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BE Y O N D T H E D U N E S A N D A L L I M A G I N AT I O N y o u d i s c o v e r a n A r a b i a n t r e a s u re with glistening pools, nestled in the golden sands. This hidden palace invites you t o c o u n t l e s s a d v e n t u re s , e n d l e s s re l a x a t i o n a n d u n f o rg e t t a b l e i n d u l g e n c e . But what to do first? I t d o e s n ’ t re a l l y m a t t e r when you have it all a t y o u r f i n g e rt i p s .
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara #InAbuDhabi
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WHAT’S INSIDE
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UAEJJF
The history of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship
50 JJIF
World Youth Championship
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OC Asia
2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games
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More...
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World Games Poland
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2017 Asian Championship
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Greetings
His Excellency Abdulmunam Al Hashemi
Editorial
Path to Greatness
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Olympic Council of Asia News
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Ju-Jitsu International Federation News
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Ju-Jitsu Asian Union News
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OC Asia
2014 Asian Beach Games
OC Asia
2016 Asia Beach Games
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2016 World Championship
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Travel Guide
The Best of Bangkok
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JJIF
2017 World Championship
JJIF
2017 World Championship
JJIF
World Beach Championship 2017
JJAU
2016 Asian Championship
UAEJJF News JJAU
2018 Asian Games Jiu-Jitsu Test Event
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Greetings
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His Excellency
Abdulmunam Al Hashemi
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President of both the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union (JJAU) and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), and first vice president of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF)
iu-Jitsu is experiencing an unprecedented growth all over the world. Much the work to make the sport present everywhere in the world is originating in Asia, more specifically in the UAE. The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union, together with the Ju-Jitsu International Federation, are working relentlessly to prepare a comprehensive and persuasive file to be presented to the International Olympic Committee in order to obtain the IOC’s Board approval of adding Jiu-Jitsu to the Olympic agenda, as the sport has strong presence in more than 160 countries worldwide where players compete in local, intercontinental and international championships for male and female, youth and Paralympic players. In 2018, the Abu Dhabi World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship celebrates its 10th anniversary as the most important Jiu-Jitsu event in the world. It has seen remarkable development in the last decade. Despite the strong start and great support, the number of Championship’s participants did not exceed 400 players. But with relentless work and dedication, the number of participants reached 7000, and the Championship developed from a 2-day event into a 14-day event. In the beginning, 10 local black belts participated in the Championship, but this number has increased to 600. Furthermore, the number of followers and viewer base has increased from 50,000 to more than one billion across TV channels and social media platforms, and the value of prizes is now in millions. The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship has cemented its prestigious position in the international Jiu-Jitsu agenda, achieving remarkable development from one edition to another, and the categories now include adult males and females, youth and paraathlete categories. In addition to Jiu-Jitsu competitions, the Championship has become a platform for recreational activities, social awareness and cultural initiatives and sports, technical and educational workshops. Our short-term objectives are preserving and building on the current success, contributing to the UAE’s vision towards building a strong generation, preparing and qualifying competitive champions to raise the UAE’s flag in international events and expanding the scope of the international championships organized in UAE. Our long-term objective is to be ranked 1st in the world in line with our leadership’s vision. We could never have achieved our objectives without the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Depute Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces. His Highness has always been a source of inspiration for us and we are lucky to have him on our side. For every single Jiu-Jitsu player in UAE, the ultimate honor has always been meeting His Highness after winning a local, intercontinental or international championship.
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Editorial #8
Chairman: H.E. Abdulmunam Al Hashemi CEO: Fahad Al Shamsi Executive Manager: Rodrigo Valerio Editor in Chief: Ivan Trindade Editor: Ane Nunes Designer: Henrique Diniz Editorial Production: Gentle Art Media Advertising Director: Ane Nunes Newsroom: news@jiujitsuworldmag.com Advertise with us: marketing@jiujitsuworldmag.com Customer Care: info@jiujitsuworldmag.com
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Path to Greatness
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Photo by Ane Nunes Artwork by Henrique Diniz
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iu-Jitsu is becoming a worldwide presence. The art is now touching the lives of millions of people all over the planet thanks to the hard work of devoted and passionate officials. With every new season, tournaments get bigger, better and more numerous. Among many entities that have been doing their best to promote Jiu-Jitsu today, it’s only fair to highlight the efforts of four of them that have been specially competent in their actions. The Olympic Council of Asia (OC Asia) has included the sport in its games, giving a major boost to Jiu-Jitsu and giving the Olympic dream of every athlete a breath of reality. The upcoming 2018 Asian Games, in Indonesia will be another block put on the building of the goal of one day seeing Jiu-Jitsu as part of the Olympic Games. With the addition of the sport to OC Asia’s program, Jiu-Jitsu has experienced unfeathered growth in the entire continent with decisive talent showing up to compete. The work is only beginning, but the results are already greatly showing.
Jiu-Jitsu World
The Ju-Jitsu Asian Union, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, has been a driving force behind the development of the art in the continent and why not say it in the world. With its expertise in putting together flawless competitions and the know-how acquired throughout the years, the JJAU has been a major player in the advance of the sport. Working together with OC Asia, as well as other entities, the JJAU has a lot of credit for Jiu-Jitsu’s improvement. The Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) is another key player in the development of the art worldwide. The entity has a busy calendar every season taking Jiu-Jitsu competitions to athletes and fans near and far. It has also played an important role in the integration of the sport as a critical step in the effort to bring Jiu-Jitsu to the Olympics. The United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) is another beacon of development for the sport in the world. With it’s amazing
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record in putting together competitions all over the world and also one of the strongest teaching programs in the world, it has turned the UAE into a Jiu-Jitsu superpower in a little less than a decade. It sure is an example to be followed. This issue of Jiu-Jitsu World you are reading at the 2018 Sports Accord meeting, in Bangkok, Thailand, came to light with a clear goal of highlighting all the incredible work that is being done to make JiuJitsu present in the lives of as many people as possible. We hope to have achieved our goal. We wish a great reading and look forward to seeing all of you on the mats somewhere.
