What benefits does a Jiu-Jitsu instructor offer to individuals and the community where they work?
EDUARDO INOJOSA: In addition to spreading the fundamentals of self-defense, respect, and discipline, we, Jiu-Jitsu instructors, empower individuals in terms of healthy living, both physically and mentally. I refer to encouraging self-confidence, self-control, and enabling people to overcome adversities. We motivate students to adopt positive values, fostering resilience and better decision-making under pressure—not only on the mat but also in daily life.

Besides teaching Jiu-Jitsu, you have a successful career as a competitor. What have been your main achievements, and what have you learned from them?
For me, it was during my purple belt in 2007 when I won the IBJJF Brazilian Championship, one of the first major competitions I entered. I was also the runner-up in the black belt category in 2015. In 2017, I realized a dream by becoming the champion at the Brazilian Team Championship, representing Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu. I also stood out in the AJP Grand Slams in Rio in 2021 and 2022. Throughout this journey, I learned a lot about discipline and resilience, as preparing for and participating in these competitions requires athletes to be in top form, both physically and mentally, and to always work with a long-term perspective.

What is your main goal for the future of your career?
My goal is to focus on training for competitions and return to competing, as this will enhance my skills as a black belt and help me practically demonstrate what I teach my students in class. Competing allows me to gain much more knowledge and accelerate my evolution. As we know, knowledge never ends; there’s always something new to learn in the gentle art.

When someone hesitates to train Jiu-Jitsu, what do you usually say to convince them to put on the gi and start their journey in the gentle art?
First, I try to listen to the person and understand their goals so that I can identify how Jiu-Jitsu can add positive values to their life.

Who is your greatest idol in your career, the person who serves as a guide in your major decisions? Why?
My idol is my fellow countryman Xande Ribeiro. Because of all he has achieved and represents for Jiu-Jitsu, he is a humble man who has never changed his way of being due to success. I was already a fan of his in 2016 when I had the privilege of spending a lot of time with Xande. I learned a lot from him during training. He is a great reference as an athlete, businessman, and person.

What motivational phrase do you like to repeat to yourself when going through a difficult situation?
“Never give up; you are one centimeter closer than you were yesterday. Today is a new day. I can!” Moreover, my family and those I love motivate me more than anything. If they are well, healthy, and happy, that’s all I need. I just know that everything will turn out fine.

Quais os benefícios que um professor de Jiu-Jitsu oferece às pessoas e à comunidade onde ele atua?
EDUARDO INOJOSA: Além de disseminar os fundamentos da defesa pessoal, do respeito e da disciplina, nós, professores de Jiu-Jitsu, fortalecemos as pessoas no que diz respeito à vida saudável, tanto do ponto de vista físico, como também mental, e aqui me refiro ao estímulo da autoconfiança, do autocontrole, fazer com que as pessoas sejam capazes de superar situações de adversidade. Nós, professores, estimulamos os alunos a adotarem valores positivos. Que os alunos se tornem resilientes e comecem a pensar melhor sob pressão. Não só no tatame, mas também no dia a dia.

Além de ensinar Jiu-Jitsu, você tem uma carreira vitoriosa como competidor. Quais foram as suas principais conquistas e o que você aprendeu com elas?
Pra mim foi na faixa-roxa, em 2007, quando ganhei o Campeonato Brasileiro da IBJJF, um dos primeiros grandes campeonatos que disputei. Também fui vice-campeão brasileiro faixa-preta em 2015. Em 2017, realizei um sonho: ser campeão no Brasileiro de Equipes representando a escola Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu. Também fui destaque nos Grand Slams da AJP do Rio, em 2021 e 2022. Com toda essa jornada, aprendi a ter muita disciplina e resiliência, pois para se preparar e participar dessas competições o atleta tem que estar muito bem, não só fisicamente mas mentalmente, e sempre trabalhar com o longo prazo.

Qual é o seu grande objetivo para o futuro da carreira?
Meu objetivo é focar em treinos para competições e voltar a competir, pois isso vai me aperfeiçoar como faixa-preta, e também vai ajudar a mostrar na prática para meus alunos tudo que eu ensino nas aulas. Ao competir, adquiro muito mais conhecimento. Acelero minha evolução. E, como bem sabemos, o conhecimento nunca acaba, você sempre terá algo a aprender na arte suave.

Quando alguém hesita em treinar Jiu-Jitsu, o que você costuma dizer para convencer essa pessoa a vestir o kimono e começar a jornada na arte suave?
Primeiro eu procuro ouvir a pessoa e entender os objetivos dela, para assim poder identificar como o Jiu-Jitsu pode agregar valores positivos à vida dessa pessoa.

Quem é o seu grande ídolo na carreira, aquela pessoa que serve como diretriz nas suas grandes decisões? Por quê?
Meu ídolo é o meu conterrâneo Xande Ribeiro. Por tudo que ele conquistou e representa para o Jiu-Jitsu, um homem humilde, que nunca mudou o jeito de ser por conta do sucesso. Eu já era fã dele em 2016, quando tive o privilégio de conviver bastante com o Xande. Aprendi muito com ele nos treinos. Baita referência de atleta, empresário e pessoa.

