The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2013 & World Jiu-Jitsu Children’s Cup held under the Patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, will feature the strongest line-up in the history of the tournament when the best fighters from around the world compete in UAE capital from the 10th – 13th April 2013.

Beyond world-class Jiu-Jitsu action, organizers, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation have promised a star-studded family event to celebrate the championship’s fifth anniversary with the attendance of UFC superstars BJ Penn and Demian Maia amongst a host of new attractions to entertain all at the free to attend event.

Adding to the tournament excitement, Penn and Maia, two mixed marital arts legends known globally for their devastating use of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in UFC, will be present throughout the ultimate fight weekend at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), meeting fans and conducting training demos.

This year’s championship builds on Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a global capital for Jiu-Jitsu, with more than 750 elite male and female fighters from over 50 different countries including the UAE, Australia, Brazil, China, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea and USA, all competing for title of ‘World Champion’ and an increased cash prize of AED 1.45 million.

Amongst those confirmed to compete are global powerhouses and leading black belt fighters, including Taris Humphreys, Claudio Calasans and Rodolfo Vieira Srour, the current reigning Abu Dhabi open weight World Champion.

Joining the former male champions is Brazilian compatriot and female prodigy, Gabrielle Garcia, a seven-time world champion.

Speaking ahead of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2013 & World Jiu-Jitsu Children’s Cup, Abdulmunam Al Hashemi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Federation said; “This year’s championship is going to be the most spectacular yet as we celebrate our fifth anniversary with the strongest line-up in the history of the tournament and unrivalled entertainment. Having completed trials around the world the best of the best are now confirmed to fight in Abu Dhabi.

“The fighters are ready and Abu Dhabi is once again ready to host a major international event that sets new standards. The excitement is really building towards a weekend of world-class action. Jiu-Jitsu offers a unique combination of intense power as well as physical and mental strength ensuring that whether a dedicated fan or completely new to the sport this event is not to be missed.”

More than 750 international entries were received across multiple divisions, following a series of trial tournaments taking place across the world before the Abu Dhabi fight card was confirmed and announced by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for the April championship.

Local interest will focus upon UAE Jiu-Jitsu champions Faisal Fahad Al Ketbi (Purple belt), Yahia Al Hammadi (Brown Belt) Ahmad Mosa Al Nuaimi (Blue belt), Abdullah Al Ketbi (Seniors – Blue belt), 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.

Junior talent comes in the form of 650 elite children from 28 schools across the UAE as well as 50 young competitors from the USA, UK, Brazil, China and Japan. All have been in intense preparation for the Children’s Cup which is taking place on 10th April. The event is part of a wider UAE community initiative designed to develop Jiu-Jitsu in the country including a two-week roadshow led by a new official Mascot of the championship, Azzam the falcon.

Mohammed Al Mahmoud, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council said: The Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s mission is to realize the integration between sports and the society in order to have a healthy and sportive community. The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship and World Jiu-Jitsu Children’s Cup are instrumental not only in inspiring local people to take part in sport, but also in establishing and maintaining the status of Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s leading nations for sports.”

Both the Children’s Cup and the championship take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) – ICC Hall and are completely free to attend for all fans.

The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2013 is proudly supported by the following sponsors: Diamond Sponsors- Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and ADNOC.
For more information please visit – www.uaejj.com

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