Ivan Trindade
Editor in Chief
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OC ASIA NEWS
Jiu-Jitsu to be featured at the 2018 Asian Games, in Indonesia Another major development for Jiu-Jitsu was the inclusion in the 2018 Asian Games, the second largest sporting event in the world, behind only to the Olympic Games. The 18th Asian Games are scheduled to take place in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia, on August 18 – September 2, 2018. This will be the first time JiuJitsu will be featured in the Asian Games and it is a powerful prove of how the sport is already a truly global movement. The 18th Asian Games will gather thousands of athletes from 45 different countries. The event will feature 42 sport modalities. Between 10,000 and 15,000 volunteers will be recruited, and the opening and closing ceremonies at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in downtown Senayan will feature around 10,000 performers. The Jiu-Jitsu competitions will be organized by the Ju-Jitsu Asian
Union (JJAU) and the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF). The Olympic Committe of Asia (OCA) decided on the final number of sports to be featured on the games during a meeting in Indonesia at the beginning of March 2017. The elections for President and EB members are for the term 2016-2024: President/Chairman, HE Abdulmunem Alsayed M Al Hashmi (UAE); First Vice President, HE Sheikh Fahad Talal Al Fahad Al Sabah (Kuwait); Vice President (East Asia President), Mr Lee Yeoung Soo (Korea); Vice President (South East Asia President), Mr Hung Nguyen Manh (Viet Nam); Vice President (South Asia President), Mr Suresh Gopi (India); Vice President (West Asia President), Dr Mokhles Albu-Mohammed (Iraq); Vice President (Central Asia President), Mr Adayev Ata (Turkmenistan).
Jordan looking forward to Ju-Jitsu at the 2018 Asian Games Following another astonishing year, the sport of Ju Jitsu in Jordan is preparing for a year of medals and new landmarks on the international stage, reports the Jordan Olympic Committee website. The Jordan Ju Jitsu Federation has announced that both men’s and women’s teams will be formed following a national championship on January 12. Following that, national team training will begin, with plans in place to compete at some of the biggest tournaments in the world across all age categories. The 2018 international calendar will get underway at the end of the month with the Arab Ju Jitsu Championships in Morocco. No doubt there will be a big focus on the Olympic Council of Asia’s 18th Asian Games taking place in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia, this summer when Jordan will be expecting medals. Ju Jitsu enjoyed a glorious 2017 after winning gold and bronze medals at the World Championships held in Colombia, as well as big hauls of medals at the Asian Ju Jitsu Games in Vietnam and the OCA’s 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, in September. 20
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Final Countdown for the 2018 Asian Gamaes The countdown to the first co-hosted Asian Games in Olympic Council of Asia history reached another landmark on Wednesday with 150 Days to the Opening Ceremony. The OCA’s 18th Asian Games will run from August 18 to September 2 in Jakarta and Palembang, capital of South Sumatra province, and will feature 10,000 athletes from 45 National Olympic Committees. There will be 40 sports and 462 events. The OCA, in association with Asian Games organizing committee INASGOC and the NOCs, is holding a Fun Run series around the continent to promote the Asian China, on Sunday, March 25. The Fun Runs will continue until July – the month before the Asian Games – and the focus will then turn to the Torch Relay. The flame will be lit at New Delhi – spiritual home of the Asian Games and first host city in 1951 – on Sunday, July 15, and will then be transported to Indonesia for a month-long relay culminating in the lighting of the cauldron at the Gelora Bung
Karno Main Stadium in Senayan, Jakarta, at the Opening Ceremony on August 18. There is plenty happening behind the scenes in the remaining 150 days, including the World Press Briefing in Jakarta on April 2-3, the meeting of Technical Delegates for each sport/discipline on April 4 and the two Olympic Solidarity/OCA Regional Forums to be held in Kyrgyzstan and Cambodia in early May. With all 45 NOCs in attendance at one of the two forums, INASGOC will carry out the allimportant Pre-Delegation Registration Meetings (DRM) to gather details of the athletes and
officials attending the Asian Games. The final DRMs will be held on the arrival of the NOC HQ staff in Indonesia in the days leading up to the Opening Ceremony. The 9th OCA Coordination Committee meeting, headed by the Chairman, Mr Tsunekazu Takeda, IOC member and President of Japan NOC, will follow the regional forums on May 9-10 and give the OCA experts the chance to assess the progress and issues to be addressed a little over three months before the Opening Ceremony. With the 37th OCA General Assembly set for Sunday, August 19 – the day after the Opening Ceremony – in Jakarta, there is plenty of work to be done in the remaining 150 days.
Bahrain national team excels in Abu Dhabi Bahrain’s national Ju-Jitsu team returned from the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Tour event with three gold medals and one silver. Bahrain Olympic Committee General Secretary Abdulrahman Askar welcomed the team at a reception hosted by the BOC in Seef. He commended the results of the team at this major International event, especially young players Mohammed Abu Edees, Mohammed Ghareeb and Soghra Mubarak, as well as Mariam Al Hayki, who were successful in reaching the podium. “We are extremely proud of the impressive results of our players, which proves the advanced level of the Bahraini ju jitsu players at regional and international competitions,” said Askar. “This achievement will motivate us to accomplish similar success in the future, while we offer more support for the federation in order to fulfill their aspirations.” The team thanked the significant role of the BOC, headed by the President, Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and vowed to continue their quest for more success in the future.
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The Ju-Jitsu Asian Union (JJAU) has thanked the OCA President, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, for including the martial art on the sports programme of the 18th Asian Games, Jakarta 2018. The President of the JJAU, HE Abdulmunem Alsayed M. Al Hashmi, extends his gratitude to the OCA President and all relevant OCA stakeholders. A JJAU delegation visited Jakarta from January 5-8 and held discussions with the OCA President and with Indonesia NOC President Rita Subowo and informed them that all preparations were in place for the inclusion of ju-jitsu at the 18th Asian Games. The JJAU delegation was comprised of Fahed Al Samsi, Secretary General; Dr Jaffer Al Muthafer, Deputy Secretary General; and Mubarak Al Manhali, Director of Internationals Relations. The JJAU President, HE Abdulmunem Alsayed M. Al Hashmi, would also like to thank HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, for his strong support of ju-jitsu in the UAE and throughout Asia. All 34 JJAU members are excited about this positive news. Dr Jaffer said the JJAU would be holding the Asian Championships in Jakarta this October and that the host NOC would support the event. “It will be a very good step to prepare the athletes for 2018,” he said. “The Asian Championships will be like a test event.”