Qual é a frase motivacional que você gosta de repetir para você mesmo quando está passando por uma situação difícil?
Nunca desista, você está um centímetro mais perto do que estava ontem, hoje é um novo dia. Eu posso! Além de que, minha família e aqueles que amo me motivam mais do que tudo, se eles estão bem, saudáveis ​​e felizes, é tudo o que preciso. Eu só sei que tudo vai dar certo.

After an entire afternoon of competition at the highest level, the second and final day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Tour Rome 2024 is down for the count this Sunday, April 14th. The tournament started last Friday, April 12th, with the Youths warming the mats for the experienced Masters to put their skills on display the following day. Today, however, the action got dialed all the way up to eleven as the Professional category took the stage to fight for gold, glory, and those sweet AJP ranking points.

And of course, it is impossible to talk about today’s performances without mentioning the black belts. Living up to the title “Elite of Jiu-Jitsu”, the competitors pushed the martial art to its limit in the Centro Olimpico Matteo Pellicone, with standout performances on the way to the top of the podium. Without further ado, let’s check out how each of the Professional Black Belt finals played out, and click here for the full results!

MEN’S GI / BLACK

56kg – Welison Fernandes vs Frederico Guimarães

Leading man in the light-featherweight division ranking, Welison Fernandes showcased his skills in the ADGS Rome final against Frederico Guimarães, with the latter coming out ahead on the scoreboard and having victory in his grasp until the last moments of the duel. While Frederico earned five points throughout the bout by going up from the double pull and sweeping twice, Welison had also swept twice and played from below most of the time. With a good grip on his opponent’s lapel and pants, while keeping an eye on the clock, Welison went up and stabilized close to the end of the match, settling the score at a tight 6-5 to add another gold medal to his resumé.

62kg – Jefferson Fagundes vs Yuri Hendrex

Jefferson Fagundes was the standout name in the 62kg division. After beating his first opponent with a whopping 11-0 score, Jefferson went on to submit Kalel dos Santos in the semifinal and was set to face Yuri Hendrex in the gold round. However, Yuri was unable to fight in the final, so Jefferson rose as the division champion by default.

69kg – Diego Batista vs Dzhimsher Razmadze

Diego “Pato” Batista was like a force of nature in the 69kg division of the ADGS Rome. Arriving as the favorite for the title, Diego had three great victories before he reached the final, the last of which coming via points against the tough Florian Bayili in the semifinal. His opponent in the final would be the Georgian athlete Dzhimsher Razmadze, who had his fair share of rough encounters in the bracket, submitting Thiago Macedo and then outscoring Artur Oliveira in the semis. Unable to compete in the final, Dzhimsher had no choice but to hand over the top spot of the podium to Pato, who won the final and became the champion by default.

77kg – Felipe Ribas vs Luiz Paulo Medeiros

In the blink of an eye, the fight between Felipe and Luiz Paulo had a huge turnaround. Luiz Paulo started ahead on the scoreboard by fearlessly spinning and going up with two points, after pulling guard at the beginning. Meanwhile, Felipe played guard and tried some attacks from the x-guard, eventually managing to spin and go up trying a back take. When Felipe got one of the hooks in, Luiz Paulo spun out of the fight area, prompting the referees to give a penalty for him, while awarding three points to Felipe, two for almost taking the back and another one for going up at the start of his move. Luiz Paulo contested the final score and Felipe ended up taking the win by a 9-2 score.

85kg – Matheus Vetoraci vs Uanderson Ferreira

An exciting fight between two black belts who excel at fighting while standing up. Matheus kicked off the match attempting a takedown on Uanderson but didn’t complete the move, earning only a single point. Uanderson grabbed hold of his opponent’s waist and tried a takedown of his own, but Matheus took advantage of the movement to reach the side with three points, raising the score to 4-0. Uanderson lowered the difference to 4-3 after he reached the side and, when the fight slowed down, both athletes were punished by lack of combativeness. With the score at 5-4 for Matheus, Uanderson attempted another takedown and tied the score at 5-5, but Matheus attacked with an armbar at the very last second of the duel. While Uanderson defended, the referees decided that Matheus’ attack was worth a point due to the danger of submission. Thus, Matheus scored 6-5 to beat the favorite Uanderson for the 85kg division title.

94kg – Luiz Henrique Betta vs Marcos Carrozzino

Another well-balanced duel between the rivals Marcos Carrozzino and Luiz Henrique Betta. Marcos tried to sweep from the guard and Luiz responded with a good cross-choke attempt to tip the balance in his favor on the scoreboard. After a lack of combativeness between both competitors, Betta found enough room to grab Marcos’ waist from the back. Unable to complete the takedown, Luiz Betta jumped on Marcos’ back with a hook near the end of the fight. In the end, Luiz received the advantage for the move and won in a very strategic way, with a 2-1 score.

120kg – Felipe Bezerra vs Jean Maltese

The only local representative in the Professional finals, the Italian Jean Maltese had the rough mission of facing the current ADWPJJC champion Felipe Bezerra. With a solid game, Felipe almost passed and took the back, making it 2-0 on the scoreboard. Up-to-date on defensive moves, Jean avoided the dangerous attack but Felipe tried another pass and took aim at his opponent’s back yet again. Jean managed to defend once more, but Felipe took the win with a 4-0 score and added another high-profile title to his grappling record.

