NEW ERA:

New era for jiu jitsu starting in Abu Dhabi
Zoe Griffiths

Usually more at home in the bustling Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro or the spiritual hills of Japan, jiu jitsu is swapping its traditional roots and setting up camp in the UAE.

The first tournament to pay prize money, the World Professional Jiu Jitsu Cup takes place this weekend in the capital, with an opening ceremony and qualifiers on Thursday followed by two days of competition.

Fighters from across the world have competed in World Qualifiers in Brazil, the USA, Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia to book their place in the tournament. More than 30 different countries will be represented across all divisions (black, brown, purple, blue and white belts) including competitors from the Emirates Jiu Jitsu Team in the blue belt division.

With a prize purse of US$111,000 (Dh407,700) up for grabs, the tournament marks a new era for jiu jitsu, which until now has been a mainly amateur sport.

The tournament is the brainchild of three-times jiu jitsu World Champion, Brazilian Carlos Santos, who is intent on bringing jiu jitsu to the masses in the UAE.

“Before this jiu jitsu was amateur, after this tournament it will be professional,” said Santos.

Santos said the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, could help the sport develop in the Emirates.

“Now we can bring tournaments like this to the UAE and develop jiu jitsu further across all levels – from schools to the national team,” he said. Santos has worked to develop jiu jitsu in the Emirates since arriving in Abu Dhabi nearly seven years ago. As well as bringing the World Professional Jiu Jitsu Cup to the capital, Santos has also worked with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council to introduce jiu jitsu to schools, culminating in a inter-schools tournament.

Among the big names of the jiu jitsu world competing in this weekend’s tournament, at Zayed Sports City Tennis Complex, are the Brazilian fighters Marcelo Garcia, Brauilo Estima, Rubens Charles and Robson Moura.

1 & 2 may 2009

zayed sport city, tennis court

WORLD PRO LIVE IN TV:

World Cup Pro: Teammates face off in semis
Finals broadcast live in Abu Dhabi on Sport TV

With the list of athletes ever more homogenous for the World Cup Pro, next Arabic weekend (Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2), organizer Carlao Santos made a pronouncement on the theme raised by GRACIEMAG.com this week:

“Athletes from the same academy face each other in the semifinal. I had already decided on that, because it happened that a final at the Brazilian trials didn’t take place.”

To guarantee it, Carlao will not oblige two athletes from the same academy on the same end of the bracket to face each other. Rather, if both make it to the semifinal, the bracket will be changed to put them against each other.

As GRACIEMAG editor Marcelo Dunlop recalled, “it’s a system kind of like soccer’s Copa Libertadores, where matchups are changed should two teams from the same country make it to the semis.”
“We can’t risk not having finals,” claims Carlao, justifying his case: Abu Dhabi Sport TV, the main network in the region, is promoting the event with a number of advertisements, and will broadcast live all the final fights.”

The competition distributing 111 thousand dollars in prize money to be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, has already confirmed the names of such world champions as Fabio Gurgel, Marcelo Garcia, Braulio Estima, Rubens Cobrinha, Robson Moura, Rafael Lovato, among others.


World Pro Cup: Colegas de academia se enfrentam nas semis
Finais passarão ao vivo na Abu Dhabi Sport TV

Com a lista de atletas cada vez mais consistente para o World Pro Cup, no próximo final de semana árabe (sexta e sábado, dias 1 e 2 de maio), o organizador Carlão Santos se pronunciou sobre o tema levantado pelo GRACIEMAG.com esta semana:

“Atletas da mesma academia vão se enfrentar na semifinal. Eu já tinha decidido isso, porque aconteceu de não ter final na seletiva brasileira.”

Para garantir isso, Carlão não vai obrigar a dois atletas de mesma academia estarem do mesmo lado da chave. Ao contrário, se ambos chegarem na semifinal, a chave então muda para colocá-los frente a frente.

Como bem lembra o editor de GRACIEMAG, Marcelo Dunlop, “é um sistema parecido com a Copa Libertadores da América de futebol, que altera o cruzamento caso dois times do mesmo país cheguem nas semifinais”.

