualifying events secured fighters all-expenses-paid trips to the UAE capital. More than 700 athletes from over 50 countries will compete in the championships, starting on Thursday.

Caporal is confident his small Hong Kong dojo - "Team Grips" - will make a big impression, with the BJJ professor hopeful for weight division podium finishes across his team and at least two to take out the absolute categories across all weight divisions in their belt class.

With numerous wins in local competitions from his athletes and being top-ranked in the world in the 76kg black belt division, Caporal can be quietly confident.

Jordan Roberts took silver in the 82kg white belt division in the WPJJ last year (and earned a free trip by winning the 2013 qualifying trials), while purple belt Leland Lim won a silver in the Pan-America World Championships last year. Black belt Erick Buthsombat adds experience.