JJAU thanks OC Asia for Jiu-Jitsu inclusion at 18th Asian Games
ANOC General Assembly set for Tokyo on November 28
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Tokyo will welcome the Olympic sports movement to the Japanese capital towards the end of this year as the countdown continues to the 2020 Olympic Games. The Association of National Olympic Committees, under the presidency of HE Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, announced at the XXII General Assembly in Prague last November that the next ANOC General Assembly would be in Tokyo. Over 1,000 delegates from 205 National Olympic Committees, International Federations, the International Olympic Committee, Games Organizing Committees and other stakeholders attended the last ANOC General Assembly in the Czech Republic and Tokyo can expect the same this year in the next host city of the Summer Olympics. The dates have been confirmed and appear on the calendar of the ANOC website (www.anocolympic.org). One of the highlights of the week will undoubtedly be the ANOC Awards on Wednesday, November 28, when the best female and male athletes from each of the five Olympic continental associations are honored. The ANOC Awards was established by the ANOC President and held for the first time in Bangkok in 2014, meaning Tokyo 2018 will be the fifth edition. The PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics will have a big influence on the results, particularly in Asia, North America and Europe, but other major international sports events will come into consideration as the year progresses. Jiu-Jitsu World
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JJIF NEWS
Specialized World Championship for Professionals
JJIF moves headquarters from Switzerland to Abu Dhabi Asia is ready to lead the world and to offer a helping hand to others in the growth of Jiu-Jitsu, according to a top Asian sports official. Mr Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, General Secretary of the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union, welcomes the JuJitsu International Federation’s decision to move their HQ from Switzerland to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to the generous support and initiatives of His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Jiu-Jitsu is booming in the UAE as youngsters embrace the social and lifestyle values of the martial art as well as the competitive aspect. “We have over 70,000 students practicing Jiu-Jitsu in schools or in after-school programmes,” says Al Shamsi. “Jiu-Jitsu is the mother of all martial arts and we try to promote its values and education among the schools.” With such a vast young following, no wonder the JJAU General Secretary feels that Abu Dhabi and Asia are well placed to orchestrate the development of the sport around the world. The JJAU is a very active continent not only in terms of numbers but also activities,” he added. “As well as this, the Olympic Council of Asia is nearby in Kuwait and the OCA President, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, has been a big supporter of Jiu-Jitsu. “With his experience and his knowledge in the international Olympic movement we feel Sheikh Ahmad can continue to help us grow.” Al Shamsi says the JJAU has 38 member National Federations and this has created a very active continent. By opening a new HQ for the JJIF and JJAU in Abu Dhabi next year, with a professional team of management and administrators, this will speed up the decision-making process. Addressing the JJIF Extraordinary General Assembly earlier in the day, Al Shamsi said: “On behalf of the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union we are proud to work together. I believe the future of Jiu-Jitsu will be great as we make a really big step. “We are behind our President and his team, and in Asia we can help everyone.”
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This championship completed with more than 80 participants, representing 11 nations from 3 continents. The competition included Fighting, Duo-System, Ne-waza and Self-defense. Specialized World Championship for Professionals in Army, Police and Security 2018 that takes place in Pirin Golf Resort, Bansko/ Razlog Bulgaria on 10th of February 2018. Opened by the President of Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF), Panagiotis Theodoropoulos and the Chairman of Committee of Self-defense and Education in JJIF and the President of Bulgarian Ju-Jitsu Federation Mr. Tomo Brissov. Organized by Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) through the Committee of Self-defense and Education and hosted By the Bulgarian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. This is one of the important goals of Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF), is the global promotion and mass popularization of Jiu-Jitsu, not only as a combat sport but also as a complete and highly effective self defense system. This championship completed with more than 80 participants, representing 11 nations from 3 continents. The competition included Fighting, Duo-System, Newaza and Self-defense. It’s really amazing to see that our Armies, Polices and Securities from other countries showing their intensive physical fighting skills in martial arts. Team France shows their excellent performance and garnered 1st place with 5 gold medals, followed by 2nd placer Bulgaria with 3 gold medals, 6 silver medals and 9 bronze medals, succeeding with Italy in 3rd place with 3 gold medals, 3 silver medals and 3 bronze medals. Each individual shows their interest in participating in this championship and everyone is truly motivated to bring their success for their National teams. It’s really rare to perceive that our armies, polices and securities challenging their self to win a medal for their organization and put their self into the best level to be well known in the field of Jiu-Jitsu.
Jiu-Jitsu World
Jiu-Jitsu European Union celebrates 40th anniversary In 1977, following a joint initiative from Germany, Italy and Sweden, the European Jiu-Jitsu Federation (EJJF) was founded. Ten years later in 1987, when all the main European Countries were already members of EJJF the scope of the initiative was expanded to the world-wide scenario. In fact in 1987, the International Assembly founded the nternational Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IJJF) whilst EJJF continued its activity becoming one of Continental Unions within IJJF, as EJJU. After the recognition received by the General Association of International Sports Federations in 1993 and the first participation to world-wide multi-sport event (IWGA 1997), the Jiu-Jitsu International General Assembly of 1998, in order to meet some public relations requirements towards further expansion and recognitions, decided to change the name from International Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IJJF) to Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) and EJJF to JJEU - Jiu-Jitsu European Union.
In memoriam: Eugène Domagata With great sadness in our heart we inform Jiu-Jitsu community that Eugene Domagata passed away on 11 September 2017. It is very depressing to know about the death of any known person but is very painful when the person is our own close friend. A friend in life plays a very important role and we always remember the moments enjoyed with Eugene. We know for certain that we never lose him, even to death. Eugene continues to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. His friendship and love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories, our lives have been enriched by having shared his love and friendship. Eugene, a man with passion about science and human relationships, psychology and sociology, was a great trainer, teacher and expert in transmission of knowledge and skills, manager, consultant and professional coach, he was teacher of teachers in the field of martial arts and trainer of trainers in the sport, and the security of people and property. Eugene spent almost all his life to serve the sport and martial arts society in all continents. He served his country, France, with honor and loyalty as a soldier, as a scientist and as a distinguished citizen. As a teacher in martial arts with his unique simplicity, humor and scientific methodology, was able to teach in all levels, from children to high class trainers. As a trainer/coach in sport, led to top-level many athletes and teaches many coaches how to reach the same level. As a director/manager, led Jiu-Jitsu in Europe and in International Federation to the road of success, by teaching, organizing and consulting in a transparent, ethical and open way. We have lost our great friend, a man with great heart and vision, a true professional, expert, and humanist, devoted Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, teacher and sensei. We express our deepest feelings of sympathy to Eugene’s family. Good bye Eugene, may God bless your soul to rest in peace.