“Não podemos abrir mão das finais”, alega Carlão, justificando: “A ‘Abu Dhabi Sport TV’, principal emissora da região, está promovendo o evento com diversos anúncios, e vai transmitir ao vivo todas as disputas pelo ouro”.
A competição que distribui 111 mil dólares de prêmio e acontecerá em Abu Dhabi, Emirados Árabes Unidos, já tem confirmados nomes como os campeões mundiais Fábio Gurgel, Marcelo Garcia, Bráulio Estima, Rubens Cobrinha, Robson Moura, Rafael Lovato, entre outros.

NHB NEWS:

No Holds Barred: Carlos Santos on World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Cup
Submitted by:E.Goldman / Sr. Editor
Posted on : 4/23/2009

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Carlos Santos, the head coach of the Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Team.

The latest project of Carlos is the inaugural World Professional Jiu- Jitsu Cup, which takes place May 1 and 2 in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (www.emiratesone.blogspot.com ).

In our interview with Carlos Santos, we discuss the birth of the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Cup, the role played by Sheik Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi in supporting this event and jiu-jitsu, the rules of the competition, the prospects for the expansion of professional jiu-jitsu, the development of the International Professional Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IPJJF) (http://www.ipjjf.com.br /), why jiu-jitsu can have a fan base as a spectator sport, and more.


You can play or download No Holds Barred at http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-22T19_46_31-07_00 .


You can also download No Holds Barred at http://www.mediafire.com/?zyknmgdmmnz .

If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by Ian Carpenter (http://iancarpenter.com /).

No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:

Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com/), for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http:// jiujitsuprogear.com/).

BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.

Wrestling 411 (http://wrestling411.tv), providing coverage of the sport of wrestling on TV, the Internet, and radio. Wrestling 411 is produced by Media Sports Productions (http:// www.mediasportsproductions.com/), whose sole mission is the marketing and promotion of the sport of wrestling.

FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews, and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts.

Mohammed bin Zayed receives Jiu Jitsu Champions

Mohammed bin Zayed receives Jiu Jitsu Champions
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces has received at the Sea Palace 41 boys who are the champions of the first Abu Dhabi Schools Brazilian Jiu Jitsu championship.

Sheikh Mohammed, who expressed happiness on the positive outcome of the Jiu Jitsu program, congratulated the boys for their success and encouraged them to continue with the sport in the years ahead.

The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program is one of Sheikh Mohammed's special initiatives and is being held under the patronage of his son, Sheikh Zayed Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.

Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed Al Nahyan also met with the finalists of the schools competition, and has himself participated in the sport over the course of many years.

The visit to Sheikh Mohammed's majlis was a special reward for the grade 6 and 7 students who had gained first, second and third places in their bouts at the finals in Abu Dhabi. The students were excited and honored to meet Sheikh Mohammed. They were accompanied to the meeting by Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Director General of Abu Dhabi Education Council, Mohammed Salem Al Dhahiri, Director of Abu Dhabi Education Zone and Carlos Santos, Head Coach of the Emirates Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team and Project Director of the program. Several Jiu Jitsu instructors also attended.

The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu finals took place at Abu Dhabi Secondary School where the best 144 grade 6 and 7 students from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia took part in the competition.

The Jiu Jitsu program was implemented in selected government schools this year. Over the last month, students have competed in regional finals in each education zone. The best 12 students from each of the 12 participating schools were selected to meet in the finals of the tournament under the watchful eye of Carlos Santos and his professional team of highly qualified instructors.

The bouts involved two minutes of high energy physical effort with no kicking or punching, but plenty of grappling. The winner of each bout was the contestant who scores the most points or forces his opponent to concede defeat.

Students fight according to weight with "roosters" and "super featherweights" weighing in at 28kg - 32 kg, "middle" and "medium heavy" weighing in at 40 kg - 45 kg, and the "super super heavy" and "big heavy" weighing in between 52 kg - 54 kg. No matter how small or big the boys are, the competition is intense, and each bout is keenly contested.

