Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu Jitsu World Tour kicks off in China’s Xi’an today

The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour (ADGS) is set to make its debut in Xi’an, China, from Oct.18 to 20, 2024, marking a key milestone in the global expansion of the tour. This round will see 900 athletes from 30 countries, including 25 athletes from the UAE, competing across various divisions, showcasing their skills in a highly competitive environment. The tour is part of the 2024/2025 season and features competitions in various belt categories, including the Masters division, which attracts athletes from multiple age groups.

The Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) series has gained significant momentum in China, with previous events in the region attracting more than 50 million views and followers across various Chinese media platforms, helping to grow the popularity of jiu-jitsu in the country. These events have provided a platform for Chinese athletes to compete on an international level, helping to develop local talent and strengthen ties between China and the global jiu jitsu community.

Tarek Al Bahri, General Manager of International Vision Sports Management (IVSM), the organiser of the ADGS, emphasised the significance of this event, saying, “Xi’an is a key stop in our tour to expand jiu-jitsu’s presence in China, where the sport has seen notable growth in recent years. The success of our previous events paved the way for this debut in Xi’an. It’s a reflection of Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to spreading jiu-jitsu across Asia. We are confident this event will inspire future generations of athletes and enhance the global profile of the sport.”

The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu Jitsu World Tour has established itself as a premier global competition, attracting top athletes and emerging talents alike. The expansion into Xi’an comes in response to the growing demand for high-level jiu-jitsu competitions in the region, where martial arts have deep cultural and historical roots. This event is expected to encourage greater participation from Chinese athletes, many of whom have already gained valuable experience through previous AJP events.

China has become a key market for jiu-jitsu growth, and the success of past AJP events in the country has helped elevate the sport’s popularity. The inclusion of Xi’an in the ADGS calendar is expected to boost the visibility of Chinese athletes on the global stage, providing them with the opportunity to compete alongside world-class competitors.

In addition, the ADGS in Xi’an will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of jiu-jitsu, blending the sport’s values of discipline, respect and perseverance with the cultural significance of Xi’an, an ancient city that was once the eastern terminus of the historic Silk Road. This event serves as a testament to the power of jiu-jitsu to bridge cultures and promote international cooperation.

Following the Xi’an edition, the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour will continue its global journey, with upcoming stops in Sydney, Tokyo, Rome and London, before concluding with the grand finale in Abu Dhabi in May 2025. Abu Dhabi remains committed to reinforcing its position as the global capital of jiu-jitsu, providing athletes worldwide with a platform to compete at the highest level.

Meanwhile, the Board of Directors of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation met to assess the successful execution of local, continental, and international championships held during the 2024 sports season. The meeting also focused on the achievements of Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

The meeting, held at the Federation’s headquarters, was chaired by Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union, and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation. Attendees included Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the Federation, and board members Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Mansour Mohammed Al Dhaheri, and Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, General Secretary of the Federation. Also present were Mubarak Saleh Al Menhali, Director of the Technical Department; Mohammed Hussein Al Marzooqi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications; and Tariq Omar Al Bahri, Director of Support Services.