ABU DHABI: The amateur division (white and blue belts) of the 14th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship concluded on Saturday with the Kazakhstan National Team securing the lead in the best academy ranking.
Sharjah Self-Defence Sports club and the UAEJJ Team occupied second and third places, respectively, at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Zayed Sports City.
Fahad Ali Al-Shamsi, secretary-general of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu federations said the launching of the championship with competitions for kids and amateurs was a correct decision by the federation.
“Given the high demand we have seen for participation, the UAEJJF made the right decision to launch the ADWPJJC with the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival. We are witnessing an unprecedented level of public engagement and a glitzy atmosphere of competition.
“The championship provides many players a starting point for their professional careers, as evidenced by today’s matches.
“The players were shining in the amateurs’ class, and the results indicate that they are convinced that this competition is the first step on the road to success,” he added.
Al-Shamsi highlighted the role carried out by local clubs and academies in helping the federation realize its objective of creating the ideal environment for developing talent and promoting jiu-jitsu.
Melquisedeque Moura (blue belt) from Brazil, representing Clube Feijao in the men’s amateur (56 kilograms) division, said the ADWPJJC was among his favorite jiu-jitsu championships.
“What I like most about this championship is the magical atmosphere here which motivates the players to do their best.
“The skill level of the players here is very high and the tournament, as always, is the destination of the top champions. It was not an easy journey toward gold as I faced physically strong players from Central Asian countries. It seems that the Brazilian players will face real challenges in the coming years because we are noticing tremendous growth of sport in some countries,” he added.
Marwa Alhosani, a blue-belt holder from the UAE’s Sharjah Self-Defence Sports club, had a perfect start to the day by bagging a gold in the amateur (70 kg) division.
“Achieving the medal in the championship is the biggest achievement in my career so far. I am very happy and optimistic that I can pursue a professional career in this wonderful sport.
“There is no doubt that this achievement is my first step toward achieving my future goals,” she said.
Magomed Ibragimov (blue belt) from Russia’s Checkmat International, who secured gold in the amateur (120 kg) class, said that the ADWPJJC was very popular in his country.
“Participating in the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is too valuable to be missed. This tournament is very popular in Russia, so it is a top priority for Russian athletes.
“Abu Dhabi has changed the concepts of major jiu-jitsu tournaments in terms of the splendid organization and hosting,” he added.
Championship schedule
Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2022 from Nov. 13-14
Abu Dhabi World Masters Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2022 from Nov. 15-16
Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2022 from Nov. 17-19
The Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Award on Nov. 19.