Commenting on the development, Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Director General of ADEC, expressed great satisfaction with the achievement. "I was impressed with how well the Jiu Jitsu program was organized. The boys were focused and fought with passion. They were thrilled with the visit to Sheikh Mohammed and this will spur others to join the program next year." Mohammed Salem Al Dhahiri congratulated the trainers on their dedication and commitment," he said.

"The trainers make sure the bouts are fair and the boys don't get hurt. They encourage each of the contestants to do their best and are often seen encouraging the boys. It's like a family. Everybody works together for each other," he explained.

Santos thanked HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his vision and Abu Dhabi Education Council for its ongoing support. "My team of trainers has been working with the boys for more than eight months and the boys are progressing very well. They each have special kimonos and now know the basics of the sport. Our goal is for the boys to enjoy the sport and to progress through the different coloured belts. The visit to Sheikh Mohammed gave the boys added incentive to continue with the program and to reach new heights in the sport. We hope to double the number of participating schools next year," he stated.

Parents, too, were impressed with the program. One father from the military said, "My son has been part of the program since the beginning. He enjoys it immensely. He can't wait for the Jiu Jitsu session to arrive and on that day he leaves our house to school with a spring in his step. I believe Jiu Jitsu has changed his attitude toward school and he is now much more positive thanks to the program." WAM/SA
www.emiratesone.blogspot.com

9 DAYS:

www.ipjjf.net

GURGEL AND BRAULIO:

Braulio and Gurgel comment World Pro JJ Cup
Stars celebrate BJJ’s inclusion in Abu Dhabi schools

April is coming to an end and attention is turned towards the World Pro JJ Cup, a championship to be held during the first two days of May, in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. Two of the biggest stars of gi competition, and whose presence at the event in the Middle East was announced first hand by GRACIEMAG.com are already speaking about the more than US$ 100 thousand up for grabs.

“I think it will be a landmark in the sport’s history, and that’s why I’m returning to compete among the adults after eight years. I can’t keep out of this one,” says the veteran.

Queried about the professionalization of the sport proposed by Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Gurgel has nothing but good things to say. “It’s an excellent opportunity for Jiu-Jitsu. I hope we live up to expectations and that (professionalization) will become a reality in our sport.”

The same tone was adopted by Braulio Estima, European absolute champion in 2009. “It’s and excellent idea, something fighters have been hoping for a long time. It makes us excited and makes us dedicate ourselves to the maximum. It will be awesome. I can’t wait to step on the mat and show my Jiu-Jitsu to the Middle East and the world,” says Braulio.

Jiu-Jitsu’s inclusion in Abu Dhabi’s school curriculum also drew praise from the fighters. “I think it’s realy interesting, and I’d like the rest of the world and mainly Brazil to follow the example,” stated Braulio. “That’s the best news of all. The example to be followed by many places and to overcome the prejudice that exists regarding Jiu-Jitsu,” adds Gurgel.

Nome:FABIO GURGEL
Idade:39
Nacionalidade:BRASILEIRA
Qual pais e cidade voce mora atualmente?SAO PAULO , BRAZIL
Como e quando iniciou no jiu jitsu? 1983, NO RIO DE JANEIRO
Quais os títulos mais importantes de sua carreira? 4 X CAMPEAO MUNDIAL DE JIU JITSU
Qual sua expectativa pelo Primeiro Campeonato mundial de Jiu Jitsu Profissional? MUITO GRANDE, ACHO QUE SERA UM MARCO NA HISTORIA DO ESPORTE, E POR ISSO QUE ESTOU VOLTANDO A COMPETIR NO ADULTO APOS 8 ANOS, NAO PODERIA FICAR DE FORA
Como você vê esta iniciativa do Sheik Mohamad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan em profissionalizar o esporte? ACHO UM CAMINHO MUITO BOM E UMA OTIMA OPORTUNIDADE PARA O JIU JITSU, TOMARA QUE CORRESPONDAMOS AS EXPECTATIVAS E ISSO SE TORNE UMA REALIDADE PARA NOSSO ESPORTE
E o que você acha da inclusão do jiu jitsu como matéria escolar nas escolas de Abu Dhabi?

