Abu Dhabi, November 10, 2024: The Abu Dhabi World Amateur Jiu-Jitsu Championship kicked off on Sunday, as part of the 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, with amateur athletes taking to the mats. The competitions in this category are held in two days, reinforcing the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s commitment to providing platforms that offer a clear pathway for amateur athletes to progress toward professional careers in the sport.
Amateurs (adults) holding blue and white belts competed fiercely in a high-energy environment, showcasing physical strength, focus, and innovative techniques on Sunday. The Masters category for white and blue belt will also take place Monday.
Sayed Amir Khoshbin, Head Coach of Iran Jiu-Jitsu Academy, said: “Our team has been coming to Abu Dhabi every year for the past 10 years to compete in various championships. This year, we have a team of 20 athletes competing across all categories of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-jitsu Championship, and we’ve already won three medals: gold, silver, and bronze.
“Each year, the championship grows, attracting more clubs and academies from around the world, further strengthening its position in the global jiu-jitsu community. We follow a specific, targeted training regimen for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship as we take the event in high regard.”
Rodrigo Dantas of Vision BJJ International, who won gold in the Men’s GI / Blue / Amateur / 120KG, added: “I was confident I could win gold today. This was my first time competing in the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, and I was impressed by the level of competition, the organisation, and the strong crowd. This victory means a lot to me and has boosted my confidence. The competition is intense because the sport is gaining popularity worldwide, with more championships and strong support, especially here in the UAE.”
Veronica Lopez Marcos of Brasa CTA, who won gold in the Women’s GI / Blue / Amateur / 49KG, said: “I’m thrilled to have won gold, especially after six months of preparation. I worked with my coaches specifically for this championship, training two or three times a day, five days a week, and focusing on physical conditioning.”
“Jiu-Jitsu has given me so much, like self-confidence and the drive to aim higher and keep improving. It motivates me to enter more championships.”
