Gabriel Almada 
The second day of the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival provided a glimpse into the future of the sport. Competitions in the Junior, Teen and Youth categories are being held at the Mubadala Arena in United Arab Emirates. The attraction is part of the 15th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
The city of Abu Dhabi has proved to be the ideal host for an international Jiu-Jitsu event. What’s more, the fans are enthusiastically cheering on their friends, family and favorite athletes.
Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations, called the two-day festival a “global carnival par excellence”.
“Allocating the first two days of the Abu Dhabi World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship to Festival competitions underscores the UAEJJF’s commitment to investing in future generations,” he said. “This championship is a meeting point for the most promising talents of the new generation of BJJ athletes. It provides an ideal platform for them to develop their skills in front of an audience.
Event of excellence
Al Shamsi added that the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival combines sporting and social elements. In addition, it offers young champions the chance to showcase their skills and their families to enjoy the recreational activities.
“This year, there were a record 2,000 participants over the two days of the Festival. The strong public involvement reflects the growing interest in Jiu-Jitsu in various sectors of society,” he said. “In addition, it serves as a platform. Also offers young talents an early chance to experience what awaits them should they decide to make the transition to professionalism, while allowing fans of the sport to enjoy the carnival atmosphere that we always seek to create.”
Athletes
Dana Asaad Alnaqbi, from the Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club, who came first in the Girls Gi / Junior / White/63kg division, said she was proud of her victory, calling it “a very important milestone in my career”. She added: “It gives me more confidence in my abilities and is a motivation to continue my training to achieve my ambitions and establish a professional career.”
Meanwhile, Borys Pisarek, from Poland, representing Checkmat International and winner in the Boys Gi / Junior / White / 55kg division, added: “I’m very happy to have won and to have won the gold medal. It was a joyful moment as members of my family were there to see me win. What sets the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship apart the most is the continuous improvement we see year after year. Also, with each participation, I find new and surprising things here.”
Families support
Ashok Kumar, the father of Jishnu Kumar, who took part in the Juvenile 94 kg category, was thrilled with his son’s participation in the championship. “This is one of the biggest Jiu-Jitsu championships in the world. So I’m really delighted to witness the vibrant atmosphere here,” he said. “I’ve decided that I’ll make every effort possible because I don’t want to miss any competition organized by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. I appreciate the way they organize events, especially the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Also it brings the whole Jiu-Jitsu community together in one place.”
Marina Hoepfl, mother of Francisco Macedo, who is competing in the Youth 34kg category, added: “I’m pleasantly surprised by the exceptional organization. What’s more, there are plenty of entertainment options for children outside the arena, lots of engaging activities and food trucks. So it’s fantastic and particularly enjoyable for children.”
Youth competitions tomorrow
The action continues tomorrow with the Abu Dhabi Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship, with participants aged 10 to 17. Thousands of male and female athletes are expected to take part in the competition, which will continue until Saturday, November 4.