Nome:braulio estima
Idade:28
Nacionalidade:brasileiro
Qual pais e cidade voce mora atualmente? Inglaterra
Como e quando iniciou no jiu jitsu?atravez de um amigo e depois de ver o Royce no ufc. Agosto de 1996
Quais os títulos mais importantes de sua carreira? Bi campeao mundial. 6 x campeao pan americano. Bi campeao cat e absoluto europeu. Campeao absoluto da cola do mundo. Campeao cat r absoluto do capital challenge.
Qual sua expectativa pelo Primeiro Campeonato mundial de Jiu Jitsu
Profissional? Nao vejo a hora de pisar no tatame e mostrar o meu jiu jitsu pro oriente medio e o mundo. Vai ser um show.
Como você vê esta iniciativa do Sheik Mohamad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan em
profissionalizar o esporte? Ideia excelente, que todos nos lutadores esperavamos a muito tempo. Nos empolga e faz com que continuemos nos dedicando ao maximo ao bjj.
E o que você acha da inclusão do jiu jitsu como matéria escolar nas
escolas de Abu Dhabi? Acho super interessante. E gostaria que o resto do mundo e principalmento no Brasil seguisse esse exemplo. Se nao fosse o jiu jitsu nao seria o mesmo. O bjj me educou e todos os meus amigos se derivam do tatame.

GURGEL IN WORLD BJJ PRO:

Gurgel ready to another challenge

Veteran to compete at World Pro JJ Cup
The coming 29th the gang from Alliance will embark in Sao Paulo bound for Abu Dhabi, capital of the Arab Emirates. Fabio Gurgel will be going along with the troop. But this time the commander’s job won’t be restricted to shouting instructions from the edge of the fight area. Gurgel is one of those signed up in the under 95kg category of the World Pro JJ Cup, on the 1st and 2nd of May, and will fight on even terms with the young whippersnappers for his share of the US$ 111,000 in prize money to be dished out by the organization.

“I’ve been training with the kids all along and I’m going in full steam. The difference this championship is in match duration, which is six minutes instead of the usual ten. I believe that could work in my favor a bit, since I’m already used to fighting that way,” said the professor, who constantly figures in the master division of all the main competitive gi tournaments.

Just as is the case with the big competitions, Alliance is calling up its main stars. “We’re going in full blast, myself, (Rubens Charles) Cobrinha, Michael Langhi, Tarsis Humphreys, Marcelo Garcia, Antonio Batista and Gabriel Vella,” lists Gurgel.

Fabio took the opportunity to chat with GRACIEMAG.com to report on the recovery of his partner Romero Jacare, who runs Alliance in Atlanta, and was recently taken ill. “He’s already on his feet and heading training over there. Everything’s fine,” said Gurgel in closing.

THE NATIONAL -BJJ:

The inaugural Jiu Jitsu championship for schools took place barely six months after the sport was introduced in schools by the Abu Dhabi Education Zone. Courtesy Emirates Jiu Jitsu team

Kicking up a storm on mat
Amith Passela

ABU DHABI // The inaugural Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school championship drew an enthusiastic response from the children because of the simple fact that they were were able to take part in a competition barely six months since it was introduced in to the curriculum by the Abu Dhabi Education Zone.

The schools from Al Ain dominated proceedings. Malik bin Anas School topped the overall points table followed by the Tahnoun bin Mohammed and Al Ghaith schools in the finals at the Secondary School auditorium in the capital city on Monday.

Carlos Santos, the head coach and event manager said: “The children have taken to the sport very well and this is fantastic. We only started in 12 boys’ schools and the demand is for more. We are already working on a bigger coaching staff and are ready to go as far as possible in the development stage in all the schools.”

According to Santos, a three-times former world champion, more than 2,500 children in grades six and seven are in training in 14 schools including a couple of girls’ schools.

On the mat, the students showed a lot of promise.

Eleven-year-old Fared Khalifa of Malik bin Anas School became the youngest winner and he was already looking forward to advancing in the sport.

“I was very keen to learn when it was first introduced to the school,” he said.

