ABU DHABI: The AJP Tour UAE National Jiu-Jitsu Championship concluded on Sunday at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, with Commando Group securing first place.

The event, organized by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro, featured competitions in the amateur and professional divisions on the final day, with Baniyas claiming second place and Al-Jazira third spot.

Mansour Al-Dhaheri, board member of the UAEJJF, said: “The AJP Tour UAE National Jiu-Jitsu Championship successfully provided a platform for a distinguished group of professionals holding black, brown, and purple belts to showcase their skills on the mat and compete at the highest levels. The championship also showcased emerging talents in the kids and youth categories, who represent the future of the sport.

“The championship also offered amateurs an opportunity to grow and steadily advance in their journey towards professionalism. These efforts align with the federation’s vision of establishing a strong foundation of athletes capable of excelling both locally and globally.”

The Commando Group Jiu-Jitsu Academy Abu Dhabi made a significant impact on the tournament with the participation of more than 200 athletes across various categories, including the professional category.

Christian Lara, coach, and athlete of the Commando Academy, expressed his satisfaction, saying: “We have a strong squad of local fighters and South American athletes who rank among the best in the world. These tournaments hold exceptional importance for them as they allow them to earn points that enhance their rankings and give them priority in participating in major upcoming events, especially the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.”

Tareq Al-Bahri, general manager at AJP, stressed the impressive participation in the championship. “Considering the championship is being held during the summer and holiday period, we have witnessed massive participation. This is because of the significance of the event, as it provides 1,000 AJP ranking points and is perceived as preparation for upcoming major championships, particularly the highly anticipated Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship,” he said.

Sultan Alhosani from Al-Wahda Club, who won gold in the men’s brown belt professional 69 kg category, said: “I participated in this tournament as it provides an excellent opportunity for me to improve my ranking and test my skills before competing in upcoming international tournaments. I am very pleased to have added 1,000 points to my score, and I am eager to earn more in the days ahead.”

Alhosani mentioned his plans to participate in the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. He believes that these competitions will bring him closer to achieving his goal of attaining a black belt in the sport.

Yara Kakish, the Jordanian athlete representing Entropy Jiu-Jitsu Academy, secured the gold in the women’s brown and black belt professional 95 kg division.

“I am very happy with my performance today, which is the result of proper planning and preparation in the past days,” she said. “My dream is to have the honor of winning the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards, and I will work hard to get there.”