The Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club has claimed the championship title at the AJP No-Gi Dubai International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023. This highly anticipated two-day event, organized by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP), took place at Al-Nasr Club in Dubai.
The championship showcased the remarkable skills and talent of both local and international clubs and academies. On the final day of the event, Sunday, competitions were held for both amateur and professional divisions. Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Jiu-Jitsu Club secured the second-place position, while A.F.N.T claimed third place in the championship.
Youssef Abdullah Al Batran, a board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, expressed his immense satisfaction with the resounding success of the championship. He emphasized that the event attracted top stars from various continents, creating an exceptionally competitive atmosphere.
Al Batran acknowledged the outstanding competition opportunities the championship provided for local talents, allowing them to compete against some of the world’s best athletes. He also highlighted that the event served as excellent preparation for upcoming major events, most notably the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC), one of the largest international Jiu-Jitsu events featuring the world’s best athletes.
Carlos Beato, a member of the coaching staff at the Sharjah Self-Defence Club, expressed their club’s determination to participate in tournaments with the goal of capturing the gold. He credited the club’s success to their well-thought-out strategy, which focuses on investing in new talents and developing young athletes. Beato extended his gratitude to the club’s management for their unwavering support and provision of necessary resources for the athletes’ growth and evolution.
Rodrigo Valerio, the Operations Manager at AJP, emphasized the significance of participating in AJP’s tournaments to earn ranking points, which serve as the quickest path to secure participation in the upcoming ADWPJJC. He also highlighted how participating in these tournaments helps participants accumulate points towards winning the prestigious Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Award.
Anis Ali Alyafei, a renowned international jiu-jitsu referee, commended the remarkable organization of the competitions and expressed his optimism about the growing interest and significant turnout in the No-Gi category. He specifically highlighted the positive impact of including the youth category in such competitions for their technical development and mat skills.
Jackson Bernardo, a fighter from the Palms Sports Academy – Team 777, secured the black belt’s gold medal in the 85 kg professional category. He spoke about the challenges of black belt competitions, which require the highest levels of focus and proficiency. Bernardo expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the championship, as it contributes to his growth as a jiu-jitsu athlete.
