The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship returns this April 15-19 2014 with a bigger, stronger programme and line-up, and at a brand new state-of-the-art home for Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE capital, organisers have announced.
The free-to-attend championship, now in its sixth year, will open a proud new chapter for the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJ) as elite fighters from around fifty countries head to the at the all new First Gulf Bank Arena (FGB Arena) at Zayed Sports City.
Under the theme ‘One World One Fight’, heroic local fighters – including UAE national team stars Faisal Fahad Al Ketbi (Brown belt) and Shamsa Hassan (Female Blue belt) – will share the mat with international challengers from 49 other countries.
Among those returning to the UAE capital include Brazil’s Marcus Almeida, the reigning Black Belt Open heavyweight World Champion alongside female Open Weight Black Belt Champion, Gabrielle Garcia.
An expected field over over 700 will be looking to gain the title of ‘World Champion’ in their respective divisions, and a slice of the increased cash prize of more than Dh1.56 million.
The 2014 edition – sponsored by the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) – also sees the introduction of an extra day to the programme just for showcasing the talents of the sport’s future generation who will have two days to shine in the World Jiu Jitsu Children’s Cup (April 15-16).
In fact, UAEJJ are extremely dedicated to growing Jiu-Jitsu from the grassroots, encouraging new people into the sport, as well as promoting a healthy, active lifestyle, and will once again roll-out a comprehensive schools outreach initiative across the UAE in the weeks leading up to the Championship.
This year’s five-day showpiece also offers an enhanced spectator programme suited to the whole family that includes opening and closing ceremonies, sponsor activities in the Arena’s ‘Sponsors Village’, family events and interactive stands, and a raffle for a chance to win two cars from Al Tayer Motors, including a Jaguar XF 3.0SC Luxury and the Land Rover LR2 HSE 2.0T.
“There will also be more social media involvement and the spectator to have taken and posted the best photo during the championship will receive Dh10,000,” said UAEJJ board member Fahad Al Shamsi.
Also speaking at the launch, H.E. Abdulmunam Al Hashemi, UAEJJ Chairman 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.”
For more event information and events, visit www.uaejj.com