WOMEN’S GI / BROWN / BLACK

49kg – Brenda Larissa vs Diana Teixeira

Brenda Larissa got the better of her rival Diana Thais Teixeira for the 49kg title. After pulling guard, Brenda made a move from half guard to go up, with Diana promptly defended but still losing the lead on the scoreboard to Brenda, who earned a single point for the spin. The duel continued with an intense exchange standing up and Diana took control of the fight’s flow, pulling near the end of the match to sweep, attacking with a triangle, and shifting to an omoplata. Offering no risk of submission, Diana was unable to earn any points for her efforts and Brenda took the title by 1-0.

55kg – Ana Rodrigues vs Beatriz Campos

The reigning champ Ana Rodrigues once again put on a show with her Jiu-Jitsu at the AJP mats. Entering the final against Beatriz Campos, who started ahead on the scoreboard by rising from the double pull, Ana had to use her fearsome lapel adjustment to regain control in the duel. With her opponent’s lapel balled up between her legs, Ana knocked Beatriz off balance and attacked with razor-sharp precision on the foot, submitting to take the 55kg division gold.

62kg – Maria Delahaye vs Julia Alves

Overcoming the odds, Maria Luisa Delahaye got the better of her teammate and AJP multi-champion Julia Alves. After going up from the double pull, Maria spun to take the back, passed the guard, and ended up at Julia’s back. After that, it wasn’t long before Maria had the winning lapel choke in place to seize the title in Rome.

70kg – Ingridd Sousa vs Izadora Silva

Ingridd Sousa won another duel against Izadora Silva on the AJP mats. This time around, Ingridd started ahead on the scoreboard as she pulled and went up. Izadora responded by sweeping from the spider guard, but Ingridd stretched her opponent and managed to go up again, putting pressure to pass and settling the score at 4-2 to become the division champion.

95kg – Yara Soares vs Maria Carolina Vincentini

Yara Soares maintained constant pressure to beat Maria Carolina Vicentini in the 95kg final. After rising from the double pull and opening the score at 1-0, Yara made a good grip on Maria’s pants and put pressure on every inch of her opponent until she managed to pass. With 4-0 on the scoreboard, Yara put her knee on Maria Carolina’s belly without stabilizing to close the score at 5-0 and seize the title.

With another stellar tournament for the books, AJP has successfully added another chapter to the rich history of Rome, bringing some of the most talented athletes to show their prowess in the land that revolutionized sports. Missed out on the action? Just go to TX7.ae and relive the great moments of this weekend. Don’t forget to check us on our social media at @ajptour to watch highlights, learn about upcoming championships, and stay up-to-date on all things AJP!

Held last March 2nd, ADXC 3 was born with the status of a historic event. Being the first edition of the Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship outside the capital of the UAE, the tournament featured a breathtaking card, and one of these duels became even more memorable after its completion: the fight between Rayron Gracie vs Fellipe Andrew.

Not since Roger Gracie vs. Marcus Buchecha in 2017 has there been so much commotion over the entry of a Gracie into a fight. Leaving the mats to enter the cage in his gi, just as Royce Gracie did before when he debuted in the UFC, the underdog Rayron Gracie faced two-time ADWPJJC champion Fellipe Andrew with the responsibility of representing more than 100 years of tradition in Jiu-Jitsu. Marcus Buchecha, six-time ADWPJJC champion, was stopped by Roger’s collar choke. Fellipe, also ADWPJJC champion and also a black belt under Rodrigo Cavaca, just as Buchecha, was also stopped with a choke using the collar, applied by Rayron.

Son of the legendary Ryan Gracie, whose greatest characteristic was his ferocity in fights, Rayron showed a colder and more calculating style, closer to his cousins Roger and Kyra, more distant from his uncles Renzo and Ralph. This distance, however, was just in style. In his duel at ADXC 3, Rayron had the support of the Gracie family, with Renzo, Ralph, Kyra, and Gregor shouting for him on the edge of the cage. Renzo even came up with the right details to complete the victory, minutes before the fight.

Inside the cage, Rayron used his pressure to avoid the dangerous attacks of Fellipe Andrew, known for his game of triangles and attacks on the foot. With firm grips on his pants and applying his weight in the right place, Rayron thwarted Fellipe’s attacks throughout three rounds. In the fourth round, Rayron opened the fight with a takedown, landing with side control and attacking the collar. Renzo shouted from the corner: “Clock choke!”, and Rayron went all out with the classic choke to secure the victory.

“Fellipe is a very well-conditioned athlete”, highlighted Rayron in an interview. “I knew I would only be able to apply my game in the final rounds. Renzo explained the details of this position to me minutes before the fight, but I thought it would be difficult to get this right against Fellipe. Renzo has this gift. He showed a position to Neiman before the ADXC 1, and now it was my turn.”

With the victory over the favorite Fellipe, after a fight full of strategy, the ADXC team spoke to Kyra Gracie, who graduated Rayron with a black belt. The legendary competitor congratulated her pupil and left a message for Rayron’s next challengers.

