ABU DHABI: Twenty athletes across various categories were honored at the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards 2025 at Mubadala Arena on Sunday night.
The ceremony took place at the conclusion of the 17th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, held under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
More than 10,000 athletes from over 130 countries took part in the 11-day contest.
Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi, chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, president of the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union and senior vice president of the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, thanked the UAE leadership for their support.
Sara Farook was named Best Emirati Female Athlete under-16, while Hazza Alkaabi received the award for Best Emirati Male Athlete in the same age group.
In the under-18 category, Aysha Aljneibi was named Best Emirati Female Athlete and Obaid Alketbi earned the award for Best Emirati Male Athlete. In the adult division, Shamma Al-Kalbani was recognized as Best Emirati Female Athlete, while Saeed Alkubaisi received the male award.
Aljneibi said: “I am very happy with this award. I worked hard throughout the season to improve my level and develop my skills in both local and international competitions.
“This achievement gives me even more motivation to continue training and aims to push me to reach the podium in upcoming championships. I thank the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, my coach and my family for their constant support, and I look forward to achieving more in the future.”
International academies honored included Gracie Barra International which won the award for Best International Academy in the youth category.
Commando Group were honored with an historic three awards, securing the titles of Best International Academy in the amateur, masters, and professional divisions.
Ahmed Al-Oraibi received the award for Best Athlete in Africa, while Nikki Lloyd Griffith was named Best Athlete in Oceania. In Europe, the award went to Laurie de Oliveira.
Thiago Macedo earned the award for Best Athlete in North and Central America. The South America award went to Yara Nascimento, and Nurzhan Batyrbekov received the award for Best Athlete in Asia.
In the international categories, David Fernandes was named Best Rookie Athlete, while Thiago Marques received the award for Best Athlete in the Masters category.
Nascimento received the award for Best Female Athlete in the Brown/Black Belt division, and Lucas Protasio concluded the list of winners by earning the award for Best Male Athlete Black Belt.
Nascimento said: “This means a lot because it reflects a full season of hard work and sacrifices. I tried to give my best in every championship, and each match taught me something new that helped me improve.
“I thank my team, my coach and everyone who supported me. My success is a team effort, and I look forward to growing even more and aiming higher in the coming seasons.”
Protasio said: “Every season teaches you something new. You start in one place and end in another, with more experience and confidence, and that is what makes the journey valuable.
“I am grateful for all the opportunities and challenges that helped me improve. Winning this award means a lot to me, and I thank everyone who supported me this season. I am proud to finish the year as the Best Black Belt Athlete.”
The ceremony featured the presentation of the Humanity Award to Advance Ambulance Services in recognition of their efforts.