“I use to play a lot of football and my interest was on that game until I found Jiu Jitsu to be more interesting. I didn’t have to wait so long to win my first competition.”

His schoolmate Khalfan Hamed had the same opinion after claiming the super-heavyweight division. “Jiu Jitsu was new and I liked it from the very first training session I attended,” he said.

“It was not difficult to learn and winning my first medallion in a sport I had only started four months ago has encouraged me to continue. I hear there are bigger events planned so I want to train harder from now on.”

After a successful first competition, Santos is already gearing up for the next event with double the participation anticipitated.

“We had 12 schools in this inaugural competition and the next will see 24,” said Santos.

“This number will keep growing until we reach every school under the Abu Dhabi Educational Council. And then we will start moving into the other emirates. There is absolutely no limit to get more schools involved.

“I am sure some of these students will graduate from the nurseries and become champions in the higher categories. And more importantly, they will certainly become fitter children and those who don’t want to be in the competitions can still keep training as a fitness sport.”

Results: Category: Roster 28kgs and under: Winner: Fared Khalifa (Malik bin Anas). Runner up: Hadif Khamis (Tahnoun bin Mohammed). Super Feather 31kgs: Mohammad Khalfan (Tahnoun bin Mohammed). Abdul Haman (Al Gazali, Abu Dhabi). Feather 34kgs: Khalid Saber (Al Ghaith). Mohammed Ali (Tahnoon bin Mohamad). Light 37kgs: Hazza al Shamsi (Malik bin Anas). Hazza Payeerio (Al Ghaith). Middle 40kgs: Sultan Khoori (Abu Dhabi). Khalifa Saeed (Al Zaher, Al Ain). Medium Heavy 43kgs: Nasey Mohammed (Kaab bin Malik, Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi). Mohammed Rashed (Malik bin Anas). Heavy 46kgs: Mohammed Fahad (Al Tamayez). Raghaa Al Ahbabi (Tahnoun bin Mohammed). Super Heavy 49kgs: Khalfan Hamed (Malik bin Anas). Maneh al Shamsi (Tahnoon bin Mohamed). Super Heavy 52kgs: Omar Zayed (Malik bin Anas). Hamad Abdul Haman (Al Ghaith). Extra Heavy 52kgs and over: Mohammed Abdulla (Tahnoun bin Mohammed). Mohammed Ali (Abu Dhabi).

Overall schools standings: 1. Malik bin Anas. 2. Tahnoun bin Mohammed. 3. Al Ghaith. 4. Al Zaher. 5. Abu Dhabi.
apassela@thenational.ae

www.thenational.ae/article/20090415/SPORT/65834145/1031

RESULTS FINAL:

RESULTS OF SCHOOL

1- Malik Bin Anas -AL AIN -PEDRO LOTT COACH

2- Tahnoon Bin Mohamad -AL AIN -LEANDRO POLONIO COACH

3- Al Gaith -AL AIN -MARCIO LIVIO COACH

4- Al Zhaher -AL AIN-TIEGO COACH

5- 6 th August- ABU DHABI -JULIO CESAR COACH

EMIRATES NATIONAL JIU-JITSU SCHOOL CUP:

