Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship set to be biggest martial arts event in two years

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed thanked for backing development of UAE's national sport

The 12th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme CommShow more

The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is set to bring together the biggest gathering of the martial arts fighters in two years.

The 12th edition of the championship, also known as the World Pro, is under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and is slated from April 6-9 at Abu Dhabi’s Jiu-Jitsu Arena.

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) offered their gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed for his backing and encouragement towards the development of the martial art.

Sheikh Mohamed has been a long-time supporter and has further solidified UAE’s standing as the home of jiu-jitsu by designating it as the country’s national sport.

UAEJJF chairman Abdulmunam Al Hashemi said: "His Highness’ support and encouragement have always spurred us at the federation to ensure that we keep working towards the development of our athletes and continue to give them opportunities to excel on the international stage.

“His wise leadership and his commitment to making Abu Dhabi the global home of jiu-jitsu has ensured that we have consistently organised some of the world’s best tournaments.

"I am confident that the upcoming edition of the World Pro will allow the international jiu-jitsu community to reconnect after a challenging year.”

The championship is open to athletes of all nationalities and will feature action in a variety of categories.

The showpiece tournament will kick-off on Tuesday, April 6 with junior athletes (under-18, under-21) taking to the mats followed by the Masters competition on April 7. The final two days will see fighters competing in the professional category.

The 12th staging of the championship was twice rescheduled before being cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.