United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Federation Hosts Grand Slam Event in Los Angeles

UAE team takes home 8 gold medals in competition featuring teams from 32 countries

Los Angeles, CA (9 November 2015) – The United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) hosted the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam tour at Azusa Pacific University in Los Angeles. The UAE team competed against some of the world’s top jiu-jitsu fighters and brought home eight gold, three silver and two bronze medals.

Among the UAE winners, Yahia Mansour won the gold medal in the men’s brown belt master 1 94 kg division, while Mohammed Al Qubaisi took silver in the men’s brown belt master 1 77kg division.

“I’m proud of the UAE team’s hard work and the positive image and message it is sending to the world through jiu-jitsu,” said His Excellency Abdulla Alsaboosi, Consul General of the UAE in Los Angeles, who attended the Grad Slam event. “It’s an honor for the UAE to host such an event that brings together athletes from around the world in a spirit of sportsmanship and healthy competition.”

The competition drew over 420 entries in 70 different weight and belt categories for both men and women. Some of the world’s top jiu-jitsu competitors participated, including open weight world champion Mackenzie Dern, who took gold in the women’s brown-black belt 62 kg division.

“The UAE team did their country proud in the United States, showing the world what can be achieved through sheer passion and tenacity. We look forward to seeing what the future holds as Abu Dhabi Grand Slam serves up yet more thrills and spills in Brazil,” said His Excellency Abdulmunam Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

The event was made possible by support from the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), as well as Abu Dhabi Media and Etihad Airways.

 “As an official partner and strategic sponsor of the UAEJJF we support all efforts to elevate the sport of jiu-jitsu to world-class standards through the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam,” said His Excellency Suhail Mohammed Al Mazroui, Managing Director of IPIC. “The Los Angeles tour provides an excellent opportunity to develop the skills of athletes through participation in an international platform.”

“Etihad Airways is very honored to have been an official partner with the UAE Jiu-jitsu Federation for the past few years and even more so to be partnered yet again with the UAE Jiu-jitsu Federation for the next two seasons as part of our increased support to the federation,” said Hareb Mubarak Al Muhairy, Etihad Airways Senior Vice President for Corporate and International Affairs.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam is open to all nationalities and comprises four major events, being held in Tokyo, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro and London and bringing in athletes from 32 different countries. Winners in the various categories receive points that will be tallied up across the multi-stage Grand Slam competition. Prize money awarded ranges from $500 to $2,000 in several of the top categories.

The next edition will take place in Rio de Janeiro’s HSBC Arena, and the fourth edition will be at the ExCel London. The contest will conclude with the Abu Dhabi World Pro, to be held in the UAE.