ABU DHABI: Athletes from Commando Group dominated the second day of the AJP Tour UAE National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023, held at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi with the participation of athletes from international clubs and academies.

As athletes in the Youth, Teen and Masters divisions took to the mats on Saturday, Commando Group showcased their dominance, while Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club settled for second place and A.F.N.T finished in third place.

Organized by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, or UAEJJF, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro, or AJP, the three-day championship kicked off on Friday with competitions in the Kids, Infant and Junior categories. Sharjah Self Defense Sports claimed the top spot on Day 1, with UAEJJ Arena and Palms Sports securing second and third places respectively.

The competitions will continue throughout Sunday, featuring matches between amateurs and professionals.

Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, deputy chairman of UAEJJF, said: “The AJP Tour UAE National Jiu-Jitsu Championship has once again demonstrated its stature as a prestigious event. It attracts elite athletes from both local and international arenas.”

“Abu Dhabi is continuously cementing its position as a global leader in the field of jiu-jitsu, playing a pivotal role in developing sport worldwide. The championships organized by the UAEJJF, in collaboration with the AJP, have emerged as premier destinations for elite world champions aspiring to reach the pinnacle of the game. A compelling testament to this is the diverse participation of athletes from 64 different countries.”

Abdul Rahman Al-Owais, chairman of Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club, praised the efforts of the UAEJJF in developing jiu-jitsu and the organization of world-class championships that attract participants from countries around the globe.

“Sharjah Self-Defense has a clear roadmap to achieve excellence in the sport, supported by a solid foundation of young and emerging talents who will play a significant role in the future of jiu-jitsu,” he said. “Our younger fighters have excelled in securing hundreds of colored medals in latest years, both in local and international jiu-jitsu tournaments. Moving forward, our focus is to develop exceptional athletes capable of competing in the professional and masters categories, with an emphasis on nurturing the youth of the club who possess the qualifications to progress in their professional careers.”

Renat Abdykerimov, coach of the Kyrgyzstan Top Team, highlighted the ideal timing of the competition ahead of the world championships in Mongolia.

“Today, my team members delivered exceptional performances, showcasing their skills on the mats,” he said. “This tournament not only prepares us for the upcoming world championships but also serves as a valuable training ground for other major championships in the coming months.”

“Participating in Abu Dhabi’s championships allows athletes from around the world to meet and compete, and we strive to be a part of each one. I am immensely proud of my players’ dedication and progress, and I am confident they will excel in the upcoming championships, making us all proud.”