Winners Of Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards 2025 Celebrated At Mubadala Arena Ceremony

The Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards 2025 celebrated its winners at Mubadala Arena, honouring 20 individuals across various categories. This event concluded the seventeenth edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the championship saw participation from over 10,000 athletes representing more than 130 countries.

Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership for their support. He highlighted that this backing has been crucial in developing jiu-jitsu in the UAE, creating a comprehensive sporting ecosystem that instils values like discipline and resilience in future generations.

The ceremony began by recognising outstanding Emirati athletes from the 2025 season. Sara Farook was awarded Best Emirati Female Athlete Under 16, while Hazza Alkaabi received the male equivalent. In the Under 18 category, Aysha Aljneibi and Obaid Alketbi were honoured as Best Emirati Female and Male Athletes respectively. Shamma Al Kalbani and Saeed Alkubaisi were recognised as top adult athletes.

Aysha Aljneibi shared her joy after receiving her award: "I am very happy with this award. I worked hard throughout the season to improve my level and develop my skills in both local and international competitions. This achievement gives me even more motivation to continue training and aims to push me to reach the podium in upcoming championships. I thank the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, my coach and my family for their constant support, and I look forward to achieving more in the future."

The ceremony also honoured international academies, with Gracie Barra International winning Best International Academy in youth. Commando Group achieved a historic feat by securing three awards in one season: Best International Academy in Amateur, Masters, and Professionals divisions.

Continental awards were presented to six champions worldwide. Ahmed Al Oraibi was named Best Athlete in Africa; Nikki Lloyd Griffith took Oceania's title; Laurie de Oliveira won for Europe; Thiago Macedo was recognised for North and Central America; Yara Nascimento claimed South America's award; Nurzhan Batyrbekov excelled in Asia.

Individual Achievements

In international categories, David Fernandes was named Best Rookie Athlete while Thiago Marques earned recognition as Best Athlete in Masters. Yara Nascimento received two awards: Best Female Athlete Brown/Black Belt division and South America's best athlete. Lucas Protásio concluded by winning Best Male Athlete Black Belt.

Yara Nascimento expressed her pride: "I am very proud to receive the award for Best Female Athlete in the Brown/Black Belt category and Best Athlete in South America. This means a lot because it reflects a full season of hard work and sacrifices. I tried to give my best in every championship, and each match taught me something new that helped me improve. I thank my team, my coach and everyone who supported me. My success is a team effort, and I look forward to growing even more and aiming higher in the coming seasons."

Acknowledging Contributions

The Humanity Award was presented to Advance Ambulance Services for their significant role beyond competition by ensuring athlete health and safety. Key partners supporting jiu-jitsu's growth were also recognised: Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Mubadala Investment Company, Al Tayer Motors – Premier Motors among others contributed significantly towards enhancing jiu-jitsu's presence locally and internationally.

Lucas Protásio reflected on his journey: "Every season teaches you something new. You start in one place and end in another, with more experience and confidence, and that is what makes the journey valuable. I am grateful for all the opportunities and challenges that helped me improve. Winning this award means a lot to me, and I thank everyone who supported me this season. I am proud to finish the year as the Best Black Belt Athlete."

With inputs from WAM