Stellar line-up of athletes to grace FIPJJC

ABU DHABI: Professional jiu-jitsu athletes from around the world will gather in the northern emirates this weekend for the 6th edition of the Fujairah International Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship, held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Hamad Bin Muhammad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah and Head of Fujairah Martial Arts Club, at Zayed Sports Complex on Friday.

The much-anticipated Fujairah Pro is the first stop on the 2019-2020 jiu-jitsu calendar for professional players and the event has attracted athletes from 54 different countries. The one-day mega jiu-jitsu event will see female and male Juveniles (Under 18s), Adults (Over 18s) and Masters (Over 30s) taking to the mats in five belt divisions.

Juveniles will compete in white and blue belt, while Adults and Masters will contest in white, blue, purple, brown and black belts, with experienced UAEJJF referees presiding over each match.

“The Fujairah International Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship is one of the key championships that align with the UAEJJF’s mission to reinforce the country as the global home of the sport by continuing to attract elite professional players seeking to enhance their ranking and elevate their jiu-jitsu careers,” said Youssef Al Batran, UAEJJF Board Member.

Batran expressed his appreciation on behalf of the UAEJJF family to His Highness the Crown Prince of Fujairah for his continuous support of the sport, which is evident in the important role that the Fujairah Martial Arts Club takes for Jiu Jitsu both locally and on the international stage.

The tournament will coincide with another important milestone as the UAE’s first astronaut, Hazzaa Al Mansouri, returns to Earth. Mansouri is an inspiring role model for the youth of the country and his journey to space is a source of real pride for the nation. The UAEJJF celebrated his arrival at the International Space Station during the The Tolerance Jiu-Jitsu Championship last week.

The Fujairah Pro is seen as a major milestone for many Jiu-Jitsu athletes, attracting many of the best from the local and global community. Amongst those taking to the mats this weekend is Wadeh Al-Yafie, 49, a gold medalist at the third round of the 4th Grand Slam Los Angeles last month and outstanding UAE Jiu-Jitsu talent.

On the international professional level, the championship welcomes Brazilian Igor Sousa of AFNT Club, an 85kg black belt and Brazilian Ana Carolina Edison, a black belt holder who representing Palm Sports Team in the 55kg Masters category.

Commenting on his participation, Sousa said: “I am honored to be present at the Fujairah International Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship as it is one of the most important tournaments and has become linked to the development of jiu-jitsu in the UAE.

“The tournament contributes to the development of different strategies for athletes and is also important when it comes to player rankings.”