Jiu-Jitsu’s biggest global event returns for its 12th edition in the UAE capital

Faisal Al-Ketbi is one of the UAE's most decorated jiu-jitsu fighters. (UAE JJF)
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  • Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship will take place at Jiu-Jitsu Arena on April 6-9

DUBAI: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), the governing authority for the sport of Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE, has announced that the 12th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC), the largest and most prestigious event on the global jiu-jitsu calendar, will be held from April 6-9 at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in the UAE capital.

This year’s edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC) will be held under the current coronavirus restrictions. The UAEJJF was among the first sporting bodies in the region to pioneer a return to live competitive sport and has successfully organized a string of training camps and competitions featuring domestic and international fighters.

Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice President, UAEJJF, President, ADWPJJC organizing committee, said the Abu Dhabi emirate and the Federation were confident of organizing the landmark tournament with the highest regard for safety of everyone involved.

“We have received overwhelming interest from the global jiu-jitsu community and putting the ADWPJJC’s latest edition together is another marker that contributes to Abu Dhabi’s position as the world’s jiu-jitsu capital and to demonstrate that we are firmly on the road to recovery,” he added.

The showpiece tournament will kick-off on April 6 with under-18 junior athletes taking to the mats.

The next day will feature the masters competition while fighters competing in the professional category will run on April 8-9.

Faisal Al Ketbi, one of the UAE’s most decorated jiu-jitsu fighters said he was looking forward to participating in the grand tournament after a long absence of international competitions.

“It will be great to welcome the leading jiu-jitsu fighters of the world to Abu Dhabi and to go toe-to-toe against some world-class athletes,” he said.

“We have been preparing keenly for the ADWPJJC and we are glad that the UAEJJF has taken the decision to organize this tournament which provides we athletes with a massive platform to test ourselves against the best in the world.”