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JJIF Board discusses 2017 season For the preparation of this Session Claudia Behnke and Joachim Thumfart prepared a compendium of all the projects, discussions and proposals going on in JJIF. Despite most information was available before this gave all delegates a better overview of the work in JJIF board and committees. The principal of JJIF Session as the annual meeting of representatives of the regions becomes more and more clear. In this smaller group discussions shall be more effective and the importance of regional activities get supported. The JJIF President, Mr. Panagiotis Theodoropoulos addressed the Session and welcomed all members present. Session was chaired by Mr Robert Perc, the JJIF Vice President with the assistance of and Mr. Suresh Gopi, Legal Adviser to the JJIF President. JJIF President Panagiotis Theodoropoulos had appointed Luc Mortelmans as financial director of JJIF and many questions could be answered and the system of correct accounting and audit in JJIF improved . Severine Nebie (FRA) and Faisal Al Kethbi (UAE) were warmly welcome as the elected athletes representatives and new board members in JJIF.
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JJIF NEWS
IOC President Thomas Bach meets JJAU President Abdulmunem Al Hashmi
During the ANOC Meeting in Kuwait, in 2014, the President of JuJitsu Asian Union Abdulmunem Alsayed M. Al Hashmi had the honor to meet with IOC President Thomas Bach and OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad AL-SABAH. The Presidents of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) H.E Dr. Thomas Bach and Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad AL-SABAH President of Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) had a meeting with the JJAU President’s Mr. Abdulmunem Alsayed M. Al Hashmi and his accompanying delegation. The meeting took place in the headquarter of Olympic Council of Asia in Kuwait. The president of Ju-Jitsu Asian Union thanks the IOC & OCA for their “support and commitment” toward the successful re-establishment the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union. Mr AL Hashmi promised that everything will be done to develop Ju-Jitsu to be a high class sports in Asia and the whole World. The board of Ju-Jitsu Asian Union had the chance to introduce the activities of JJAU and JJIF to the IOC President Dr. Thomas Bach. Towards
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OCA president H.E. Sheikh AL SABAH the delegation from Ju-Jitsu Asian Union ensured that the preparations for 4th Asian Beach Game will receive full attention. For athletes and all team officials from 28 National federations the best conditions will be prepared. “It is my great privilege to speak to you on the occasion of this meaningful gathering,” said Mr AL Hashmi . “More importantly, I firmly believe that the excellent guidance and insightful advice from the OCA President, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, can show us, how to achieve the common goal for Ju-Jitsu as high class sport and martial art. The delegation of JJAU was leaded by President Abdulmunem Alsayed M. Al Hashmi. General Secretary Fahad Ali AL Shamsi, Director of finance Tareq AL Bahri and Director Int. & Public Relation Mubarak AL Menhali contributed to the success of the mission. Dr. Jaffer AL Muthafer, Deputy General Secretary of JJAU, had prepared the meeting professionally and took part in the World Anti-Doping Conference as well.
Jiu-Jitsu World
Ju-Jitsu show strong performance in AIMAG 2017
UAE Police and Security Experts take part in the JJIF World Championship
The 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, which is also counted as the 5th Asian Indoor Games, is currently held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan in 2017. JJAU was entitled to give medals in 24 categories. The Ju-Jitsu was held on tree days (16., 18. and 19. September) at the Martial Art Arena. All fights have been broadcasted. There the hole Team of the Technical Officials practise with the broadcast and the volunteers the day before of the competition (simulation of a tournament). Several technical, coach and referee meetings were held, so that the tournament could run in a very professional way. All Technical Officials had the same uniform. To implement the Ju-Jitsu Contact system was a wish of the Turkmenistan Government and some Asian Countries. There was the possibility to have this system under the umbrella of JJIF or under the umbrella of another international federation (Combat Ju-Jitsu). The President JJIF made this decision (political decision), to have this kind of system in JJIF. It is no more Sport JuJitsu Discipline like Fighting, Ne-waza, Duo – it is more a (future) professional System. This system will not be included in the (official) World Championships JJIF. More Information’s and all results to the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Art Games you can find at the web: www.ashgabt2017.com
A team of police and security experts had the opportunity to showcase their physical fighting skills as they competed in the first JJIF World Championship for professional Security in February 2017. This was according to Joachim Thumfart, Sports Director of the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union (JJAU). In a recent meeting by local officials of the UAEJJF in Abu Dhabi, it has been agreed that the UAE will send athletes that will come from the military to participate in the said competition to be held in Bulgaria. It was also suggested during the meeting that Ju-Jitsu should be included in the CISM Military Games/ Military Olympics. CISM or International Military Sports Council is one of the largest multidisciplinary organizations in the world that organizes various sporting events for the armed forces.
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Ju-Jitsu India prepare the future Suresh Gopi, president of Jiu-Jitsu India has recently met with the country’s Minister of Sports Mr. Vjiay Goel at his Official Residence in New Delhi. Gopi submitted the JAI application for recognition with an enclosed JJIF letter. Among the issues that were resolved was New Delhi to be hosting the 2017 National JJ Championships on 27, 28 and 29 March 2017. It will be held at the Talkatoria Indoor Stadium which will see juniors and adults compete in the Ne Waza, Show Duo, Combat and No Gi categories. Minister Goel has also agreed to officiate.
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Sheikhs of Ras Al Khaimah are introduced to Ju-Jitsu The ruler family of Ras Al Khaima demonstrates a strong commitment to Ju-Jitsu. His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah organized a reception for the delegation of JJIF, JJAU and UAEJJF on February 2017. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Crown Prince of RAS visited the RAK International Open Championship to meet JJIF President Panagiotis Theororopoulos, Mr Fahad AlShamsi General Secretary of the JJAU, Joachim Thumfart JJIF Sportdirector and the UAEJJF board members. Being considered as a local tournament this event drew a lot of attention and political support. This shows the growing significance of our sport.
Ju-Jitsu Asian Union board Elected for the next 8 years The second General Assembly and Electoral Congress of the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union (JJAU) was held at the Hilton Hotel Abu Dhabi on April 25, 2016 and conducted in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation [JJIF]. The General Assembly was attended by 33 National Federations and chaired by the JJAU Secretary General, Mr Fahad Ali Al Shamsi. The JJIF President, Mr Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, was the Chief Guest, and the meeting was graced by the presence of Korean IOC member Moon Dae Sung, taekwondo gold medallist at the 2004 Athens Olympics. It was announced that, under the leadership of HE Abdulmunem Alsayed M Al Hashmi, Chairman of the JJAU and JJIF Senior Vice President, JuJitsu has, in the past two years, grown rapidly across Asia and secured its place in three of the OCA’s five multi-sport games: Asian Games, Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and Asian Beach Games. The GA voted to grant JJAU membership to seven more National Federations.
