Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-jitsu World Tour concludes

The competitions for the professional division saw fierce fights from top-notch athletes from around the world, making for an exciting spectacle.

In a spectacular display of skill, Commando Group showcased their prowess on the mats, clinching first place in the professional category and cementing their position as one of the top jiu-jitsu clubs in the world. A.F.N.T. put up a strong fight and secured second place, while Baniyas took third place.

The closing day marked the end of the ADGS 2022-2023 season, and the top players in the black belt division, who performed admirably throughout the season and earned the highest rankings were honored in a grand ceremony. The list of women winners includes Brazilians Diana Teixeira (49 kg), Ana Rodriguez (55 kg), Julia Alves (62 kg), Izadora Silva (70 kg), and Gabrieli Pessanha (95 kg).

Among the men who were ranked top are Emirati Zayed Al Kathiri (56 kg), Brazilians Leonardo Mario (62 kg), Meyran Alves (69 kg), Lucas Protasio (77 kg), Jansen Ramos (85 kg), Catriel Fernandes (94 kg), and Yatan Bueno (120 kg).

The competitions were graced by the presence of many dignitaries, including Sheikh Hamdan bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan; Aref Al Awani, Secretary-General, Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Brigadier Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF); Mansour Al Dhaheri, board member of the UAEJJF; and Tariq Badran, Director of Investments at the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, and a number of officials, guests, and representatives of the participating academies.

Emirati champion Zayed Al Kathiri continued his dominance in the sport by achieving a gold medal in the professional black belt category at 56 kg and also securing the first position in the ADGS ranking for the same category. “I am very happy on a personal level with this achievement. I am thrilled to have raised my country's flag on the podium. I dedicate this achievement to my loyal fans, coaching staff, and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, which paves the way for the players of the UAE to progress and rise,” he said.

Khaled Mohammed Al Shehhi, a player for the UAE national team and Al Ain club, expressed his happiness at winning the gold in the 62 kg, black belt, professional category. “I, like everyone else, aspire to achieve the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam title, especially since it is the final round of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam championship series, and its points count towards the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Award at the end of the year. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me in my career to reach this accomplishment,” he stated.