EMIRATES SCHOOL FINAL COMPETITION

of brazilian jiu-jitsu program

144 kids, 12 schools participate this event
NAMES --SCHOOL-- LOCATION

CATEGORY
ROSTER 28 KG
1 - Farred Khalifa --Malik Bin Anas -AL AIN
2- Hadif Khamis --Tahnoon Bin Mohamad -AL AIN
3- Faleh Ali Al ketbi --Al Tamayez -Al AIN
3- Saeed Rashid --Al Gaith AL AIN
SUPER FEATHER 31 KG
1- Mohammad Khalfan --Tahnoon Bin Mohamad AL AIN
2- Abdulhaman --Al Gazali ABU DHABI
3- Mubarak Khamis --Al Gharbia MADINAT ZAYED
3- Ali Omar Ali --Al Gaith AL AIN
FEATHER 34 KG
1- Khalid Saber --Al Gaith AL AIN
2- Mohammad Ali --Tahnoon Bin Mohamad AL AIN
3- Abdulla Sultan --Al Tamayez AL AIN
3- Saif Sultan --Darwish Bin Karam ABU DHABI
LIGHT 37 KG
1- Hazza Al Shamsi --Malik Bin Anas AL AIN
2- Hazza Payeerio --Al Gaith AL AIN
3- Hamoud Jasem --Tahnoon Bin Mohamad AL AIN
3- Salen Mohamed --Zayed Al Thani ABU DHABI
MIDDLE 40 KG
1- Sultan Khoori --6 August ABU DHABI
2- Khalifa Saeed --Al Zhaher AL AIN
3- Sultan Talal --Al Gazali ABU DHABI
3- Rasheed Tahar --Zayed Al Thani ABU DHABI
MEDIUM HEAVY 43 KG
1- Nasey Mohammed --Kaab Bin Malik MADINAT ZAYED
2- Mohamed Rashed --Malik Bin Anas AL AIN
3- Ghanem Sultan Saeed --Al Gharbia MADINAT ZAYED
3- Abdulah Yusef --Al Gaith AL AIN
HEAVY 46 KG
1- Mohammed Fahad --Al Tamayez AL AIN
2- Raghaa Al Ahbabi --Tahnoon Bin Mohamad AL AIN
3- Rashid Abdulhamil --Al Suqoor ABU DHABI
3- Ali Mohamad --Malik Bin Anas AL AIN
SUPER HEAVY 49 KG
1- Khalfan Hamed --Malik Bin Anas AL AIN
2- Maneh Al Shamsy --Tahnoon Bin Mohamad AL AIN
3- Darwish Smail --Al Zhaher AL AIN
3- Salem Hamood --Al Zhaher AL AIN
SUPER SUPER HEAVY 52 KG
1- Omar Zayed --Malik Bin Anas AL AIN
2- Hamad Abdulhaman --Al Gaith AL AIN
3- Khamis Saeed --Al Zhaher AL AIN
3- Ahmed Mubarak-- 6 August ABU DHABI
BIG HEAVY + 52 KG
1- Mohamad Abdulah --Tahnoon Bin Mohamad AL AIN
2- Mohamad Ali --6 August ABU DHABI
3- Abdullah Handam --Al Gaith AL AIN
3- Saeed Abdullah --Al Tamayez AL AIN

RESULTS OF SCHOOL
1- Malik Bin Anas -AL AIN -PEDRO LOTT COACH
2- Tahnoon Bin Mohamad -AL AIN -LEANDRO POLONIO COACH
3- Al Gaith -AL AIN -MARCIO LIVIO COACH
4- Al Zhaher -AL AIN-TIEGO COACH
5- 6 th August- ABU DHABI -JULIO CESAR COACH

WORLD BJJ PRO-IPJJF

Kid Peligro Jiu-Jitsu News . . . Carlao Santos the man behind the World BJJ Pro
Submitted by:Kid Peligro / Sr Editor adcombat.com

Carlos Santos with HHSheik Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan


Is Abu Dhabi the future of BJJ?
Several years ago grappling history took a turn for the better as the visionary Sheik Tahnoon Bin Zayed al Nahyan created a whole new sport called Submission Fighting now history is about to repeat itself as Sheik Tahnoon's older brother Sheik Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan joins forces with Brazilian Carlos Santos to create the Professional BJJ league

We got a hold of the man behind the World Pro BJJ Carlao Santos to hear about how this came about:

KP- How did you come to be teaching jiu-jitsu in the UAE?
CS- I came to Abu Dhabi originally due to a program between Mario Sperry and the ADCC Club, at the time they sent a new instructor every month to minister classes at the Club. I came the first time in Jan 2002, then return on September 02 and have been here since.

KP-What is your training and teaching background?
CS- I began BJJ at the famous Carlson Gracie Academy in Copacabana where i stayed until Brown Belt. Then I changed to Brazilian Top Team and got my Black Belt in 2001 and I started to take care of the Gi division at BTT until I came to Abu Dhabi.