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OC ASIA
2014 Asian Beach Games
Olympic Council of Asia Vice President Timothy Fok brought the 4th Asian Beach Games Phuket 2014 to a close at a moving closing ceremony on Sunday evening. The International Olympic Committee member from Hong Kong described the event as “an outstanding success” and said the sun, sea and sand of Thailand’s island paradise had provided the perfect environment for the OCA’s beach and sea sports festival. “The athletes have put on a great show, the organisers have done a wonderful job, the competition venues have looked fantastic and the volunteers and organising committee have been the perfect hosts with their friendliness and hospitality,” he told the audience at Saphan Hin beach soccer stadium next to the Andaman Sea. He declared the Games closed and asked the athletes to meet again in Vietnam in 2016 for the 5th Asian Beach Games. HE Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sport and Chairman of organising committee PABGOC, was the first to address the audience at a fast-moving, one-hour closing ceremony which also featured the handover of the OCA flag from Phuket to Nha Trang, Vietnam, and a short cultural performance by 46 dancers and singers from Vietnam. After the flame was extinguished and lanterns disappeared into the night sky, all the performers entered the arena and closed out the ceremony with a fun-filled finale alongside the athletes. The OCA’s 4th Asian Beach Games ran from November 14-23 and featured over 2,300 athletes in 26 sports.
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Phuket
Thailand November 14-23, 2014
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OC ASIA
2016 Asian Beach Games
Danang
Vietnan
IOC President Thomas Bach attended his first ever Jiu-Jitsu event in Vietnam.
September 24 – October 3, 2016
Olympic Council of Asia Vice President Timothy Fok declared the 5th Asian Beach Games “a complete success” in his speech at the closing ceremony. On a humid and breezy evening on the shores of the South China Sea, the OCA Vice President for East Asia said the glorious weather, the compact venues, the spectacular location and the enthusiastic support of the local people had contributed to a “fantastic” time in this central coastal city.“The venues have provided a great atmosphere – full of passion and excitement from the spectators,” he said. “The magnificent coastline has provided a perfect backdrop to the games, and the athletes have provided us with top-class sporting action that shows the high level of beach and sea sports in Asia.”He congratulated Danang and Vietnam for the successful staging of ABG5, which opened on September 24 and featured 172 events in 22 disciplines of 14 sports. “You have given us memories to treasure and written a new chapter in the history of the OCA with your truly magnificent 5th Asian Beach Games,” he added.Mr Fok declared the games closed, and the audience and athletes in the Bien Dong Park main stadium watched the flame go out. With the OCA still to decide the host of the next ABG - no fewer than four cities are interested to stage the sixth edition in 2020 - the flag was passed from Danang to the OCA.The Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism, H.E. Nguyen Ngoc Thien, said Danang had played host to 3,242 athletes, coaches and team officials and 1,217 technical officials, referees and judges. He thanked all the athletes for their efforts and also the volunteers as the smiling ambassadors of Danang and Vietnam.Unlike the opening ceremony, which was hit by a tropical rainstorm at the start of the athletes’ parade, the closing ceremony was blessed with fine weather, enabling en enchanting cultural performance to showcase the magic and charm of Vietnam.
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OC ASIA
5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games
Ashgabat
Turkmenistan September 17-27, 2017
The sport universe in Asia and Oceania converged to the exotic capital city of Turkmenistan on September 17-27, 2017. Around 6,000 athletes from 65 countries competed in 21 different modalities in 15 venues all around the beautiful brand new Olympic complex built in Ashgabat. JiuJitsu was one of the sports present in the program. The matches were scheduled for three days of activities right in the opening of the games. The program was composed of three different styles: Duo Show, Combat and Ne-Waza. The main event was the Ne-Waza competition, organized by the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union (JJAU), it featured on September 18-19 over two hundred of the best competitors in the continent. After two days of very tough matches, here are the results. The medal tally was fairly well divided between the countries. After three days of competitions in all three different styles of Jiu-Jitsu at play in Ashgabat, the top three nations were. 1st – Turkmenistan – 7 gold, 7 silver, 5 bronze, Total 19; 2nd – United Arab Emirates – 4 gold, 4 silver, 7 bronze, Total 15; 3rd – Thailand – 4 gold, 2 silver, 7 bronze, Total 12.
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2016 World Ju-Jitsu Championship November saw Poland bag the most number of medals in the Ju-Jitsu World Championship 2016. With 5 gold and silver medals apiece and 14 bronze medals totaling a 24 medal haul, the host country was 7 medals ahead of Russia which took home 17 medals and France with 13. Held in the western city of Wroclaw in Poland at Orbita Hall, the Ju-Jitsu event was organized by the Polish Ju-Jitsu Association and by the organizing committee of The World Games 2017. This event was a great test for the World Games. 506 athletes from 49 countries participated in the annual tournament.
Wroclaw
Poland November 16, 2016
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JJIF
2017 World Championship
Bogota
Colombia November 24-26, 2017
For three days, the breathtaking city of Bogota became the center of the Ju-Jitsu universe. On November 24-26, the 2017 Senior World Championship organized by the Ju-Jitsu International Federation took the capital of Colombia by storm. Athletes from over 34 countries took to the mats set up at the Palacio de Deportes for three days of insane action. The event featured some of the best competitors in the world in three different styles of matches: Fighting, Duo Mix and Ne-Waza. In the final medal count, results were: 1st – Colombia; 2nd – Belgium; 3rd – Thailand. In the Ne-Waza teams competition, Poland beat Russia in the final to win first place. Kazakhstan and Panama completed the podium in third place.
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9th Youth World Championship
Abu Dhabi
UAE March 1-5, 2018
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Organized by the UAE Ju Jitsu Federation, Ju Jitsu Asian Union (JJAU) and Ju Jitsu International Federation (JJIF), the world championship completed with 583 competitors with their delegations representing 40 different countries around the world. His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, attended to the opening ceremony and watched the finals of the first day in the discipline Ne-Waza. The opening ceremony was lead by the President of Ju Jitsu International Federation (JJIF), H.E. Panagiotis Theodoropoulos and The JJIF Senior Vice President H.E Abdulmunem Al Sayed Mohammed Al Hashmi with their gratifying and inspiring welcome message and the performance of Abu Dhabi Police music band and the welcome of all countries. The whole period of the championship was stream live with the support of Abu Dhabi TV and other networks. From the second day a test run via Stay Live platform was installed. This marvelous event inspires and marked big interest to all the youth Ju-Jitsu athletes where they show their individual potential to compete in different countries with the pride of their nations behind them. From the day one of the competition everyone revealed their prospective to bring their best to achieve a best result for their National Team. It’s really amazing to witness our young Ju-Jitsu heroes pouring their efforts to bring home their success for their respective countries. With the overall result, Russia took the 1st place among the 40 countries with 16 gold medals, 11 silver medals and 31 bronze medal, while the UAE brought their best level into 2nd place with 10 gold medals, 7 silver medals and 15 bronze medals, followed by Thailand in the 3rd place with 9 gold medals, 3 silver medals and 4 bronze medals. Greece finished in 4th place with 5 gold medals, 8 silver medals and 12 bronze medal and 5th place went to Belgium with 4 gold medals, 2 silver medals and 2 bronze medals.