“It was a very important fight for his career, as he debuted as a black belt this year, in 2024”, highlighted Kyra. “Fellipe Andrew is very tough, but it’s great that Rayron is testing himself against the best, he didn’t get his black belt to hide afterward. Before the fight, they said Rayron was too young for a challenge like that as Fellipe is already a great champion. Fellipe said he would submit Rayron in the first round. Never underestimate a Gracie.”

To review Rayron Gracie’s submission and the other fights that became instant classics in world grappling, visit TX7.ae and check out the ADXC 3 replay.

Henrique Carepa celebrates expansion of the federation on the North American scene.

The expansion of the AJP Tour as a Jiu-Jitsu organization has demonstrated increasing development, promoting Jiu-Jitsu championships around the world, valuing athletes by rewarding them with cash prizes. A part of the organization operating in the United States, AJP USA follows the same methods as the parent company, promoting and encouraging Jiu-Jitsu competition in North American territory. In an interview with VF Comunica, Henrique Carepa, head organizer of AJP USA, talked about the organization’s work in the country.

The United States has established itself as a powerhouse in terms of sporting opportunities, no wonder many Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes dream of living legally in the country to train and compete. According to Henrique, AJP USA differentiates itself by offering competitions that value quality, amidst the huge offer of tournaments in the country. Careful refereeing, athletes’ comfort during the competition and adherence to the schedule are evident qualities in AJP events.

“Here in the United States, if you are an active competitor, you can fight every weekend by driving a few hours from home. There are many organizations offering Gi and No Gi championships, with different rules, but many of them are not committed to quality and, consequently, continuity. AJP has been on the market for many years and is certainly the organization with events in most countries in the world. There is no other international Jiu-Jitsu organization as active as AJP in territories such as South America, Europe, Africa and Asia.”, he highlights.

Henrique Carepa is a professor at Gracie Barra Charleston, a black-belt aware of the huge potential that Jiu-Jitsu has in the country where he lives. Active in the competitive environment since the end of the 90s, he is a key player at AJP in defining strategies and developing the fastest growing federation internationally.

“I have been involved in Jiu-Jitsu competitions since 1999, whether competing or helping to organize events. In 2010, organizing championships and promoting Jiu-Jitsu became my profession. I was able to closely follow the improvement of competitive Jiu-Jitsu. It is already known to everyone that AJP is mainly focused on valuing athletes and seeking to enable them to have a professional career”, he states.

The North American edition of the Grand Slam is scheduled for September this year in Dallas, at the Curtis Culwell Center, a modern arena capable of holding an event of the magnitude of a Grand Slam. According to Henrique Carepa, AJP events will be more frequent in the United States throughout the season, given the potential of this territory.

“I would venture to say that there are more people practicing Jiu-Jitsu in the United States than in Brazil, certainly competing. The United States has the largest sports industry and Jiu-Jitsu is very popular around the world, but here is the residence of most of the world’s top Jiu-Jitsu athletes, who seek high-performance training and the main stages to develop their careers. AJP could not ignore this public. Therefore, we will hold events throughout the year in the United States.”, he anticipates, projecting another year of excellence for the federation.

O último domingo, 3, marcou o encerramento triunfante da BC Fight Week, uma semana repleta de eventos internacionais de Jiu-Jitsu, grappling e MMA, que movimentaram a cidade de Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina. Com cinco eventos ao longo da semana, mais de 15 mil pessoas participaram e acompanharam as competições promovidas por Abu Dhabi em parceria com a prefeitura local.

A BC Fight Week culminou com duas atrações imperdíveis: as categorias profissionais do AJP South America, durante o dia, e o UAE Warriors 48, à noite.

AJP South America: Destaque para o Potiguar Felipe Bezerra

No AJP South America, o destaque foi para o potiguar Felipe Bezerra. O atual campeão do World Pro provou estar em uma ótima fase e conquistou a vitória nas categorias até 120kg e na categoria absoluta. O jovem Pedro Silva também brilhou ao vencer Lucas Protásio na final do absoluto leve, conquistando a revanche após uma derrota na categoria até 77kg. Entre as mulheres, Maria Luisa Delahaye finalizou Júlia Alves na final do absoluto leve, enquanto Yara Nascimento venceu Isabely Lemos com uma americana de pé no último minuto de luta.

“Foi um fim de semana incrível, conquistei quatro medalhas de ouro. Categoria e absoluto no dia dos masters, e repeti o feito nos profissionais. Estou vivendo um momento incrível na minha carreira, só tenho a agradecer a todos que torcem por mim e aos meus companheiros pelos treinos duríssimos. E fica aqui minha gratidão a AJP pelo reconhecimento e o cuidado aos atletas. O evento foi incrível”, exaltou Bezerra.

Além da premiação em dinheiro, os campeões do absoluto garantiram vaga e a passagem para o AJP Grand Slam do Rio de Janeiro, em julho. O evento é um dos principais do circuito de Abu Dhabi e reúne grandes nomes do Jiu-Jitsu internacional.

