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| (Image Source: Jiu-Jitsu Magazine/UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation) |
The Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards 2025 brought an inspiring close to the seventeenth edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship last November 23, 2025, honoring 20 standout athletes, academies, and partners at the prestigious Mubadala Arena. The ceremony capped an 11-day event featuring more than 10,000 athletes from over 130 countries, held under the patronage of Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince and Abu Dhabi Executive Council Chairman His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The night celebrated national champions, global icons, and rising stars while highlighting the UAE’s continued leadership in shaping the global landscape of jiu-jitsu.
UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation Chairman and Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union President Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi expressed gratitude to the leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), emphasizing that continuous support has elevated jiu-jitsu into a complete ecosystem that builds discipline, confidence, and resilience in the next generation. The ceremony began by honoring outstanding UAE athletes who distinguished themselves during the 2025 season:
• Best Emirati Female Athlete U16: Sara Farook
• Best Emirati Male Athlete U16: Hazza Alkaabi
• Best Emirati Female Athlete U18: Aysha Aljneibi
• Best Emirati Male Athlete U18: Obaid Alketbi
• Best Emirati Female Athlete (Adults): Shamma Al Kalbani
• Best Emirati Male Athlete (Adults): Saeed Alkubaisi
Aysha Aljneibi reflected on her milestone moment, saying, “I worked hard throughout the season to improve my level… This award gives me even more motivation to reach the podium in upcoming championships.” The international academy awards highlighted global excellence with Commando Group being hailed as Best International Academy in the Amateur, Masters, and Professionals divisions — a historic first for the organization — and Gracie Barra International was named Best International Academy in the Youth division.
On the other hand, six elite athletes were honored as the continent’s best: Ahmed Al Oraibi (Africa), Nikki Lloyd Griffith (Oceania), Laurie de Oliveira (Europe), Thiago Macedo (North and Central America), Yara Nascimento (South America), and Nurzhan Batyrbekov (Asia). Nascimento, who also earned the Best Female Athlete (Brown/Black Belt) award, said, “This reflects a full season of hard work… My success is a team effort.” Best Male Black Belt Athlete Lucas Protásio shared, “Every season teaches you something new… I am proud to finish the year as the Best Black Belt Athlete.” David Fernandes won Best Rookie Athlete while Thiago Marques was hailed as the Best Masters Athlete. Finally, the Humanity Award was presented to Advance Ambulance Services, applauding their essential role in athlete safety. Key partners and supporting organizations — including Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Mubadala Investment Company, ADNOC, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Sky News Arabia, and others — were honored for their vital contributions to the growth of jiu-jitsu nationally and globally.
The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2025 once again reinforced Abu Dhabi’s status as the global capital of jiu-jitsu. With record participation, historic milestones, and rising stars representing over 130 countries, the Awards ceremony provided the perfect ending to a groundbreaking year for the sport.