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OC ASIA
2017 World Beach Ju-Jitsu Championship Pattaya
Thailand July 7-9, 2017
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A festival of friendship, good mood and high class sports happened in Pattaya Jomtien Beach, in Thailand. Thailand, UAE, Indonesia, Vietnam, China and Sri Lanka were present to fight for the medals and ranking points of Beach Ju-Jitsu. With 6 National Federations the second edition of the World Beach Ju-Jitsu Tournament showed a real international scale. The conditions were perfect and Ju-Jitsu Association of Thailand did a good preparation job. Under support of Ju-Jitsu Asian Union online registration and live result management were used. Over all disciplines and events team Thailand could win the most medals followed by UAE and Vietnam. First time the relay team fight was conducted. Three competitors of different weight categories compete against another team and points are counted continuously. Submission will be scored as 30 points. The groups brought excitement in the games and in this event the UAE was beating all other teams but the second placed team Thailand was only a penalty behind the favorites. JJIF President Panagiotis Thoedoropoulos and Sport director Joachim Thumfart were present and supported the event.
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THE 10 TH ABU DHABI WORLD PROFESSIONAL JIU-JITSU CHAMPIONSHIP
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2017 World Games
Wroclaw
Poland July 20-30, 2017
The sports community gathered in Wroclaw, Poland, on July 20-30, 2017, to compete in 30 different modalities. Over 3,500 athletes from 112 countries competed from the awe of the crowd on 24 venues. JiuJitsu was also a part of the show with 129 athletes from 41 countries. They competed both in the combat modality of Ju-Jitsu and the Ne-Waza modality. At the end of the event, France finished first with six medals in total and three gold medals, followed by Germany with seven medals and two gold medals and Poland with seven medals in total and two gold medals. In the Ne-waza division, results showed how the sport is developing in different parts of the world. Belgium’s Amal Amjahid won the women’s open class division while Hungary’s Kristof Szucs conquered the men’s open class. 56
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JJAU
1st Ju-Jitsu Asian Championship
Ashgabat
Turkmenistan December 7-12, 2016
Fielding a delegation of 49 Ju-Jitsu athletes, the host country of Turkmenistan dominated the first-ever JuJitsu Asian Championship with a haul of 6 gold medals. Spectators were treated with a variety of exciting matches from 216 athletes representing 21 Asian countries. Participants were not only looking forward to the medals and the prestige of this tournament, but also JJIF world ranking points that were determined after the event. Held at the Olympic Complex in the capital city of Ashgabat, the Ju-Jitsu tournament had served as a test event and a major qualification for the Asian Martial Art and Indoor Games 2017. Japan came close in second place with 5 gold medals while the United Arab Emirates round up the top 3 countries notching up 3 gold medals.
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2nd Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship
Battle of nations was a constant on the mats at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam
Hanoi
Vietnan August 12-13, 2017
The 2nd Asian Ju-Jitsu championship gathered hundreds of competitors in Hanoi, Vietnam, on August 12-13, 2017 for a full weekend of Jiu- Jitsu. The medal table shows that the sport is growing roots all over the region. The final count by nations put Thailand in first place with 35726pts (17 gold medals, 17 silver medals, 26 bronze medals); the United Arab Emirates with 20803pts (10 gold medals, 8 silver medals, 3 bronze medals); Iran in third place with 18307pts (9 gold medals, 3 silver medals, 7 bronze medals).
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ADWPJJC History
Trail of glory Travel in time to understand how the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship changed the history of Jiu-Jitsu
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Something changed on May 2009. A powerful call originated from the United Arab Emirates and announced to the world that Jiu-Jitsu was entering a new phase. The time of competing for nothing more than medals was over and Jiu-Jitsu competitors were finally going to have their effort recognized with sizable money prizes. The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship was born to give the gentle art the stage it always deserved. Here’s a brief look back into the history of the event that changed the trajectory of our sport. The Zayed Sports City Tennis court welcomed hundreds of athletes from all over the planet for the first edition of what was then called the World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Cup. The open air venue required for the matches to be held after the sunset, in order to reduce the exposure to the desert’s heat. Competitors travelled to Abu Dhabi to compete for their share of over US$ 100,000, something unprecedented in a sport used to offer only medals to its champions. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid a visit to the event on day 2 of competitions to watch over the matches, specially of the Emirati athletes like then blue belts Faisal Al Kitbe and Yahya Al Hammad. The black belt division featured epic battles like Cobrinha against both Gui and Rafa Mendes or Marcelo Garcia against both Victor and Braulio Estima. In the end, Tarsis Humphreys claimed the open class title and Rodolfo Vieira shocked the world by beating several black belts while still wearing a brown belt. The seed was planted and Jiu-Jitsu would never be the same again. One year later, the event was back to the tennis court at the Zayed Sports City. Now with three days on April 15-17, the second edition of the ADWPJJC once again gathered the best of the best in terms of Jiu-Jitsu talent. One big novelty for the second edition was the introduction of the women’s division. On the mats, the stakes were once again very high. The male black belt open class champion alone would take home over US$ 20,000. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was present to show his support to all UAE athletes competing and also to salute competitors from all over the world. In the end, Brazil’s Claudio Calasans Jr. rose to the highest step of the podium to claim the absolute title. The third edition of the ADWPJJC was the first to go inside. After two years at the Zayed Sports City tennis court, the 2011 edition was held at the ADNEC convention center. The other big novelty in 2011 was the fact that the event was held in two different weekends. First, on April 8-9, competitors stripped off their gis and dived into two days of no-gi competitions. Then, on April 14-16, the gis were back on for three more days of thrills. Rodolfo Vieira, who was still a brown belt in 2009, came back to once again shine bright. He won both the gi and no-gi open class titles and travelled back to Brazil as the main name of the event. Other noticeable results in Abu Dhabi that year were the appearance of a new talent in Leandro Lo, the 74kg division champion, and also Augusto Tanquinho, who beat the highly regarded Rafael Mendes in the 65kg weight class. Once again, the ADNEC convention center housed the ADWPJJC on April 12-14, 2012. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was once again present to the venue. He was specially pleased with Faisal Al Kitbe’s performance at the purple belt division. Faisal won the 100kg division and went to celebrate with Sheikh Mohammed on the sidelines. The celebration was compete when Kitbe was promoted to the ranking of brown belt. In the black belt division, Rodolfo Vieira was once again the main name by winning the open class and the 94kg division. For the third year in a row, the ADNEC convention center was the setting for another edition of the ADWPJJC. The fifth edition of the event once again gathered the most important names in the Jiu-Jitsu community. In the brown belt division, Faisal Al Kitbe proved one more time to be a talent to be taken