UAE Warriors 48: Noite de Emoções e Superações

O UAE Warriors 48, realizado à noite, teve como grande destaque o brasileiro Lucas Pereira, natural de Balneário Camboriú. Com a torcida a seu favor, Pereira enfrentou momentos desafiadores contra o uruguaio Leandro Aranguren, mas demonstrou uma incrível capacidade de superação e alcançou a vitória por nocaute, levando o público ao delírio.

“É um dos dias mais especiais da minha vida. Pode lutar em casa, sentir o calor dessa torcida e ser capaz de retribuir com uma grande vitória é uma sensação única”, celebrou Lucas.

Na co-luta principal, Carlos Leal e Marcio Breno protagonizaram uma verdadeira guerra, com Carlos conseguindo a vitória por nocaute. Na luta mais aguardada da noite, Rafael Silva “Morcego” enfrentou o peruano Vicente Vargas, que venceu por nocaute técnico após um primeiro round intenso.

A BC Fight Week foi um sucesso absoluto, consolidando Balneário Camboriú como um importante polo para eventos de artes marciais mistas e jiu-jitsu no Brasil. O público presente testemunhou espetáculos de alto nível e emocionantes disputas ao longo da semana, consolidando o evento como um marco no calendário esportivo da região.

A fera Isaac Doederlein em ação no AJP em Abu Dhabi em 2023. Foto: Divulgação/AJP

Mais de 1.500 atletas de 15 países diferentes são esperados para os três dias de South American Continental, evento organizado pelo Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP), nesta sexta, sábado e domingo, em Balneário Camboriú, no espetacular litoral de Santa Catarina.

A competição é uma das atrações da BC Fight Week, semana dedicada ao Jiu-Jitsu, judô, grappling e MMA na cidade catarinense, em parceria com a prefeitura da cidade.

“É com entusiasmo que transformamos Balneário Camboriú na capital da luta”, destacou o prefeito de Balneário Camboriú, Fabrício Oliveira. “Durante a BC Fight Week, trazemos a inclusão social, apresentando diversas modalidades de artes marciais para os jovens de nossa cidade, mostrando o benefício do esporte na vida deles. Também damos espaço para grandes eventos de nível mundial, como o AJP South America Continental, o ADXC e o Warriors, que colocam ainda mais Balneário Camboriú no mapa do mundo”.

Pelo terceiro ano consecutivo tendo Balneário Camboriú como palco, o South American Continental é uma seletiva para o torneio mundial da AJP que reúne competidores profissionais (adultos das faixas roxo, marrom e preta), masters, amadores (faixas branca e azul) e aspirantes (crianças e adolescentes).

Entre os inscritos constam nomes como Luan Carvalho e Fábio Pulita. Além da premiação em dinheiro, que varia de US$ 400 a US$ 1.000 (cerca de R$ 2 mil e R$ 5 mil) para os campeões do peso aberto, a competição também dará pontos para o ranking da temporada da AJP.

“Estamos muito animados em estar aqui em Balneário pelo terceiro ano consecutivo. O South America está cada vez maior, esse ano temos lutadores vindo da China, Estados Unidos, Cazaquistão, Bélgica, e mais outros 12 países”, afirma Elias Eberhardt, organizador do AJP South America Continental no Brasil. “Isso é fruto de todo o esforço feito por Abu Dhabi para alavancar essa parceria e fazer com que o Jiu-Jitsu ganhe cada vez mais notoriedade internacional”.

O South American Continental Pro é apenas um dos eventos englobados pela BC Fight Week, festival de lutas idealizado por Abu Dhabi e Prefeitura de Balneário Camboriú, que teve início nesta terça-feira (27).

Ao longo da semana também serão realizados treinos e workshops para atletas profissionais e alunos de projetos sociais ligados à Fundação Municipal de Esportes de Balneário Camboriú. No sábado (2) acontece a 3ª edição do ADXC, a primeira fora de Abu Dhabi, com alguns dos melhores lutadores de grappling do mundo. Já no domingo, encerrando a BC Fight Week, será realizada a 48ª edição do evento de MMA UAE Warriors.

O intuito deste megaevento transcende o esporte, causando um impacto super positivo para a economia da região através do turismo. “A gente já está saindo na fase de alta temporada aqui em Balneário, então a vinda desses eventos para cá são muito importantes para a cidade porque movimenta a rede hoteleira. Hoje, estamos com quase 80% de ocupação, o que é muito bom para esse período”, revela Thiago Velasques, secretário de turismo de Balneário Camboriú.

Confira abaixo a programação:

Local: Expocentro, Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina 29/02- Jiu-Jitsu and Judô

Day 01/03 a 03/03- AJP SOUTH AMERICA 02/03

ADXC- Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship 03/02 – UAE Warriors 48

Uanderson Ferreira celebrates his victory. Photo by AJP

After an extraordinary Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, with over seven thousand athletes competing in the capital of the UAE, the season that began last year finally came to a close. From 2022 to 2023, the AJP made Jiu-Jitsu a highlight around the globe, reaching six continents and historical milestones with its events.

During the last season, the organization welcomed over 123 thousand athletes in its tournaments, which in turn took place in 115 cities across 65 different countries. Fighting for those precious ranking points, competitors left their home countries and broke new ground with AJP, totalizing over 160 nationalities present in our events, proving once and for all how global Jiu-Jitsu has become.

