World’s best Jiu-Jitsu fighters set for UAE

Abu Dhabi: Some of the best fighters in the world will descend on the UAE for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2013 and the World Jiu-Jitsu Children’s Cup next month.

The events, being held under the Patronage of HH General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from April 10 to 13.

More than 700 competitors from about 50 countries are set to attend the fifth staging of the championships, which boast an increased cash prize of Dh1.45 million.

Speaking at the official launch on Tuesday, Abdul Munem Al Hashemi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “This year marks our fifth anniversary and to celebrate the occasion we are bringing the most exciting line-up in the history of this world-class championship.

“Each and every year the event has grown alongside the love of Jiu-Jitsu within the local community of Abu Dhabi and across the UAE, and it is now firmly established as one of the greatest showpiece international events in the sport.”

A series of trial tournaments will take place throughout the world before the Abu Dhabi fight card is confirmed and announced by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. But to whet the appetite of local fans, the federation confirmed that Brazil’s legendary black belt fighter Rodolfo Vieira Srour, the reigning heavyweight World Champion, will feature in the star-studded line-up alongside compatriot Gabrielle Garcia, a seven-time female world champion.

Local interest will focus on UAE champions Faisal Fahd Al Katbi (brown belt), Ahmad Mousa Al Nuaimi (blue belt), Abdullah Al Katbi (seniors, purple belt) and Shamsa Hassan (female blue belt), who will all take their places in the elite field.

Al Hashemi said: “Far beyond the explosive performances of star fighters, the four days of free entertainment offer families and friends a real chance to get to grips with Jiu-Jitsu, as live demonstrations and spectacular free prize draws offer up as much energy and excitement for the fans as our fighters. We don’t just want people to come along and watch. We want everyone to learn and enjoy the sport alongside the greatest fighters in the world.”

As well as the live sport, the event will boast an expanded fan experience and an enhanced spectator programme that includes opening and closing ceremonies, sponsor activities, family events and interactive stands, plus a raffle where all visitors will have the chance to win a Jaguar XF 2.0 Luxury and a Land Rover LR2.

In addition to the championship activity, a new schools outreach initiative has been introduced for the first time. Led by a new official mascot, the schools campaign will be rolled out during the build-up to the championship in a bid to encourage more young people into the sport as part of an active and healthy lifestyle.

“Jiu-Jitsu is becoming increasingly popular in the UAE and throughout the world as it offers the next generation a new and exciting way to stay fit and healthy,” Al Hashemi said.

“The benefits of the sport go far beyond the physical as it requires mental strength, discipline and encourages respect. All qualities we want to instil in our youth and qualities that will be showcased through the future stars competing in the World Jiu-Jitsu Children’s Cup. This year, 50 children from the USA, the UK, Brazil, China and Japan will take part.

“Our schools program will simply give our young people the chance to try the sport and get involved. By providing these opportunities this championship is creating a lasting impression in Abu Dhabi.”

The one-day World Jiu-Jitsu Children’s Cup will take place on Wednesday, April 10.