First Abu Dhabi Pro. Photo by Luca Atalla

In a festive mood for the Soccer World Cup draw, the party in South Africa raged on, as this Saturday the country hosts the African qualifiers for the 2^nd Abu Dhabi Pro Jiu-Jitsu Cup, in Johannesburg. (Click here for more information).

One week from now, on December 12, it will be Europe’s first time to hold tryouts for the tournament, in England. Around 300 athletes will participate, with an estimated 800 spectators, and is organized by black belts Ze Marcello Rodrigues, Adu Dhabi Pro representative in Europe, and Jude Samuel, one of the most active organizers and encouragers of the sport in the United Kingdon.

“We would like to invite all Jiu-Jitsu lovers and the general public to show up for the event and take part in the great trajectory of our sport, supporting Jiu-Jitsu so it may one day become and Olympic event,” says Fernando Paradeda, one of the Abu Dhabi Pro’s directors.

Set up in the Dartford Judo Club, training center for the British judo team in the county of Kent, the tryouts are sponsored by Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed and Atama Kimonos.

Check out the timetable for the event, starting on the 9^th: www.abudhabi-pro.co.uk.