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New Abu Dhabi Grand Slam season to begin in July at Tokyo

Denzil Pinto

14:28 21/06/2018

The new Abu Dhabi Grand Slam season will begin next month in Tokyo, one of five cities on the 2018-19 season.

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) announced details of the new campaign on Thursday for their competition, which will be held across four continents. As well as Tokyo, Los Angeles (September 22-23), Rio De Janeiro (November 16-18), Abu Dhabi (February 7-9) and London (March 9-10) will also be hosting their own legs.

Abdulmunam Al Hashemi, chairman of the UAEJJF, president of Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union and senior vice-president of Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, said: “These five host cities are a key part of UAEJJF’s international expansion strategy.

“The demand and growth from our fans to continue to bring live events to these cities has been overwhelming, and with the vast potential these markets hold for us, we are delighted once again to bring the most prestigious jiu-jitsu world tour back to Tokyo, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, Abu Dhabi and London.”

The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam will have a combined cash prize of more than $800,000 and is open to all nationalities with world rankings also on offer.

The top three academies will also receive cash prizes in each host city and top ranked athletes will receive prizes at the end of the season according to the UAEJJF World Rankings system.

Now in its fourth edition, the competition has gone from strength to strength not only in competitors but TV viewers.

“Last season the Grand Slam was watched by more than 11 million fans around the world through our 18 broadcast partners in more than 100 countries,” said Fahad Al Shamsi, chief executive officer of UAEJJF.

“With invaluable support and inspiration from 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, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has become the largest Jiu-Jitsu content provider in the world.”

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