In the sport’s relentless advance through the world’s most prominent capitals and cities, all of which continuously evolve in the competitive scene, AJP has not only met athletes and professors but also new gyms and teams. Over six thousand teams worldwide registered to fight with us, each one ready to fight for glory and the improvement of the martial art.

For our next season, the AJP team is aiming even higher for its numbers, with plans to reach new cities and welcome both newcomers and veterans of the sport, all with a single goal in mind: to tell the world that Jiu-Jitsu will show you your best form and that competition will shape that form into reality.

Don’t miss the new and exciting season 2023-2024, which has already begun. Check out our calendar on AJPTour.com, choose your next tournament, and fight knowing that you’ll be stepping onto a big stage and putting on a great show alongside Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro, the well-known AJP.

The Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship (ADXC) arrives with an impressive card for its debut edition, on October 20th at the Mubadala Arena. The most prominent grappling athletes in the world will step into the cage set up in the center of the gym, with the main fight of the evening featuring two MMA stars who have Jiu-Jitsu as a strong foundation in their careers. In the last bout of the event, black belts Neiman Gracie and Ben Henderson will face each other.

ADGS Miami is scheduled for September 16th and 17th. Photo by AJP

As a luxury warm-up for the awaited Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, a big challenge draws closer in the AJP calendar. Scheduled for September 16th and 17th, the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour Miami bears the promise of a great Jiu-Jitsu show with renowned athletes already set to compete in it. On the first day of the competition, the experienced Masters heat up the mats with their knowledge of the gentle art. Then, on the second and last day, the Professional category takes the stage to put on a spectacle of its own for the fans at the arena, and those who will follow the event live on AJPTour.tv.

The location is a big part of the tournament’s allure. While the competition itself will take place in the spacious Watsco Center, providing all its comfort to athletes and fans alike, the warm weather of the Floridian summer and the pristine Miami beaches add to the overall experience, making this one of the most tantalizing AJP tournaments this year. That’s not to mention the many other attractions that the city offers to its visitors, such as natural parks and exciting nightlife.

Another key aspect of the ADGS Miami is the points. Athletes looking to rise through their respective rankings should not miss this opportunity, as the event offers its headliners 2000 points. This means that, apart from the experience to be gained by facing some of the toughest fighters in the sport, each champion will receive a considerable boost in their journey toward the top of the AJP leaderboards.

Among the heavy hitters registered to compete in Miami, we have names like Ronaldo Junior, Roosevelt Sousa, Julia Alves, Marcos Carrozinno, Ingridd Alves, Ricardo Evangelista, Isadora Silva, Pedro Pimenta “Bombom”, Jhonathan Pessanha “Moicano”, and other elite athletes.

So don’t waste any more time and start planning your trip to Miami. Enjoy the local climate, test your skills among the best in the world, and shoot for the stars on the AJP ranking. Click here and register now for the ADGS Miami!

Uanderson Ferreira celebra vitória no Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Rio de Janeiro. Foto: Divulgação/AJP

O último dia do Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu no Rio de Janeiro impressionou o público presente na Arena Carioca 1, neste domingo, 11 de junho, com o mais alto nível do Jiu-Jitsu internacional. Com a medalha de ouro em jogo, mais de mil atletas estiveram em ação em busca do topo. Nomes conhecidos, veteranos da AJP e até mesmo rostos promissores subiram aos tatames com um único objetivo em mente: tornar-se um campeão do ADGS.

As disputas pela faixa-preta tomaram conta das cinco áreas de luta no terceiro dia, com as finais servindo como encerramento do torneio e proporcionando ao público presente na arena, e àqueles que assistiram ao evento ao vivo pelo AJP.tv, um espetáculo ainda maior.

Confira abaixo os destaques de cada categoria e, para ver os resultados completos, clique aqui!

MASCULINO FAIXA-PRETA

56kg – Oziel Carvalho x Faris Kashmeeri

Oziel levou o ouro em casa num duelo técnico contra o saudita Faris. Oziel pontuou primeiro ao subir na puxada dupla. O combate voltou em pé e Oziel puxou. Faris tentou passar no final da luta, mas Oziel aproveitou a oportunidade para subir e marcar outro ponto. o popular “Zizi” venceu por 2 a 0 para conquistar o ouro no Grand Slam.

62kg – Leonardo Mario vs. Wagner Chrispim

Leonardo e Wagner proporcionaram um combate intenso. Leonardo começou por cima, pressionando a meia-guarda de Wagner. Depois de soltar a perna da meia-guarda, Leonardo escorregou direto para as costas e finalizou com um mata-leão para conquistar a vitória. Além da vitória, Leonardo assumiu o topo do ranking da divisão até 62kg.

69kg – Alessandro Botelho vs. Matheus Onda

Atleta da Melqui Galvão Jiu-Jitsu, Alessandro “Cavalo” Botelho mostrou muita garra ao vencer Matheus Onda na final dos 69kg. Matheus puxou para a guarda e subiu com boas pegadas para abrir o placar em 2 a 0. Alessandro então montou uma guarda de uma perna só e usou o gancho para subir na perna única com a lapela, indo para baixo para completar a raspagem. Matheus atacou com uma chave omoplata e Alessandro lutou por alguns minutos, até se livrar da tentativa de finalização e marcar dois pontos na inversão, empatando o combate em 2 a 2. Como foi o último a pontuar, Alessandro levou a vitória e o ouro na categoria 69kg.

