UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation Announces Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Tour 2016-17

The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World tour will be held in five international cities
Los Angeles | Tokyo | Rio de Janeiro | Abu Dhabi | London
 
Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Tour offers the highest cash prize & points in UAEJJF World Ranking
 
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 20th June, 2016:  The UAE Jiu-jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), the official authority for Jiu-jitsu in the United Arab Emirates, announces the return of the most prestigious Jiu-Jitsu championship series in the world: Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Tour 2016-17. The Grand Slam will be held in five international host cities around the world; Los Angeles [USA], Tokyo [Japan], Rio de Janeiro [Brazil], Abu Dhabi [UAE] and London [UK].

The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam is open to all nationalities, the medalists will be listed in the jiu-jitsu world rankings and cash prizes are awarded for the top athletes of each division. Top ranked competitors will receive huge prizes at the end of the season according to the UAEJJF World Ranking.

“We are inspired by the vision of our leadership, especially His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to advance sports and transform the UAE into a world leader in jiu-jitsu and sports in general.” Said H.E. Abdulmunam Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-jitsu Federation.  

“With the incredible success of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam globally last year, we have received a lot of requests from various federations and countries from around the world, to stage the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in their country. This shows that we are on the right track.” Said H.E. Abdulmunam Al Hashemi
“However we have decided to add a fifth hosting city to the Grand Slam this year, which will be in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Our strategic plans for 2017-2018 are in process too and we aim to build a sustainable global sport championship product, not just events. Our partnerships with key partners and sponsors will contribute to the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in the coming years” Said H.E. Abdulmunam Al Hashemi

The UAEJJF’s vision is to be the leading symbol of jiu-jitsu in the world through the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Tour. The Grand Slam aims to provide a competitive environment to achieve sporting excellence at a local and global level. Abu Dhabi Grand Slam is the ideal championship for athletes, aspiring for professionalism and official ranking. The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam hopes to once again, attract the world's top jiu-jitsu athletes.

The UAEJJF is proud to announce that the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Tour will be broadcasted live by over 10 major TV networks around the world; including USA & North America, Brazil, Colombia, Europe, Middle East & North Africa, China, Japan and Asia through our broadcasting partners.

“I am very happy to have competed in Abu Dhabi Grand Slam last year. I was in Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, London and Tokyo, all four of them. I won in my division in all four events as well. This gave me a boost in the ranks and I liked fighting most in the first edition, because it really felt like the World Pro in Abu Dhabi.” said Erberth Santos, Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt & Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Champion

“I look forward to participating again this year, I am excited that they have added another event in Abu Dhabi. This is great for us athletes, an event that pays well and everything is organized in the most professional way.” Said Erberth Santos

“Thank you to His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces for developing the sport of jiu-jitsu in Abu Dhabi and around the world. I am ready and excited and so are my team mates from the UAE” said Faisal Al Ketbi, Emirati jiu-jitsu black belt and champion

The five Abu Dhabi Grand Slam host cities were chosen for their relevance and brand equity in the sport of jiu-jitsu. They were chosen based on a careful study taking into account the geographical factor, demand for sport and presence in the most competitive jiu-jitsu markets of the world. Japan is the birthplace of this beautiful martial art form, while Brazil has been attributed with taking the martial art to a new level, as a sport. 

London and Los Angeles are also premier centers for jiu-jitsu, while Abu Dhabi has been recognized as the new international capital of jiu-jitsu in recent years. The tournament will conclude in Abu Dhabi, UAE at the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship event in 2017. 

Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Tour Calendar 2016-17
3rd & 4th September, 2016 - Los Angeles, USA [LA Conventional Center]
23rd October, 2016 - Tokyo, Japan [Big Turtle Fukaya]
12th & 13th November, 2016 - Rio De Janeiro, Brazil [HSBC Arena]
13th & 14th January, 2017 - Abu Dhabi, UAE [IPIC Arena]
18th March, 2017 - London, UK [Excel London]