Shanghai:China took the lead on the first day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu Championship held in Shanghai, scheduled for October 17-18 as part of the 2026-2027 season.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event, organized by the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP), has drawn significant international participation, with male and female athletes from various countries competing. The opening day featured competitions across multiple divisions, including kids, juniors, youth, and masters, showcasing the sport's international growth and the championship's expanding influence in Asia.
China topped the national rankings with 586,200 points, while Russia and Mongolia followed with 90,000 and 74,000 points, respectively, as reported on the championship's official platform. In the academy rankings, Bushido China took first place with 67,200 points, with Shanghai BJJ Academy and Brazil's Gracie Barra International coming in second and third.
The Shanghai event is the final Abu Dhabi Grand Slam of 2026, drawing around 1,300 athletes from 50 countries, including 150 black belt competitors, underscoring its importance on the global jiu-jitsu calendar. Tariq Al Bahri, General Manager of AJP, highlighted the championship's success in attracting worldwide athletes and Abu Dhabi's role in promoting jiu-jitsu globally.
Al Bahri remarked on the impressive international progress of jiu-jitsu, particularly in Asia, noting that the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam has become a crucial platform for athletes of various nationalities and ages to compete and gain valuable experience. The championship will conclude on Sunday with amateur and professional competitions, where elite athletes will vie for medals and improved positions in the AJP world rankings.