World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship and Children’s Cup in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2014 and World Jiu-Jitsu Children’s Cup held under the patronage of General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, will welcome the best fighters from around the world to a brand new state-of-the-art home for Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE capital from April 15 to 19.

Now celebrating its sixth year, the free to attend championship will open a proud new chapter for the organisers, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation as they host elite male and female fighters from 50 different countries.

The event will be held in the all new First Gulf Bank Arena (FGB Arena), a ‘first of its kind’ facility located in Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi.

Under the theme ‘One World One Fight’, heroic local fighters hailing from UAE and international challengers from as far and wide as Australia, Brazil, Portugal, Poland, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada and USA, will compete head to head for the titles of ‘World Champion’ and an increased cash prize of more than Dh1.56 million. 

A championship that is committed to nurturing the future of the sport, the 2014 edition sees the introduction of an extra day to the programme.

The ‘Children’s Cup’ for the next generation will now span over two days of world-class action involving and inspiring the Jiu-Jitsu stars of tomorrow.

Building on the success of previous years and the heightened popularity of Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE, the new five-day championship held in a purpose built arena in the heart of the capital, promises to be a bigger and better family event than ever before, all completely free to attend.

The event will feature a host of incredible contests and a range of new activities to entertain all, whether attendees are dedicated fans or are completely new to the sport.

The first two days, April 15 and 16 will focus on the children’s cup and the remaining days will be for the adult’s championship – with entertainment for all ages taking place throughout the five day event at the Sponsors Village located inside the FGB Arena.

One of the best weeks of live sport and free fun will include: an expanded fan experience, an enhanced spectator programme that includes opening and closing ceremonies, sponsor activities, family events and interactive stands, and a raffle where all visitors will have the chance to win two cars from Al Tayer Motors, including a Jaguar XF 3.0SC Luxury and  Land Rover LR2 HSE 2.0T.

Speaking at the official launch of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2014 and World Jiu-Jitsu Children’s Cup, Abdulmunam Al Hashemi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Federation said: “Over the last five years this celebrated championship has showcased the most talented and exciting Jiu-Jitsu fighters in the world. It has placed the UAE at the heart of the sport and is firmly woven Jiu-Jitsu into the fabric of local society, connecting our community regardless of age or gender. Thanks to this championship, Abu Dhabi has emerged as a global capital for Jiu-Jitsu, respected, admired and loved by all who compete here.”

“Each and every year the championship has grown and this year proves to be one of our most anticipated one yet. In April, not only we will proudly welcome the very best in the world to Abu Dhabi, we will warmly throw open the doors to our new home, the FGB Arena, an iconic venue fitted to host a ‘World Championship’. We’d encourage sports fans across the UAE to show their passion and support our local Jiu-Jitsu heroes as they fight for the pride of the nation.”    

Once again, the organisers expect more than 700 plus international entries across multiple divisions as several international trial tournaments have taken place across the globe for fighters to qualify for the championship.

Local fans will be delighted with the news that the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has confirmed that Marcus Almeida, the reigning Black Belt Open heavyweight World Champion, will feature amongst the star-studded line-up alongside female open weight black belt champion, Gabrielle Garcia.

Local interest will focus upon UAE Jiu-Jitsu champions Faisal Fahad Al Ketbi (Brown belt), and Shamsa Hassan (Female Blue belt), who will all take their places in the elite field during the championship which airs exclusively live on Abu Dhabi Sport TV. 

Dedicated to grow Jiu-Jitsu from the grassroots and encourage new people into the sport, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation will roll-out a comprehensive schools outreach initiative across the UAE.

Led by ‘Azzam’, the official Mascot of the championship, the community campaign will visit schools, training centers and key public spaces across the Emirates to encourage more young people into the sport as part of an active and healthy lifestyle.

“Jiu-Jitsu offers the next generation a new way to stay fit and healthy, working the body and mind in equal measures. It requires great mental strength, discipline and encourages respect. All values worthy of instilling in our youth.

“This championship can make a real impact and leave a lasting legacy across the community in UAE, by encouraging more youth into the sport and allowing them to get hands-on experience with Jiu-Jitsu,” added Al Hashemi.       

International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) - Khadem Al Qubaisi, IPIC’s Managing Director said: “IPIC takes great pleasure in becoming the Official Sponsor of the 2014 Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship,” said Khadem Al Qubaisi, IPIC’s Managing Director.

“Our partnership with the UAEJJ Federation is of a particular importance to us, due the growing number of practitioners, the sports multi-faceted reach into the UAE community, and the great value it brings to UAE society.”

Abu Dhabi Sports Channels - Mohamed Najib, Head of Abu Dhabi Sports Channels, said: “Abu Dhabi Media’s platforms have a strong presence in the region, and it is within our strategy  to support the Jiu –Jitsu championship through comprehensive and distinct coverage, especially considering  the sport has gained a great deal of popularity and is one of the fastest growing sports in the UAE."

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