AJP Tour Asia Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship Kicks Off in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The AJP Tour Asia Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship has commenced in Abu Dhabi, attracting over 1,900 athletes for three days of high-stakes competition from September 13 to 15, 2024. The event, organized by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP), features top competitors from both local and international clubs across various categories including youth, amateurs, masters, and professionals.

The championship provides athletes with a significant opportunity to enhance their skills and vie for elite status. Winners in each category will earn 1,400 ranking points, which can boost their global rankings and potentially secure travel packages for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, with a chance to compete for the prestigious Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards.

The event has drawn considerable international attention, with 500 athletes traveling from abroad to participate. The first day of competition saw 1,000 young athletes, aged 4-17, competing—a remarkable increase from last year’s figures. The performances on the opening day reflected the athletes’ rigorous training and preparation.

At the end of the first day, the Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club led the standings, followed by UAE’s M.O.D Academy and Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club in third. On the second day, M.O.D UAE took the lead, with Commando Group and Club Entropy Jiu Jitsu securing second and third places respectively.

Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, praised the event’s success and highlighted Abu Dhabi’s growing global leadership in jiu-jitsu. “The AJP Tour Asia Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2024 not only showcases elite sportsmanship but also builds cultural and social connections. The tournament reflects the sport’s noble mission to unite people.”

Tariq Omar Al Bahri, General Manager of AJP, emphasized the significance of the event within AJP’s broader annual calendar. “Abu Dhabi has become a global jiu-jitsu hub thanks to the support of our wise leadership. The AJP Tour Asia Continental Championship is one of many tournaments held worldwide, offering vital ranking points and attracting top athletes.”

Coaches and athletes have lauded the championship for its role in developing future champions and enhancing athletic skills. Pablo Deziero, coach of Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club, highlighted the valuable experience gained, while Thiago Marques of Commando Group Academy noted the event’s impact on improving fitness and mental strength.

Spectators, including Kazakhstan’s Miron Tair, praised the event’s organization and high standards. Brazilian black belt Emerson da Silva, from School of Champs Academy in Paris, who won gold in the Masters 1, 56kg division, remarked, “Competing here allowed me to face world-class athletes and grow both technically and mentally.”

Hareb Abdulrahman, a blue belt amateur from Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club, expressed his joy after winning gold in the 120kg category, emphasizing the motivational boost from earning 1,400 points. “Tournaments like this inspire athletes of all ages and contribute to both physical and mental well-being, fostering a supportive jiu-jitsu community.”

The championship continues to attract strong interest, with spectators eagerly anticipating the professional division matches scheduled for tomorrow.