Monday, Apr 15, 2013

Abu Dhabi: After four days of thrilling jiu-jitsu action, for many Abu Dhabi’s emergence as the global capital for the sport is now complete.

Held under the Patronage of His Highness General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, organisers say the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship proved a resounding success, with packed grandstands, podiums and some of the finest examples of on-mat competition seen anywhere in the world.

With more competitors, more categories and a larger prize fund than ever before at Dh1.45 million, the tournament was a gathering of the finest jiu-jitsu fighters on the planet going all out to claim what has undoubtedly become one of the most important titles in the sport.

The tournament also marked an important milestone for UAE jiu-jitsu, with Emirati fighters responding to the proud occasion by winning six gold medals, two silver and two bronze across a number of classes; a best ever achievement against such a competitive field that has now pointed the way to future national glories on the international stage.

UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation Chairman, Abdul Munam Al Hashemi, summed up the organisation’s satisfaction with the event: “The world’s greatest fighters have come to Abu Dhabi for the ultimate fight weekend and enjoyed an outstanding spectacle, showcasing the very best of Abu Dhabi. A new standard has been set for future years and more people than ever before have taken part both on and off the mat.

“The feedback from everyone involved, whether fighters, spectators or our generous sponsors, have honoured the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. We are extremely proud of the efforts of all our Emirati fighters, especially those that won medals.

“But as hosts we’re equally as proud of the admiration and respect gained from the international Jiu-Jitsu community. The event continues to grow, and we thank everybody for their support over the past four days.”

This year’s event also saw an unprecedented involvement of young people, he said, with the World Jiu-Jitsu Children’s Cup providing a platform for the competitors of tomorrow and outreach to local schools by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and their mascot, Azzam the falcon, bringing children into contact with the sport for the first time. Visitor numbers also broke records, with huge crowds taking advantage of free admission to have a great family day out.

Mohammad Salem Al Daheri, Vice-Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “Through the Children’s Cup, the championship is nurturing future stars in the sport by providing a crucial testing point in their ongoing development.

“We are delighted that so many of these budding stars rose to the challenge, in particular our homegrown talent, who brought home many medals this year.

“Over 50 children from the USA, UK, Brazil, China and Japan took part in this year’s World Jiu-Jitsu Children’s Cup alongside over 600 children from the UAE. No other country in the world is doing more to foster grassroots talent and give once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to young hopefuls.”

The Championship was also graced with the presence of UFC legends Demian Maia and BJ Penn and two of jiu-jitsu’s finest exponents.

Maia said: “It’s been a real thrill for me to see some of the best pure jiu-jitsu fighters in the world in action over the past few days.

“The event was perfectly organised and there’s no doubt in my mind that Abu Dhabi will continue to be one of the world’s most important centres for the sport. I will be telling everyone in Brazil of the passion and professionalism for jiu-jitsu in Abu Dhabi.”

BJ Penn was equally impressed, having never before visited a jiu-jitsu tournament in the capital: “This has been an incredible week for me, and I have met up with old friends from the sport and made many new ones. But what has made this extra special is I can honestly say this is the best jiu-jitsu tournament I have ever seen. Mabrouk Abu Dhabi.”

Over the championship, Brazilian fighters dominated the black-belt classes, the elite strata of the sport, with Marcus Almeida and Gabrielle Garcia taking the titles in the male and female competitions respectively.

Staff Report

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