UAE National Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship Concludes Successfully With Record Participation And Top Performances

The UAE National Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship wrapped up successfully at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the event spanned three days. It attracted 1,455 athletes from 77 countries and over 86 academies. The final day highlighted impressive performances in both amateur and professional categories, showcasing the sport's global reach.

The UAE emerged victorious in the team rankings with 299,700 points. Brazil followed with 98,000 points, while Colombia secured third place with 68,100 points. Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, and Tariq Omar Al Bahri, General Manager of AJP, were present to award the winners. The championship reflects efforts by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and AJP to host top-tier tournaments that enhance athletes' skills.

Tariq Omar Al Bahri commented on the event's significance: "The UAE National Championship is a cornerstone on our calendar, playing a vital role in building a strong technical base and enhancing competitiveness both locally and internationally. We thank the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, under the leadership of Abdulmunam Al Hashmi, President of the UAE and Asian Federations, and First Vice President of the International Federation, for their continued support. The tournament delivered high standards in organization, participation, and fan engagement, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s status as a global hub for jiu-jitsu."

Several gold medalists expressed pride in their achievements at this prestigious event. Sultan Jabr won gold in the professional brown belt 69kg division. He stated: "Winning this championship is especially meaningful due to its high technical level and the fact that it’s held in Abu Dhabi—the world capital of jiu-jitsu. It’s a real opportunity for us to grow and compete with the best." Ubaid Al Ketbi also shared his thoughts after winning gold in the professional 62kg division: "The matches were intense and full of technical lessons. These kinds of tournaments are exactly what we need to progress toward professionalism."

The championship featured diverse participation across youth, kids, masters, amateurs, and professionals from both genders over three days. This broad representation reinforced its importance on the competitive jiu-jitsu calendar.

Looking Ahead to Future Competitions

Attention now turns to the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Tour for 2024–2025. The tour begins in Istanbul during July's first week with significant international involvement anticipated. This marks an exciting start to a new season for jiu-jitsu enthusiasts worldwide.

The successful conclusion of this championship highlights Abu Dhabi's growing reputation as a key destination for jiu-jitsu events globally.

With inputs from WAM