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in consideration. His victory in the open class division was welcomed with great joy by the crowd. The 2013 ADWPJJC also marked the first time Marcus Buchecha and Rodolfo Vieira battled for the main title in the adult black belt division. Buchecha came out on top after a thrilling match. New year, new venue. The UAEJJF took the 2014 ADWPJJC to the brand new FGB Arena, at the Zayed Sports City. The new setting inspired the competitors and the crowd was gifted with epic matches from white belt to black belt, kids to master division. Faisal Al Kitbe won his biggest title in the event’s history when he overcame a very tough Marcio Andre in the brown belt open class division before the audience of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In the black belt division, Marcus Buchecha repeated his result to win his second gold medal in the adult open class and pocket the unprecedented prize of US$40,000. The final match against Rodolfo Vieira is still one of the most classic ones to have happened in Abu Dhabi. Renamed to IPIC Arena, the state of the art venue at the Zayed Sports City housed the 2015 ADWPJJC, now a sixday event, held on April 20-25. Marcus Buchecha was back to win his record breaking third gold medal in the adult black belt open class division. The biggest story, however, was the unexpected win by Mackenzie Dern against the powerhouse Gabi Garcia in the female brown/black belt open class. Another fact worth mentioning was the debut in the black belt division by local favorite Faisal Al Kitbe. He fought bravely to represent his country. The 2016 Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship was everything it could be. A true celebration of the gentle art and also a show of force of all the progress the sport made in the world in the past decade. Once again, the best in the world came together in the IPIC Arena for five days of awesome action on April 19-23. From kids to master 2 divisions, the matches pleased the crowd with all their talent and love for Jiu-Jitsu. The 2016 edition also featured the first edition of the Legends. Big stars from the past returned to once again put on a show. Felipe Pena and Tayane Porfirio were the big winners in the black belt division, signaling the arrival of a new generation of champions. The 2017 ADWPJJC was yet another milestone year for the development of the event. Now a two-week engagement, the ADWPJJC gathered thousands of athletes to present Jiu-Jitsu to the world in all its forms. The mats set once again at the Zayed Sports City, on April 10-22, were the stage for kids, teens, men, women and also para-athletes. All of them showed all their skills and love for the art. In the black belt division, huge names such as Felipe Pena, Beatriz Mesquita, JosÊ Junior, Nathiely de Jesus, among many others, put on a show for the crowd. The event limited to two the number of participants from each country in the final brackets, giving the finals that international feeling we all want. The year of 2018 will mark the 10th anniversary of the ADWPJJC. The event will for sure keep growing to showcase to more and more people the beauty of Jiu-Jitsu.
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UAEjjf NEWS
Building a stronger generation Since 2010, a new movement started to take over schools, military facilities and government offices in the United Arab Emirates. The Jiu-Jitsu movement. Little by little, the gentle art started to become part of the lives of boys and girls, soldiers and civilians, proving the tools for a much healthier lifestyle. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has a well-documented interest in sports, and in particular, the martial art of Jiu-Jitsu. His Highness has the ambition of making the UAE, and specifically Abu Dhabi, a center for Jiu-Jitsu by designating it as the UAE National
Sport. His Highness believes that by practicing the art of Jiu-Jitsu, people can change their mentality and take broad strides towards a brighter and clearer direction. Having seen the positive changes and the impact that Jiu-Jitsu has had on his son’s character and attitude, His Highness says: “If I invest it in my son, I will invest it in my country.” Seven years into the project, over 76,000 students take Jiu-Jitsu classes under 588 Jiu-Jitsu coaches. The project also aims at the UAE Armed Forces and the formation of high level competitors. The future is bright as more and more people will join the effort to make the Emirati people stronger, and healthier.
UAE Jiu-Jitsu Team excels during challenge-filled season The UAE Jiu-Jitsu team spent the past season traveling around the world to defend the country’s colors with a lot of heart and high skills on the mats. The Emirati men and women put on their gis to compete in different places such as Poland, Vietnan, Thailand, Colombia, Brazil, Japan, UK, USA and many others. The outstanding results are a powerful statement of the hard work being done all over the country to find and develop Jiu-Jitsu talents while making the whole country stronger and healthier.
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UAEJJF wins Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports award for best UAE organization The ceremony took place on November 27, 2017. The winners were announced on Monday afternoon at the Palazzo Versace Hotel by Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award, which is one of the entities under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. Al Tayer, who is also Vice Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, said: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees for Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award and the sports sector, I would like to thank Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Award, for their guidance and unlimited support, which has strengthened the status of this prestigious award and put it at the forefront of international awards, honouring innovation and creativity in the world of sports.” Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State for Tolerance, has been named the UAE Sports Personality of the Year at the 9th edition of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award.
UAE holds largest Jiu-Jitsu class ever On November 2015, thousands of people take part in the UAE’s inaugural National Sports Day, and it turned out to be a recordbreaking occasion with one event organized by UAE JJF, ADEC and Palms Sport (all UAE) earning a Guinness World Records title for the Largest Jiu-Jitsu class ever.An incredible 2,481 participants came together at the ADNEC in Abu Dhabi to practise the Japanese martial art and become record breakers. The enormous class was led by fully qualified instructors, with everyone involved
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dressed in the official training uniform. Official Guinness World Records adjudicator Mr P. Patel was on hand to verify the attempt and announce its resounding success to the thrilled super-sized class.This event was just one of 100 different celebrations that were hosted in the capital (and a further 200 over UAE) as various sports organizations, schools and companies celebrated the first National Sports Day as part of an inspirational effort to bring people of all ages and nationalities together through sport.
