ABU DHABI (WAM)
Jiu-jitsu athletes from the Ministry of Defense, Abu Dhabi (MOD) swept the AJP Tour Asia Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship in a moment of pride for the hosts at the Mubadala Arena. They dominated the Masters as well as the Youth categories.
Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP), the event drew elite athletes from across the globe, offering a strong display of skill and determination.
The final day of the tournament welcomed professional athletes competing in the purple, brown, and black belt divisions in the Professional category, with Commando Group and Al Wahda Jiu-Jitsu Club taking the second and third place respectively behind MOD.
This year’s championship witnessed a 50% increase in professional competitors compared to last year. These athletes competed intensely for crucial ranking points and the opportunity to qualify for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
For Masilva Noza, the MOD Academy coach, felt that the tournament stands out for a “fierce level of competition” and offers professional players an important opportunity to implement new strategies and test techniques against seasoned players from all over the world.
“There’s no doubt that this championship opens up new pathways for growth,” said Noza, “giving athletes the chance to enhance their international rankings and sharpen their readiness for major upcoming competitions. That’s why we entered over 150 male and female athletes, ensuring we gained the maximum advantage.”
The focus now moves to the Abu Dhabi World Pro which will mark the end of another active season. Before that will be the World Championship in Greece from October 24 to November 3.
Emirati champion Khalid Al Shehhi, a black belt holder from Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club, won gold in the 62-kilograme professional category. “The competition today was incredibly tough, as I faced highly skilled and experienced opponents. It has helped me raise my game, test my abilities, and prepare for upcoming international competitions, particularly the World Championship in Greece and the Abu Dhabi World Pro,” Al Shehhi said.
This year’s championship also saw numerous athletes earning new belts over the past year while adding an extra layer of excitement. Brazilian athlete Jefferson Alves Jotio, competing for the first time as a black belt, said: “The competition was intense, requiring us to be in top physical and mental shape. I am proud to have competed here and look forward to applying what I’ve learned in future.”
Pablo Castodia, also from Brazil, participated for the first time in the brown belt category, having won the gold medal in the 85kg purple belt category last year. “This championship marks a milestone in my career. I prepared well for it, especially since it is one of the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro events, which I always strive to participate in. I am pleased to have won the gold medal for the second consecutive year, this time in the brown belt category,” Castodia said.