Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu
By Our Sports Reporter
10 May 2007
ABU DHABI — The second Abu Dhabi International Jiu-Jitsu Cup kicks off today with over 145 fighters vying for a slice of the $20,000 purse here at the Armed Forces Officers Club.
The two-day championship under the patronage of Shaikh Zayed bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will be worked off over nine different weight categories including the absolute class starting at 3pm on both days.
“Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has grown remarkably over the short period of four years in the UAE and we are glad to host it for the first time at the Armed Forces Officers Club,” said Major General Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, deputy chief of staff of the UAE Armed Forces and chairman of the organizing committee.
“Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has now spread far and wide with training centres setup in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain. The competitions are also going places with the Asian championship and a world championship in Abu Dhabi on the pipeline,” he added.
Carlos Santos, head coach of the Emirates team and three times former world champion, said, “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is popular as a recreational sport and now with the competitions the sport has received a massive boost.
“This championship has received double the number of last year’s competition and the biggest in the region with entries from more than 25 countries. We have also included a couple of events for beginners to encourage newcomers into competition.”
The championship consists of 63kgs and under, 69kgs, 75kgs, 81kgs, 87kgs, 93kgs, 99kgs, over 99kgs and the open division, which is also termed the absolute class.
Entrance is free and action starts at 3pm on both days.
The championship sponsored and hosted by the Armed Forces Officers Club is supported by Caracal, Adco, Abu Haleeqa, Al Noor Hospital and Emirates Synaxis Holding.
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