Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship returns in November

Following a safe and successful 12th edition of Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC) in April, which saw more than 2,000 athletes from over 80 countries compete across four days of top-level action, gaining regional and global recognition, the largest and most prestigious event on the global jiu-jitsu calendar will return for a 13th edition at the UAE capital’s Jiu-Jitsu Arena this year.

With Abu Dhabi having cemented its capability to host major international sporting events safely during the pandemic, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), the governing body for the sport in the emirates, has confirmed the 13th ADWPJJC will make a swift return in November.

Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice President, UAEJJF, said: “Following the success of the ADWPJJC in April, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation assigned a committee to organise the 13th edition in the last quarter of this year, to provide the world’s best an opportunity to shine in the most prestigious event on the calendar, especially those who were not able to participate in the 12th edition due to travel restrictions.”

“The level of participation in the 12th edition of ADWPJJC underlines its importance to jiu-jitsu athletes around the world. The appetite is as strong as ever and we owe it to the athletes to give them a safe and secure platform on which to compete in the sport they love.

“With the gradual easing of travel restrictions in the coming months, we are optimistic about returning to normal life and welcoming the maximum possible participation in the 13th edition of largest and most prestigious event on the global jiu-jitsu calendar.”

The recent 12th edition of ADWPJJC attracted thousands of spectators from across the globe, despite the event being held behind closed doors, with fans tuning in to the action via the championship’s digital channels.

Recognising the appeal of the championship and the behavioural changes of spectators in consuming their content via digital channels, the UAEJJF, will be streaming the six-day championship on its YouTube channel. Data from the 12th ADWPJC recorded almost 400,000 views and 67,000 hours of watch time.  The 13th ADWPJJC will also be broadcast on Abu Dhabi Sprots TV.

Registration for the championship is now open at the UAEJJF official website.

Sponsor information

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu federation praised the strong strategic partnerships for Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship in its previous and current editions, underlining the growth of the sport.

The strategic partnership further promote the sport locally, ensuring that the public is informed of all developments and results.

The 13th edition includes the following sponsors and supporters: Emaar Properties (Lifestyle Developer); Abu Dhabi Sports (Official Sports Channel); SEHA (Healthcare Partner); ADNOC (Energy Partner); UAE Ministry of Interior (Government Partner); Department of Culture & Tourism (DCT – Abu Dhabi); Aafaq Islamic Finance; Dolphin Energy; ADASI; Elite Agro (Marmum); Lulu Group International (Gold Partners); and Abu Dhabi Sports Council (Supporting partner).

Recently, the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro Tour (AJP Tour) made its latest stop at the weekend with athletes taking to the mats at Al Nasr Club, Dubai, for the UAE National Pro Championship.

Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu Pro (AJP), presented athletes from clubs across the UAE another valuable opportunity to demonstrate and develop their skills. Day one, for white and blue belts, saw Sharjah Self Defence Sports Club come out on top, capturing first place with 50,700 points; followed by Al Ain Club with 18,500 points and Palms Sports - Team 777 with 16,700 points.

The championship is included in the annual classification of the AJP, giving the first-place winner 1,000 rating points in each category.

Balqees Abdulla produced an impressive performance to win the U16 blue belt category. After her victory, Balqees said: “The win is crucial for me as it gives me an additional 1,000 points for my ranking record. The championship included strong talent and it takes a lot of patience, focus, sacrifice and identifying the opponent’s weaknesses, Thankfully the technical coaches focus on this a lot in our training, so it certainly helped me.”