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Night of Jubilee For one evening, the gis stayed home and our heroes put on fashionable suits and ties or beautiful night gowns. The Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards was the perfect occasion for athletes to gather and received much earned rewards for a year-long effort on the mats in the 2016/2017 season. On Sunday, April 23, 2017, the leaders of the UAEJJF ranking in each division received their trophies from the hands of His Highness Sheikh Diab Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in a flawless ceremony at the luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel that also included a delicious dinner with traditional Emirati dishes. The highlights of the evening were the prizes for the black belt division, when José Junior and Nathiely de Jesus walked on to the stage to receive their trophies. Junior thanked his friends and also all of
those who worked hard to develop Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE and around the world. “I want to specially thank His Excellency Abdulmunam Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAEJJF.” Nathiely, who competed in every stage of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour in the 2016/2017 season, also thanked her family, friends and teammates: “I wouldn’t be here without them. This trophy is a proof that all the effort throughout the year was more than worth.” Black belt Faisal Al Kitbe was awarded with the commend of best UAE male black belt and best Emirati athlete. The night also included awards for the best UAE Jiu-Jitsu club for the Al Jazira Club and also the best Jiu-Jitsu association won by Checkmat International. Here are some of the best images of the evening and a list of the main awards handed out on that amazing evening of celebration.
Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour has glorious 2017/2018 season Since its inception in 2015, the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour experienced unrestrained growth in the past three years. With each new season the event takes another step towards greatness. The 2017/2018 season gathered the sport’s elite in five thrilling legs in Japan, USA, Brazil, UAE and the UK. The cities of Tokyo, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, Abu Dhabi and London are all Jiu-Jitsu capitals of the world and the communities in each of the five legs put on great displays of how powerful the art is today. The 2018/2019 season is already shaping up and a novelty has already been announced with the addition of a sixth event, in Moscow, Russia. 74
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Heroes of life on the mat When they entered the arena on April 14, 2017, and lined up in the middle of the mat area, everyone in the venue knew that something special was about to happen. Right there, they got the first of many standing ovation of the day. More than 50 athletes from 15 countries around the globe stepped up to the challenge and took part in the first ever World ParaJiu-Jitsu championship. Brazilian black belt Mauricio Carvalho, who cannot use
his left arm, praised the event: “When I saw the arena for the first time I thought it was beautiful, a really great job. This is a fantastic opportunity for Jiu-Jitsu and para-athletes. As para-athletes we expect to show everybody that even with a disability you can still perform Jiu-Jitsu and you can still use the sport to better yourself - we will show that anybody that they can take part in Jiu-Jitsu. Jiu-Jitsu teaches you to be respectful, to overcome
your difficulties and be a better version of yourself. You learn how to get out of difficult situations, to breathe and think calmly. That’s important in life too.” At the end, they were all champions regardless of their results on the mats. Once again, the entire venue stood up and gave then a very deserved ovation. It was just the beginning and the para-athletes will be back to continue inspiring people on and off the mats.
Bringing Jiu-Jitsu to people all over the world With every year that passes, the UAEJJF works harder on its mission to bring Jiu-Jitsu to more and more people all around the planet. The 2017/2018 season spread from May 2017 to March 2018, with the grand finale at the 10th anniversary edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. The season featured events in places as far as Australia and Brazil, Mongolia Number 08 - 2018
and Canada. There were four types of events: Regional Pro, National Pro, International Pro and Continental Pro. Each of the events in each one of the series earned athletes valuable points in the UAEJJF ranking to qualify for the ADWPJJC and also for the run for the big end-of-the-season prizes. In the 2017/2018 season, the UAEJJF held over 40 events all around the globe. 75
Travel Guide
Bangkok
Six attractions you cannot miss in Bangkok Words: Ivan Trindade | Images: Ane Nunes
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Grand Palace & Wat Prakeaw Built in 1782, and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government, the Grand Palace continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail. Wat Pra Kaew enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of emerald, dating from the 15th century AD
Khlong Tour Having stayed an independent province until it was merged into Bangkok in 1972, Thonburi – the old Bangkok capital situated on the western banks of the Chao Phraya River – has avoided much of the modern development seen elsewhere. Its man-made network of khlongs, including Khlong Mon and Khlong Bangkok Noi, retains much of their ramshackle charm. Forget the over-crowded ferries. Forget the tourist hordes, the overpriced souvenirs, the whole money-making charade. For a real sense of how people in Bangkok used to live, in stilted shacks, old wooden townhouses and dilapidated leantos – and still do – try them Bangkok Thonburi Khlongs.
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) The impressive silhouette of Wat Arun’s towering spires is one of the most recognized in Southeast Asia. Constructed during the first half of the 19th century in the ancient Khmer style, the stupa showcasing ornate floral pattern decked out in glazed porcelain is stunning up close. Apart from its beauty, Wat Arun symbolizes the birth of the Rattanakosin Period and the founding of the new capital after Ayutthaya fell.
Chinatown Market A must do when in Bangkok is to venture down to Chinatown for food. At the old market, you will find some of the city’s best tasting and most reasonably priced fare. From the obscure (birds nest soup) to the ostentatious (Peking duck) to rare delicacies (roasted chestnuts), there will be something to enlighten your taste buds and provide a feast for the eyes.
Soi Rambuttri Parallel to Khao San, Rambuttri gives you a taste of how Bangkok used to look before all the skyscrapers arrived. Leafy banyan trees shade the pavements and the vibe sways more towards local than backpacker, despite a number of them now choosing to stay here rather than on the famous street itself.
Rooftop dinner Scaling the heights is a continuing trend in the Bangkok wine and dine scene. Proof? The excellent rooftop bars and restaurants that have been mushrooming around the city, and there are many. Besides the awesome city views of these rooftop venues, many also boasts stunning décor, fabulous food and drinks, and gracious service.
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JJAU
2018 Asian Games Jiu-Jitsu Test Event
Jakarta
Indonesia March 22-24, 2018
For the first time ever, Jiu-Jitsu will be part of the program at the Asian Games. The 2018 edition, scheduled August 18 – September 2, in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia, will feature the sport in a huge step forward for Jiu-Jitsu. With that in mind, the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union (JJAU) held a flawless test event on March 22-24, at the Tennis Indoor Senayan. The test event featured not only competition, but also referee training and workshop. As the test event came to a close, there was the certainty that Jakarta is ready to host Jiu-Jitsu athletes from all over the continent for a historic moment in the sport’s history.
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