Top Champions Honoured at Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards 2025

On Sunday, Mubadala Arena hosted the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards 2025, recognizing 20 exceptional athletes from various segments of the sport. This event marked the conclusion of the 17th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, which spanned eleven days and attracted over 10,000 competitors from 130 nations. The championship received the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the UAE's leadership. He emphasized that the unwavering support from the nation's authorities has allowed jiu-jitsu to develop into a comprehensive sports ecosystem within the UAE. This transformation cultivates essential values such as discipline, resilience, patience, and confidence among the youth.

The ceremony commenced with accolades for the top Emirati athletes of the 2025 season. In the Under 16 category, Sara Farook was named Best Emirati Female Athlete, while Hazza Alkaabi took the title for Best Emirati Male Athlete. In the Under 18 group, Aysha Aljneibi was awarded Best Emirati Female Athlete and Obaid Alketbi was recognized as Best Emirati Male Athlete. In the adult category, Shamma Al Kalbani and Saeed Alkubaisi were the recipients of the Best Emirati Female and Male Athlete awards, respectively, showcasing remarkable dedication and skill.

After receiving her accolade, Aysha Aljneibi expressed her elation, acknowledging her hard work throughout the season. She noted that this recognition inspires her to train harder and aspire for higher achievements in future competitions. She also expressed gratitude to her federation, coach, and family for their steadfast support.

The event also saw international academies being honored. Gracie Barra International was awarded Best International Academy in the youth category. A significant highlight unfolded when Commando Group secured three awards within a single season, being recognized as the Best International Academy across the Amateur, Masters, and Professionals sectors, marking a historic achievement.

The awards also spotlighted continental champions worldwide. Ahmed Al Oraibi was named Best Athlete in Africa, while Nikki Lloyd Griffith took the accolade in Oceania. Laurie de Oliveira was awarded Best Athlete in Europe, and in North and Central America, Thiago Macedo earned this honor. South America’s accolade went to Yara Nascimento, and Nurzhan Batyrbekov was bestowed with the title of Best Athlete in Asia. These awards highlight the extensive reach and competitiveness of the sport globally.

In the international categories, David Fernandes was celebrated as Best Rookie Athlete, while Thiago Marques was deemed the Best Athlete in the Masters category. Yara Nascimento was acknowledged as the Best Female Athlete in the Brown/Black Belt category, and Lucas Protásio was named Best Male Athlete Black Belt, confirming his exceptional performance throughout the 2025 season. In total, 20 awards were distributed across various divisions.

Feeling proud of her accomplishments, Yara Nascimento acknowledged that her success stemmed from a full season of diligence and learning. She conveyed gratitude to her coach and teammates for their unwavering support, expressing her ambition to continue enhancing her performance in upcoming competitions.

Lucas Protásio remarked that every season brings new lessons and experiences that contribute to an athlete's growth. He expressed gratitude for the support received and took pride in concluding the year with such recognition.

A special Humanity Award was presented to Advance Ambulance Services for their essential role in supporting athlete health and safety, truly reflecting the embodiment of sportsmanship and care.

The ceremony concluded with acknowledgments for key partners and supporting organizations that played vital roles in the upliftment of jiu-jitsu over the year. Their contributions have significantly enhanced the sport both locally and internationally, ensuring the success of the championship.