KP-Where did the idea for the Pro Jiu-Jitsu league come from? Who is backing the event?
CS- Ever since I came to AD I noticed how much support they gave to all sports always giving great prize money as well. Traditionally all events here have good financial rewards and I saw the opportunity to do the same with BJJ, then the idea of a professional league began and I formed the IPJJF-INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL JIU-JITSU FEDERATION and to transform JJ into a professional sport around the World. But the event is only the beginning of the project and the entire project is supported by PRINCIPE H.H. SHEIKH MOHAMAD BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN and his brothers like SHEIKH TAHNOON BIN ZAYED and the entire Royal family of Abu Dhabi and its government

KP- Will it be an annual event that is always held in the UAE or will it move around to different countries? Will there eventually be different leagues in each region or country?
CS- The initial project is already set for 2009, 2010 and 2011 in Abu Dhabi. In this first year we want to do 6 events prior to the main event. These events are not qualifiers as the main event is open to all. The idea of these events is to make more splash and divulge the League throughout the World and to make everyone aware of the Pro League. These events have good prize money as well. Our professional federation is more than just a federation it is also a business and we want to work hard to have the best people around us. In 2009 there will be 6 events in Abu Dhabi prior to the main event, in 2010 we are having 12. There are many people interested in having events around the world as well that have gotten in touch with us and we are studying their proposals. ..

KP- How many competitors will there be?
CS- I expect 400 competitors

KP- How many weight classes? What is the prize money?
CS- The weight Divisions are:
GROUP A: Purple, Brown and Black
65kg, 75kg, 85kg, 95kg, +95kg, Open
First place: 7 thousand dollars
Second place: 3 thousand dollars
Third place: 1 thousand dollars

GROUP B: White and Blue
63kg, 68kg, 73kg, 78kg, 83kg, 88kg, 93kg, 98kg, +98kg,
Open light -73kg, Open heavy +73kg
First place: 2.5 thousand dollars
Second place: 1 thousand dollars
For a TOTAL of 111,000 US$

KP- What are the rules?
CS-The rules are CBJJ/IBJJF official rules

KP- How are the competitors chosen?
CS- The event is open to anyone the trials are set to select fighters to the main event that will come with their expenses paid.

KP- How can someone apply to compete?
CS- If anyone is interested to compete they can contact us directly at emiratesbjj@gmail.com or abudhabipro@hotmail.com
www.emiratesone.blogspot.com

KP- Will the current popularity of MMA help promote this event?
CS- Of course because when you talk about MMA you talk about BJJ and that helps promote BJJ

KP- Do you think that BJJ still has a lot of room to grow?
CS- Of course. BJJ is a 5 year old baby in real history terms. And where are we Strong? Only in Brazil and North America we have the rest of the World to conquer, we need to get organized and we have lots of space to grow

KP- Why did you decide to make this happen?
CS- I did it for my love of BJJ and the support of the Royal family of Abu Dhabi. With their support I have the financial backing to make this project a success after all it is only in Abu Dhabi that BJJ is treated and considered a professional sport. Once again Abu Dhabi is changing the course of history, first it was the creation of ADCC and now with the creation of the professional league
http://www.adcombat.com/Article.asp?Article_ID=18077

1 & 2 may 2009

M GARCIA:

Marcelo Garcia in World Pro BJJ

Cobrinha, Vella, Estima, Robson Moura and Langhi also confirmed

World Pro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu just gained a significant reinforcement. Considered one of the biggest names in Jiu-Jitsu and submission wrestling in recent years, Marcelo Garcia was confirmed to be in by Carlao Santos, the event’s organizer.

Carlao Santos is enthused with the addition of such dynamos as Rubens Charles “Cobrinha,” Braulio Estima, Michael Langhi, Lucio Lagarto, Gabriel Vella and Robson Moura. Another about to be confirmed is Rafael Lovato Jr.

“Now, I’m expecting a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu spectacle for the World Pro. It’s just what I wanted, folks returning to the gi, since they’d all headed for MMA,” celebrated Santos. “It’s really great to see this return taking place,” said the black belt in finishing.

