Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion Lauds UAE's Role In Transforming The Sport

Prolific gold medalist Jackson Sousa recently commended the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for its innovative contributions to the sport, following his victorious start on the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Tour. The Brazilian athlete, revitalized by the support he received from the UAE, clinched the Masters 94kg division title in Istanbul, marking the commencement of the ten-round 2024-25 World Tour.

Sousa, who is supported by UAE tech venture, Scalo Technologies, expressed his appreciation for the Federation's efforts. "What the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has done for our sport has radically changed its global landscape," he stated. He highlighted how the Federation has expanded the sport's reach to new audiences and places, showcasing leadership and innovation by valuing athletes across genders in ways not seen in other jiu-jitsu federations. Sousa's participation in the series, which includes stops in Brazil, the USA, China, Japan, Australia, London, Italy, Abu Dhabi, and Moscow, is fueled by his challenging upbringing in Brazil and is his first full campaign on the World Tour.

Reflecting on his roots, Sousa shared, "I grew up in a favela. There were times we didn't have basic necessities. But my mother instilled in me a drive for excellence." This drive has led him to win at the last two Grand Slam events of the 2023-24 World Tour, in Rome and Abu Dhabi, and to run training programs at his gym in London. Sousa's journey in jiu-jitsu began at the age of 10 in Brazil, where he overcame financial and visa obstacles to win gold at the 2012 European Championship in Portugal, followed by three world titles in the US in 2013, earning him a black belt and solidifying his status as one of the top athletes in his generation.

This commendation from Sousa underscores the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation's role in not only promoting the sport internationally but also in providing a platform for athletes from diverse backgrounds to achieve global recognition. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, support, and the transformative impact of sports federations that invest in the growth and development of their athletes.