77kg – Luiz Paulo Medeiros vs. Leandro Souza

Um duelo agitado entre Luiz e Leandro. Luiz Paulo puxou, Leandro respondeu com uma tentativa de estrangulamento em laço, e Luiz aproveitou a oportunidade para subir com 2 a 0 no placar. Luiz então quebrou as pegadas e se desvencilhou, colocando pressão por cima para passar, acertar a lateral e garantir mais um ponto. Ele fechou o placar em 3 a 0 com a medalha de ouro.

85kg – Uanderson Ferreira vs. Pedro Silva

Uanderson e Pedro se enfrentaram na explosiva final da categoria até 85kg. Pedro abriu o placar com uma tentativa de estrangulamento em laço, que Uanderson prontamente defendeu, mas que ainda colocou o primeiro à frente por 1 a 0. Uanderson atacou o braço e empatou o placar. Em seguida, uma raspagem para cada lado colocou o placar em 3 a 3, com Uanderson por cima. Ele então marcou novamente perto do final ao quase passar a guarda, para vencer por 4 a 3 em sua cidade natal.

 

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94kg – Marcos Carrozzino vs. Vinicius Liberati

Destaque no topo do ranking da AJP, Marcos Carrozzino retornou à sua terra natal depois de dominar a Europa, com o objetivo de conquistar o ouro no ADGS Rio. Na final, contra Vinicius Liberati, Marcos começou por cima e recebeu um ponto, depois que Vinicius foi punido por uma pegada por dentro da calça. Marcos trabalhou com segurança por cima e sustentou o placar para boletar o ouro.

120kg – Yatan Bueno vs. Luis Oliveira

Yatan Bueno e Luis “Cantareira” Oliveira fizeram a última luta do dia. Luis puxou para a guarda e Yatan se projetou para o lado em busca de uma brecha para passar. Quando alcançou o controle lateral, sem apontar para a passagem, Yatan foi direto para as costas e estrangulou Luis com um ataque letal. 

 

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FEMININO MARROM/PRETA

49kg – Eliana Carauni vs. Brenda Larissa

A argentina Eliana Carauni levou a melhor sobre a campeã do AJP World Pro e favorita da divisão, Brenda Larissa. Em um duelo disputado nos mínimos detalhes, tanto no tempo regulamentar quanto no golden score, Eliana derrotou sua adversária ao convencer os árbitros de que foi mais eficiente durante toda a luta, e ficou com o ouro na decisão dos jurados.

Eliana Carauni derrotou Brenda Larissa. Foto: Divulgação/AJP

 55kg – Beatriz Campos vs. Evellyn Azevedo

Recém-promovida à faixa-marrom, Beatriz puxou para a guarda laçada no começo e rapidamente girou para subir. Evelyn atacou com o pé durante o giro e diminuiu para 2 a 1. Beatriz então marcou mais um ponto na tentativa de passar a guarda e fechou o placar em 3 a 1, e foi coroada no campeonato.

62kg – Vitória Vieira vs. Maria Luiza Delahaye

Vitória foi o grande nome da categoria até 62kg. Em um embate contra Maria Delahaye, Vitória puxou a perna da adversária para a guarda 50/50 e subiu com segurança. Por cima, Vitória investiu num bote letal na chave americana de pé para garantir o título por finalização.

70kg – Ingridd Sousa x Thalyta Silva

Thalyta  para a guarda fechada logo no começo. Ingridd escapou, mas Thalyta mudou perigosamente da guarda laço para a guarda aranha. Thalyta, então, entrou em uma perna só e acidentalmente balançou a perna para fora da linha central do corpo de Ingridd, sobre o joelho dela, o que é classificado como um movimento ilegal. Thalyta foi desclassificada e Ingridd levou o ouro na categoria 70 kg.

 95kg – Isabely Lemos vs. Roberta Ribeiro

Com apenas alguns dias na faixa marrom, Isabely conseguiu chegar à final da categoria marrom/preta 95kg. No duelo contra Roberta Ribeiro, que tentou puxar a guarda desde o início, Isabely aproveitou a oportunidade para girar e evitar uma queda na double-leg, e deixou o placar em 1 a 0. Com um movimento rápido, Isabelly pegou as costas e atacou com um  estrangulamento de gola. Roberta não resistiu a pressão e foi finalizada.

 

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Uanderson Ferreira celebrates his victory. Photo by AJP

The last day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu in Rio de Janeiro gifted the crowd at the Arena Carioca 1 this Sunday, June 11th, with the highest level of international Jiu-Jitsu. With the gold medal on the line, over a thousand athletes stepped onto the battlefield to fight for glory and renown. Well-known names, AJP veterans, and even brand-new faces stepped up to the mats with a singular goal in mind: to become an ADGS Champion.