According to Carlao, fighter Ricardo Arona will not be going to Abu Dhabi. Though the beast was pleased by the invite, his current focus is on MMA. But Carlao is not giving up. The next in his sights is Lovato, who is about to confirm whether he will or will not be attending.

World Pro BJJ will take place between the 1st and 2nd of May at the Zayed Sport City Tennis Court, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The competition is offering US$ 111,000 in prize money.

Sign-ups can be performed by email. Anyone to sign up by April 18 will pay US$ 40, after which the fee will be raised to US$ 60.

Email: emiratesbjj@hotmail.com

24 DAYS TO

THE FIRST EVER

WORLD PROFESSIONAL JIU-JITSU CUP

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ABU DHABI 2009

1 & 2 MAY 2009

COMPETITION OPEN TO ANY ONE !

emiratesbjj@hotmail.com

ABU DHABI GIRL SCHOOL CUP:

WINNER OF AL MUSHRIF SCHOOL

GIRL JIU-JITSU TOURNAMENT‏

RESULTS:
CATEGORIA 1 (-30KG)
1st place: MANAL MOHAMED (GRADE 6-1)
2nd place: AISHA ABDULLAH (GRADE 6-1)
3rd place: BAHEETA EISA (GRADE 7-2)
CATEGORIA 2 (30,1 - 33,2 KG)
1st place: OMAMA ALI (GRADE 6-1)
2nd place: MEERA HASAN (GRADE 6-5)
3rd place: MARYAM ABDULLAH (GRADE 6-5)
CATEGORIA 3 (33,3 - 36,2 KG)
1st place: MAITHAA AHMED(GRADE 6-3)
2nd place: MAITHAA MOHAMMED (GRADE 6-4)
3rd place: AMAL AHMED (GRADE 6-5)
CATEGORIA 4 (36,3 - 39,2 KG)
1st place: SHEREENA MOHAMED (GRADE 6-1)
2nd place: MARYAM IBRAHIM (GRADE 6-3)
3rd place: FATIMA MOHAMED (GRADE 6-3)
CATEGORIA 5 (39,3 - 42,3 KG)
1st place: SHATHA SALEM(GRADE 7-1)
2nd place: DANA ALWI (GRADE 6-3)
3rd place: AFRAA MOHAMED (GRADE 6-3)
CATEGORIA 6 (42,4 - 45,3 KG)
1st place: NOOF NAJM (GRADE 7-1)
2nd place: MARYAM MOHAMED (GRADE 7-1)
3rd place: MAYTHAA NASSER (GRADE 6-1)
CATEGORIA 7 (45,4 - 48,3 KG)
1st place: HESSA HEIKAL (GRADE 6-5)
2nd place: NOOR ABDULLAH (GRADE 6-5)
3rd place: KHADEEJA ABDULMUNEN (GRADE 6-3)
CATEGORIA 8 (48,4 - 51,3 KG)
1st place: AYSHA RASHED (GRADE 6-3)
2nd place: MARYAM SAEED (GRADE 6-3)
3rd place: MAHRA MOHAMED (GRADE 6-3)
CATEGORIA 9 (51,4 - 54,3 KG)
1st place: ATHARI SAEED (GRADE 6-2)
2nd place: MARYAM ALWI (GRADE 6-1)
3rd place: JAWAHER AHMED (GRADE 6-5)
CATEGORIA 10 (54,4 - 59,9 KG)
1st place: MANAL MOHAMED (GRADE 6-1)
2nd place: AISHA ABDULLAH (GRADE 6-1)
3rd place: BAHEETA EISA (GRADE 7-2)
CATEGORIA 11 (> 60 KG)
1st place: ALYA NAJEEB (GRADE 6-4)
2nd place: SHAMMA RABEE (GRADE 6-2)
3rd place: MAYTHAA MOUSA (GRADE 6-1)

RESULTS PER CLASS
1st place: GRADE 6-3 (19 pts)
2nd place: GRADE 6-1 (16pts)
3rd place: GRADE 6-2 (12 pts)

WORLD BJJ PRO LOCATION:

ZAYED SOPR CITY,

WORLD BJJ PRO LOCATION

NEW G MAG: