Commando Group ended the AJP Tour UAE National Jiu-Jitsu National Championship atop the standings ©UAEJJF

Commando Group has secured top spot in the Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu Pro (AJP) Tour United Arab Emirates National Championship, while Baniyas and Al Jazira rounded out the podium in second and third, respectively.

Commando Group was represented by more than 200 athletes in various categories in amateur and professional tournaments at the Zayed Sports City's Mubadala Arena in the Emirati capital.

"We have a strong squad of local fighters and South American athletes who rank among the best in the world," said Commando Group coach Christian Lara.

"These tournaments hold exceptional importance for them as they allow them to earn points that enhance their rankings and give them priority in participating in major upcoming events, especially the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship."

Up to 1000 AJP ranking points were available to athletes in each weight class, which is credited for the large turnout ©UAEJJF
Up to 1000 AJP ranking points were available to athletes in each weight class, which is credited for the large turnout ©UAEJJF

The event had 1000 AJP ranking points on offer in each weight category which the organisers feel is the main reason why a high number of competitors participated.

Sultan Alhosani from Al Wahda Club believes the competition will bring him closer to attaining a black belt in the sport.

"I participated in this tournament as it provides an excellent opportunity for me to improve my ranking and test my skills before competing in upcoming international tournaments," the brown belt said following victory in the men's under-69-kilogram event.

"I am very pleased to have added 1000 points to my score, and I am eager to earn more in the days ahead."

The event saw the presence of Asian Ju-Jitsu Union President and UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation Abdel Moneim Al Hashemi and senior vice-president of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri.

The UAE's capital city Abu Dhabi hosted the event at the Mubadala Arena in its Zayed Sports City ©UAEJJF
The UAE's capital city Abu Dhabi hosted the event at the Mubadala Arena in its Zayed Sports City ©UAEJJF

"The AJP Tour UAE National Jiu-Jitsu Championship successfully provided a platform for a distinguished group of professionals holding black, brown, and purple belts to showcase their skills on the mat and compete at the highest levels," said Mansour Al Dhaheri, Board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation Board which organised the event.

"The Championship also showcased emerging talents in the kids and youth categories, who represent the future of the sport.  

"The Championship also offered amateurs an opportunity to grow and steadily advance in their journey towards professionalism.

"These efforts align with the Federation's vision of establishing a strong foundation of athletes capable of excelling both locally and globally."