The black belt matches took over the five fight areas on the third day, with the finals acting as a closer to the tournament and providing the crowd at the arena, and those that watched the event live at AJP.tv, with an even greater spectacle.

Check the lines below for the highlights of each category, and for the complete results, click here!

MEN’S GI / BLACK / PROFESSIONAL

56kg – Oziel Carvalho vs. Faris Kashmeeri
Oziel took the gold at home in a technical duel against Saudi Faris. Oziel scored first by going up on the double pull. The combat returned to its feet and Oziel pulled. Faris tried to pass at the end of the fight, but Oziel took the opportunity to go up and score another point, closing the score at 2-0 to take the Grand Slam gold.

62kg – Leonardo Mario vs. Wagner Chrispim
An intense duel between Leonardo and Wagner. Leonardo started on top, putting pressure on Wagner’s half-guard. After releasing the leg from the half-guard, Leonardo slipped straight to the back and locked a rear naked choke to take the win. A submission and top of the ranking for Leonardo Mario.

69kg – Alessandro Botelho vs. Matheus Onda

An athlete from Melqui Galvão Jiu-Jitsu, Alessandro “Cavalo” Botelho showed a lot of grit when he beat Matheus Onda in the 69kg final. Matheus pulled guard and went up with good grips to open the score at 2-0. Alessandro then put on a one-leg guard and used the hook to get up on the single-leg with the lapel, going down to complete the sweep. Matheus attacked with an omoplata lock and Alessandro struggled for a few minutes, until he got rid of the submission attempt and scored two points from the inversion, tying the match at 2-2. Being the last to score, Alessandro took the victory and the gold in the 69kg division.

77kg – Luiz Paulo Medeiros vs. Leandro Souza
A hectic duel between Luiz and Leandro. Luiz Paulo pulled, Leandro responded with an attempted loop choke, and Luiz seized the opportunity to go up with 2-0 on the scoreboard. Luiz then broke the grips and decoupled, putting pressure on top to pass, hit the side, and secure another point, closing the score at 3-0 with the gold medal.

85kg – Uanderson Ferreira vs. Pedro Silva
Uanderson and Pedro clashed in the explosive final round of the 85kg division. Pedro opened the scoreboard with a loop choke attempt, which Uanderson promptly defended, but that still put the former ahead by 1-0. Uanderson attacked the arm tying the score, and sweep for each side put the scoreboard at 3-3, with Uanderson on top. He then scored again close to the end, almost passing the guard, to win by 4-3 in his hometown. 

 

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94kg – Marcos Carrozzino vs. Vinicius Liberati
Featured at the top of the AJP rankings, Marcos Carrozzino returned to his motherland after dominating in Europe, putting his sights set on the ADGS Rio gold. In the final, against Vinicius Liberati, Marcos started on top and received a point, after Vinicius was punished for an inside-pants grip. Marcos worked safely on top and kept the winning score at 1-0.

120kg – Yatan Bueno vs. Luis Oliveira
Yatan Bueno and Luis “Cantareira” Oliveira had the last fight of the day, with Luis pulling guard and Yatan gunning for the side, looking for a space to pass. When he reached the side control, without pointing for the pass, Yatan went straight to the back and strangled Luis in one go, taking both the win and the division gold.

 

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WOMEN’S GI / BROWN / BLACK / PROFESSIONAL

49kg – Eliana Carauni vs. Brenda Larissa
Argentina’s Eliana Carauni got the better of AJP World Pro Champion and division favorite Brenda Larissa. In a duel disputed to the smallest detail, both in regulation time and in the golden score, Eliana defeated her opponent by convincing the referees that she was more effective throughout the fight, taking the gold via decision.

Eliana Carauni defeated Brenda Larissa. Photo by AJP

55kg – Beatriz Campos vs. Evellyn Azevedo
Beatriz started the fight pulling to a lasso-guard and quickly spun to climb up. Evelyn attacked with her foot during the spin, putting the match at 2-1. Beatriz then scored one more point in the attempt to pass the guard and closed the scoreboard at 3-1 to take the division title.

62kg – Vitoria Vieira vs. Maria Luiza Delahaye
Vitória was the big name in the 62kg division. In a duel against Maria Delahaye, Vitória pulled her opponent’s leg to the 50/50 guard and climbed safely. On top, Vitória spun aiming at Maria’s foot, attacking with a toehold to secure the title via submission.

70kg – Ingridd Sousa vs. Thalyta Silva
Thalyta opened the fight by pulling to a closed guard. Ingridd escaped, but Thalyta dangerously switched from lasso-guard to spider-guard. Thalyta then entered the one-leg and accidentally swung her leg off the centerline of Ingridd’s body, over her knee, which is classified as an illegal move. Thalyta was disqualified and Ingridd took gold in the 70kg division.

95kg – Isabely Lemos vs. Roberta Ribeiro
With just a few days as a brown belt, Isabely managed to climb all the way to the brown/black 95kg final. In the duel against Roberta Ribeiro, who tried to pull guard from the get-go, Isabely seized the opportunity to spin and avoid a fall in the double-leg, leaving the score at 1-0 and controlling from behind Roberta, who used the turtle position to defend herself. With a quick move, Isabelly jumped for a collar choke, taking the win and the division title.

 

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