Abu Dhabi will host one of the biggest events on the international jiu-jitsu calendar later this month, with the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu Championship set for Mubadala Arena from May 15 to 17.
The event, organised by the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro Association, is expected to bring around 2,000 male and female athletes to the capital across masters, amateur, youth and professional divisions.
It also carries major ranking value. Gold medallists will earn 3,000 points in the AJP annual rankings, making the Abu Dhabi round an important stop for athletes chasing position on the global circuit.
The opening day, Friday May 15, will feature the Masters 1, 2, 3 and 4 categories. These are open to athletes born in 1996, 1990, 1985 and 1980 respectively, across the purple, brown and black belt divisions for men. Women’s masters competition will also be held for athletes born in 1996.
Amateur competitions will also take place on the first day for men and women born in 2008, 1996, 1990, 1985, 1980 and earlier. Women’s white and blue belt divisions for athletes born in 2008 and 1996 are also scheduled.
Weigh-ins for day one will be held on Thursday May 14 from 5pm to 7pm, and on Friday May 15 from 8am to 9am.
The second day, Saturday May 16, will focus on the next generation of athletes. Kids, youth, juvenile and junior divisions will run for boys and girls aged from four to under 18.
Those categories remain a key part of the UAE’s jiu-jitsu programme, which has placed a strong focus on youth participation and long-term athlete development.
Weigh-ins for the youth categories will be held on Friday May 15 from 5pm to 7pm, and on Saturday May 16 from 8am to 9am.
The championship will close on Sunday May 17 with the professional divisions. These include purple belt athletes born in 2010 and earlier, and brown and black belt athletes born in 2008 and earlier, for both men and women.
Professional category weigh-ins will take place on Saturday May 16 from 5pm to 7pm, and on Sunday May 17 from 8am to 9am.
“Preparations are progressing at full pace to deliver a distinguished edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam.”
Tariq Al Bahri, General Manager of the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro Association, said preparations are moving towards the final stage, with strong registration numbers from several countries.
He said the Association now organises more than 250 championships each year across the world, helping to grow the sport and support athletes at different levels.
Abu Dhabi has become a regular home for major jiu-jitsu events, backed by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and the AJP. The Grand Slam is another chance for the capital to host elite international competition, while giving local and regional athletes a major stage close to home.
