With only days to go until the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2014, the best fighters from around the world have arrived in the UAE capital ahead of the event.
This year’s competition, held between April 15-19, promises to be the best yet as the strongest line-up of Jiu-Jitsu fighters ever assembled prepare to battle for the prestigious title of ‘World Champion’ and increased cash prize of AED 1.61 million.
The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation will host the world-class international event at the First Gulf Bank Arena (FGB Arena), a ‘first of its kind’ facility located in Zayed Sports City.
In its sixth edition under the theme ‘One World One Fight’, the tournament will see over 2,500 of the best male, female and children fighters from 71 countries competing in an expanded championship programme which runs over five thrilling days this year.
H.E. Abdulmunam Al Hashemi, President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union and Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation said: “Today is another proud and momentous occasion for the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation as we warmly welcome the greatest fighters in the world to Abu Dhabi, each here to stake a claim to what has undoubtedly become one of the most important titles in the sport.
“We have a stunning new home ready to showcase the very best of Abu Dhabi to the world and offer an outstanding spectacle to all.
"The stage is set for five memorable days and I would like to thank our generous sponsors who have honored the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation with their support.
"I would also like to encourage all fans and families to passionately support our UAE fighting heroes as they go into battle. It’s not to be missed.”
Excitement has been building with thousands of fans from the UAE and abroad expected to attend the event and enjoy the display of talent, skill and physical excellence on offer.
Championship highlights for fans include the return of Marcus Almeida, the reigning Black Belt Open heavyweight world champion and female star Gabrielle Garcia, the reigning weight black belt champion who both return to defend their title.
UAE hopes will lie with local heroes and UAE Jiu-Jitsu champions, Faisal Fahad Al Ketbi (Brown belt) and Shamsa Hassan (Female Blue belt), who will be competing along with Yahya Al Hammadi (Purple belt), Hasan Al Rumaithi (Purple belt) Ali Salem Al Darai (Purple belt) and Emaan Mohammed (Female Blue belt).
Adding to the tournament excitement, Urijah Faber, a mixed marital arts legend known globally as the ‘California kid’ and loved for his devastating use of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in UFC, will be meeting fans and conducting training demos.
The event will also 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, will focus on the Children’s Cup and the remaining days will be for the adult’s championship with entertainment for every age taking place throughout the five-day event at the IPIC Fan Zone located at the FGB Arena.
One of the UAE’s greatest week of live sport and free fun will include: an expanded fan experience, an enhanced spectator programme that includes an opening ceremony on the 17th of April at 3.30 PM, sponsor activities, family events, interactive stands, and a raffle draw where all visitors will have the chance to win two cars from Al Tayer Motors, including a Jaguar XF or a Land Rover LR2.
Spectators will also have a chance to win a dream vacation courtesy of Etihad Holidays. The holiday package includes two return economy class tickets from Abu Dhabi to The Maldives and three nights’ accommodation at the Holiday Island Resort Maldives.
A new addition this year are the online competitions for best photo and best video using the official Championship hashtag #WPJJC with cash prizes of AED 30,000. The best Instagram video of the tournament that garners the most likes will be awarded AED 10,000. On Twitter there will be two lucky winners of AED 10,000 each for the best picture in the FGB arena with the most retweets.
The championship schedule sees the World Jiu-Jitsu Children’s Cup 2014 take place across two days on Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 16th April and the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2014 from the 17th – 19th April.
Both events will take place at the FGB Arena, Zayed Sports City and are completely free to attend for all fans throughout the championship.
