Abu Dhabi continues to solidify its position as a global hub for Jiu-Jitsu, hosting the 17th edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Championship this week. The prestigious competition, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, saw compelling performances from masters division athletes – competitors age 30 and over – kicking off the event with a display of skill and strategic gameplay. The championship draws elite athletes from around the world, underscoring the sport’s growing international reach and Abu Dhabi’s commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle for all ages.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The 17th edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Championship, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, saw a strong start to the Masters division. Elite competitors over the age of 30 from around the globe converged on the capital to battle in the purple, brown, and black belt categories.
Athletes in the Masters division – for both men and women – delivered compelling performances showcasing experience, tactical prowess, and control of the match tempo. A high level of focus and mental agility was on display, underscoring the technical value of this division and its growing impact on the championship year after year. The tournament is a key event on the global Jiu-Jitsu calendar, attracting top talent and solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for the sport.
Numerous local and international clubs and academies participated, further cementing Abu Dhabi’s leadership as a global capital for Jiu-Jitsu and supporting the growth of the sport as a healthy and holistic lifestyle for all ages.
The competitions were attended by Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice President of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Youssef Abdullah Al Batran, a member of the Federation’s board of directors; Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations; Khaled Ateeq Al Dhaheri, CEO of National Insurance Company – Daman; and Youssef Al Zaabi Al Kutbi, CEO of the National Rehabilitation Center.
Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri emphasized that the high level of performance from the Masters division athletes demonstrates the continued development of the championship. “The diversity of participants from different countries gives the event a renewed global dimension and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a home for champions and experienced athletes, and a global destination that hosts major competitions with organizational quality that reflects its prestigious reputation,” he said.
He continued, “The matches reflected the technical and mental superiority that characterizes this division, and their experience in dealing with various challenges, which directly contributes to enhancing the quality of the competitions and enriching the experience of the championship.”
“Abu Dhabi continues to provide a unique model that embodies the vision of the wise leadership in making sport a way of life, and providing a competitive environment that supports athletes at all stages of their lives. What we are witnessing today is a reflection of the success of this vision on the ground,” Al Dhaheri concluded.
Khaled Ateeq Al Dhaheri, CEO of National Insurance Company – Daman, stated, “The meticulous organization and the great efforts made by the Jiu-Jitsu Federation reflect the professional level that the championship has reached, which contributes to providing an integrated sports experience that rises to the highest global standards.”
He added, “Jiu-Jitsu embodies the same values that we strive to instill at Daman, namely contributing to enhancing the health and quality of life of community members and encouraging them to adopt active and healthy lifestyles. What we saw today from the distinguished performance of the Masters category, over the age of thirty, proves that sport is a way of life that positively reflects on physical and mental health, and these competitions represent a practical model for the role of sport in building a healthier and happier society.”
Emirati Salem Al Asmar, a brown belt from M.O.D Academy, who won the gold medal in the Masters 62kg weight class, said, “Winning the gold medal in the Masters division competitions confirms the importance of continuing training, gaining more experience, and developing technical skills. The matches here do not depend on strength alone, but on reading the opponent, and managing the mental and tactical rhythm of the match to achieve victory.”
“This championship provides an ideal environment for players over the age of thirty to test their technical and physical readiness against opponents who possess long experience and diverse styles. My participation in this edition reflects a continued commitment to developing my level and taking advantage of this global event to continue progress in my sports career,” Al Asmar added.
