Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Club for Self-Defense Sports, expresses delight over the success.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The AJP Tour Dubai International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023 – Gi is currently underway at Al Nasr Club in Dubai, providing an exhilarating spectacle by athletes from various clubs and academies around the world.

The first two days of the championship were characterised by intense and fiercely competitive matches, adding to the excitement of the event.

On day one, intense action unfolded in the kids, infants, and junior divisions, with Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club securing the top spot. Palms Sports Academy displayed its prowess, claiming second place, while ADMA Academy achieved a well-deserved third place.

On day two, the teens, youth, and masters categories witnessed intense competitions, and Sharjah Self-Defense once again emerged victorious.

Commando Group and AFNT secured second and third place, respectively.

Sharjah Self Defense had an exhilarating and intense weekend, accumulating an impressive total of 46,720 points. They demonstrated exceptional skills and unwavering determination, resulting in a remarkable achievement of 56 gold, 42 silver, and 33 bronze medals.

Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Club for Self-Defense Sports, expressed delight over the success.

Winners with Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Deputy Chairman of UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, during the presentation ceremony.

"We achieved excellent results after our players performed well. I would like to thank the players and coach for this super achievement,” he added.

Regarded as one of the most significant tournaments organised by Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) across multiple countries worldwide, participants in each category strive to secure the first-place position, which awards them 600 raking points.

These points contribute to their qualification for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC) and the prestigious Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards at the end of the season.

Youssef Abdullah Al Batran, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, emphasised the strong position of AJP tournaments among international events.

“AJP has extensive expertise in organising tournaments in various cities and capitals worldwide, bringing together top players to culminate their season through participation in ADWPJJC and the Abu Dhabi award, which represent the highest honours in the sport. These tournaments play a crucial role in the development of local talents, providing opportunities for interaction with skilled and distinguished international athletes, thereby fostering their growth and progress,” he added.

Rafael Guedes, coach of the Infants and Junior categories at Al Wahda Jiu-Jitsu Academy, highlighted the growth opportunities provided by AJP tournaments.

He highlighted that these competitions expose young champions to intense atmospheres, enthusiastic crowds, and exhilarating challenges that enhance their confidence and sharpen their skills adding the valuable experience gained during tournaments equips them to perform under pressure and explore innovative strategies, contributing to their growth as athletes.

Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Deputy Chairman of UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, congratulated the winners and handed over the medals.

Abdul Rahman Hassan Al Menhali, the father of Hassan and Abdullah, expressed how jiu-jitsu has transformed his children's lives, nurturing qualities such as perseverance, determination, and the pursuit of victory. Menhali captured priceless moments of his children standing atop the podium, receiving their well-deserved medals.

Johnny Rodrigues from Colombia, representing the Commando Group Academy, secured the gold medal in the Masters 1 category, brown belt, weighing 94 kg. He expressed admiration for the championship's remarkable organisation and world-class standards, which constantly motivate participants to give their best. “Winning in the UAE carries a higher prestige than any other tournament due to the diverse group of international champions it attracts,” he said.