Young guns take centre stage as Abu Dhabi World Pro Championship makes perfect start

The 13th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC), the largest and most prestigious event on the global calendar, got off to an energetic start on Sunday – and the sport’s future is in safe hands if the opening day of the six-day showcase is anything to go by.

Athletes between the ages of 4 and 17, from the UAE and across the world took to 11 mats in a series of matches across Juniors, Teens and Juveniles categories, roared out by fans inside a packed Jiu Jitsu Arena.

Running until November 19, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the 13th ADWPJJC has brought together 4,000 athletes to compete for global honours and a winning end to the season. While the elite athletes compete later in the week, day one of the six-day championship belonged to the youth. With family, friends, and the entire jiu-jitsu community watching and screaming their support, the youngsters delivered a thrilling day of action.

The future generation of global jiu-jitsu stars, from the UAE to South Africa, Kazakhstan to Brazil, showed great determination, dedication, patience, and respect – key values of the sport. While the sport was the true winner on the day, the Best Academy Boys title was won with Kazakhstan National Team  (1,843 points) ahead of by Al Ain Jitsu Club (1,327 points) and Sharjah Self Defence Club (1320 points).

In the girls’ championship, the Best Academy crown was won by Palm Sports 777 (1,165 points), with Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club second (1,155 points) and Al Jazira Club (1,035 points) in third.

“Day one of the ADWPJJC is always a special occasion as we get to see the future champions of our sports right here on the mats at the Jiu Jitsu Arena, the global home of jiu-jitsu. However, today exceeded all our expectations,” said Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice President, UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

“The level of participation, from within the UAE and across the world, shows great dedication of the athletes and their families, and underlines the work we are doing as a Federation to raise awareness of this sport that teaches us so much. There were some truly exceptional performances, but the real success was the level of respect and support the athletes had for one another.”

“Thanks to the ongoing support of our country’s wise leadership and the dedication of the parents and coaches, who devote time and effort in helping to shape our young athletes, today has shown us the sport is on the right track,” he added.

One of those athletes who made a long trip to Abu Dhabi just for the opportunity to compete on the ADWPJJC stage was Alanis Dos Santos, who came all the way from Brazil. The 14-year-old’s efforts paid off as she took gold in the Teen Girls -57kg orange belt final.

Dzhamal Ruzakhunov, 14, also made a successful trip with Kazakhstan delegation for the back-to-back mega events – last week’s Ju-Jitsu World Championship (JJWC) and ADWPJJC.

“This is very important for me. I won bronze at the JJWC so to win gold this week is very special. Our country is looking to us to be successful, so this is a great feeling. I came to Abu Dhabi just for these tournaments,” said Ruzakhunov after his gold medal in the Teen Boys yellow-black belt category.

The UAE’s athletes are also hoping to use ADWPJJC success as a catapult to future success.

Shoug Al Blooshi, 14, took bronze in the Teen Girls -75kg yellow belt division. She said: “It’s great to get a medal. Moving forward I want to help people off the mat. I want to be a doctor. In jiu-jitsu I want to be a champion.”

Shaikha Mabkhoot Al Katheeri was one of a number of Emirati athletes to top the podium on a thrilling first day of action. The 17-year-old was in fine form to win gold in the Teen Girls blue belt to help Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club take third place in the Girls Academy standings.