The professional division competitions of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC) kicked off on Wednesday, the eighth day of the championship, at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City.

Competitors in Purple, Brown, and Black belts, from all over the world put their skills and training to the test on the country qualifiers, as they fought for a spot in the main round of the tournament.

The country qualifiers round brought together athletes taking on compatriots in the same belt and weight divisions, to qualify for the elimination stage on Thursday. The professional category competitions will be held on Thursday with the elimination stage and finals for the purple and brown belts, and the elimination stage for the black belt. Finals for the black belt division will be held on Friday.

The 15th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, will continue until Friday.

Youssef Abdullah Al Batran, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said, “Professional competitions are the major highlights of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Over the course of three days, we witness the world’s best competing for glory, especially the black belt holders. Winning in these categories also enhances their chances of being nominated for the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards 2023.”

Batran expressed his pride in the impressive performance of the Emirati athletes who have secured their spots in Thursday’s finals. He said, “It’s overwhelming to see Emirati champions shining in the professional division and we have full faith in their ability to perform impressively and ascend the podium in the next days.”

Elsewhere, Tarek Al Bahri , General Manager of Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP), said, “Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is celebrating its 15th anniversary, marking 15 years of excellence. This year’s championship has attracted 4,000 athletes from more than 100 countries, including Brazil, Kazakhstan, the US, Canada, France, and Saudi Arabia.”

“The record levels of participation from the most prominent schools and academies around the world reflect the importance of the tournament, especially in terms of advancing the players’ professional careers, as it directly affects their international AJP ranking. Those who win first place in the championship will collect 4,000 points which enhances their chances of winning the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards.”

Bahri noted that the preparations are in full swing to host the professional category finals on Thursday and Friday. He also praised the efforts of the UAEJJF staff working round the clock to host thousands of professionals and ensure the success of the event.

Mauricio Ospina Jaramillo, a coach at the A.F.N.T Academy, expressed his excitement about the day’s performances.

He said, “Our athletes have been performing exceptionally well, and I am eager to watch the upcoming fights. I’ve been attending the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship since my arrival here four years ago, and I’ve witnessed the remarkable growth and success of the tournament over the years, attracting more competitors and improving in terms of organization.”

Felipe Bezerra, a coach with the Rox Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, expressed his happiness to be in Abu Dhabi and praised the city’s supportive jiu-jitsu community. He said, “I am always thrilled to be in Abu Dhabi. I have many friends here in the training field. This year, most of my team members came to Abu Dhabi for the first time. Our team, including four athletes, participated in today’s competitions. I also participated yesterday, winning the Masters competitions, and today I secured a win in the professional competitions, qualifying for tomorrow’s elimination competitions.”

Hamda Alshkeili, a purple belt from Baniyas Club, who qualified for the 49 kg main bracket, said, “I’m thrilled to have reached this stage, but there are still some challenges ahead. I’m fully committed to putting up a strong fight.”