Commando Group top Masters division at Abu Dhabi World Pro

Day seven of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship witnessed an impressive display of top-class jiu-jitsu in the black and brown belt divisions as seasoned Masters athletes engaged in fierce competition.

As the final results were announced, the Commando Group secured a commanding victory, captivating an enthusiastic audience that filled the stands. A.F.N.T put up a valiant fight, securing the second-place spot, while Kazakhstan National Team grabbed the third position.

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

Tuesday’s competitions were graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Ahmed Mohammed Al Humairi, Secretary-General of the Presidential Court; Julio Maiato, Ambassador of Angola to the UAE; Abdulmunem Alsayedmohamed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Rashed Abdul Karim Al Balooshi, Undersecretary of the Department of Economic Development; Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and chairman of the championship organizing committee; Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations, and Saed Hijazi Salameh, General Manager Sales, Jaguar Land Rover at Premier Motors, and a number of officials and representatives of participating clubs and academies and representatives of the UAEJJF’s strategic partners.

Dhaheri expressed his satisfaction with the championship’s success in attracting champions of the sport.

“Seven days into the championship, the event has garnered praise from all international delegations, representatives of clubs and academies, as well as the athletes.

“They will carry unforgettable memories back to their countries, as they have witnessed a well-organised event in accordance with the highest international standards. These accolades will motivate us to continue our pursuit of excellence and innovation in future competitions,” added Dhaheri.

Balooshi highlighted the joyful atmosphere of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship and its ongoing growth year after year.

“Hosting a tournament of this caliber and accommodating thousands of athletes while maintaining the highest organisational standards is incredible. I’m thrilled to be a part of this competitive environment. “

Carlos Calderon, a coach with the CFC team from Spain, said, “I have lived in the UAE for some time, as I worked in Al Ain for six years as a coach. I love this country. My brother, students, and friends always come here to participate in the championship here in Abu Dhabi, the world jiu-jitsu capital, which we consider to be the best platform for the global jiu-jitsu community to gather.”

“Our team includes 15 athletes, 6 of whom participate in the Masters category competitions. The championship amazes us every time with its many surprises and remarkable developments at the organizational level,” he added, mentioning that he also noticed a significant improvement in the performance of Emirati jiu-jitsu athletes.”

Brazilian Hugo Shiomi, representing A.F.N.T, scooped gold in the Men’s Gi / Black / Master 2 / 69kg division. He said, “Every year, the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is a priority for me, and I started training for this event well in advance. I really like how seamlessly this event is organised, and I am sure other athletes would also have the same opinion. And the crowd here is so amazing and encouraging.