Commando group emerge big winners on final day of Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour

First-place winners of ADGS rankings for the black belt division were honored during a ceremony held at Mubadala Arena

Abu Dhabi, UAE – May  7, 2023: Commando Group emerged victorious on the final day of the final leg of the highly anticipated Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour 2022-2023 (ADGS - Abu Dhabi) at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City. The competitions for the professional division saw fierce fights from top-notch athletes from around the world, making for an exciting spectacle.

In a spectacular display of skill, Commando Group showcased their prowess on the mats, clinching first place in the professional category and cementing their position as one of the top jiu-jitsu clubs in the world. A.F.N.T. put up a strong fight and secured second place, while Baniyas took third place.

The closing day marked the end of the ADGS 2022-2023 season, and the top players in the black belt division, who performed admirably throughout the season and earned the highest rankings were honored in a grand ceremony. The list of women winners includes Brazilians Diana Teixeira (49 kg), Ana Rodriguez (55 kg), Julia Alves (62 kg), Izadora Silva (70 kg), and Gabrieli Pessanha (95 kg).

Among the men who were ranked top are Emirati Zayed Al Kathiri (56 kg), Brazilians Leonardo Mario (62 kg), Meyran Alves (69 kg), Lucas Protasio (77 kg), Jansen Ramos (85 kg), Catriel Fernandes (94 kg), and Yatan Bueno (120 kg).

The competitions were graced by the presence of many dignitaries, including His Highness  Sheikh Hamdan Bin Sultan Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, His Excellency Brigadier Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), His Excellency Mansour Al Dhaheri,  board member of the UAEJJF, and Mr Tariq Badran, Director of Investments at the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and a number of officials, guests, and representatives of the participating academies.

His Excellency Mansour Al Dhaheri emphasized the excellent international level that the sport of jiu-jitsu has achieved in the UAE. “The UAE and its capital, Abu Dhabi, have played a significant role in advancing jiu-jitsu globally, and it has been attracting elite players from all over the world. This is the result of the unlimited support of the wise leadership headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE,” he said.

Meanwhile, HE Aref Al-Awani stated, “We are pleased with the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Championship's progress year after year, as its success resonates in major global capitals. The capital of Abu Dhabi is leading the way in spreading and developing the sport of jiu-jitsu worldwide, and the participation of elite stars in the championship in Abu Dhabi is evidence of this. I extend my congratulations to all those responsible for this huge success.”

Elsewhere, Tareq Al Bahri, General Manager at AJP, congratulated all the champions who were crowned first in the annual AJP rankings for the Grans slam World Tour 2022-2023. “This tournament has seen tremendous success at all levels, and the city of Abu Dhabi has welcomed over 1,000 male and female players from 80 academies and 53 countries worldwide during the final round,” he said.

Al Kathiri shines

Emirati champion Zayed Al Kathiri continued his dominance in the sport by achieving a gold medal in the professional black belt category at 56 kg and also securing the first position in the ADGS ranking for the same category. “I am very happy on a personal level with this achievement. I am thrilled to have raised my country's flag on the podium. I dedicate this achievement to my loyal fans, coaching staff, and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, which paves the way for the players of the UAE to progress and rise,” he said.

Golden Shehhi

Khaled Mohammed Al Shehhi, a player for the UAE national team and Al Ain club, expressed his happiness at winning the gold in the 62 kg, black belt, professional category. “I, like everyone else, aspire to achieve the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam title, especially since it is the final round of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam championship series, and its points count towards the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Award at the end of the year. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me in my career to reach this accomplishment,” he said.