The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tour series is the Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu Pro’s premiere, globe-trotting tournament circuit. The Grand Slam series travels through Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Abu Dhabi, and ends in London.
This year, the UAEJJF ran Grand Slam London as a closed event, to minimize the potential spread of the Coronavirus. Competitors were allowed to bring one person to join them at the event.
According to the UAEJJF, “This decision aligns with the Federation’s commitment to embody the values of the sport of jiu-jitsu and provide an exceptional experience to all athletes, audience, and partners.”
Grand Slam Results
Despite the restricted attendance, Grand Slam London still managed thrilling results. Overall, competitors earned a combined 92 gold medals, 91 silver medals, and 82 bronze medals.
With the Grand Slam London results in, the number one ranked team, is currently Checkmat International.
Black Belts
According to AJP, “The adult black belt division for men and the adult brown/black belt division for women were once again the highlight of the program.”
For male black belts, the first place winners were:
Francisco Jonas Andrade (56kg)
Diego Pato (62kg)
Gabriel Sousa (69kg)
Max Lindblad (77kg)
Jakub Zajkowski (85kg)
Adam Wardzinski (94kg)
Thiago Sá (120kg)
In the 94kg division, Jackson Sousa and Adam Wardzinski fought through opposite sides of the bracket, only to meet each other in the finals. Wardzinski managed to win the division with a 5-4 lead over Sousa.
For female black/brown belt, the first place winners were:
Brenda Larissa (49kg)
Ana Rodrigues (55kg)
Ffion Davies (62kg)
Thamara Silva (70kg)
Gabrieli Pessanha (95kg)
The finals of the 62kg division pitted Ffion Davies against Julia Mael. Despite her best efforts, Mael could not stop Ffion’s momentum in the match that ended at 7-0.
Blue Belts
Before the high profile names of the black belt divisions competed, several hungry blue belts attempted to make their names. Day one of Grand Slam London featured a strong blue belt presence. Several blue belt champions were medaled in over 30 divisions, including, juvenile and master’s divisions.
Last test before ADWPJJC
Grand Slam London will prove to be a vital testing ground for competitors planning to compete in the Abu Dhabi World Pro Jiu Jitsu Championship.
The Grand Slam series is the second-highest rank qualifier in the AJP tournament series. Aside from AJP world ranking, points earned at Grand Slam London have the potential to majorly affect an athlete’s seeding at the ADWPJJC.
However, due to the growing international concern of the Coronavirus, the ADWPJJC has been postponed until further notice.
“To support international efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, the UAE Jiu Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) has decided to postpone all remaining sports events and activities until further notice to support effective preventive and precautionary efforts,” the UAEJJF stated.
Summary
With AJP 2019/2020 nearing its end, the finale is proving to be eventful. Rising health concerns over the Coronavirus have restricted or outright canceled many recent Jiu Jitsu events.
Although AJP’s schedule has been affected by the contagion concerns, Grand Slam London still proved to be an exciting event.
Jeremy is brown belt and has a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, but he also enjoys creative writing. Originally from Connecticut, where he began his 11 years of Jiu Jitsu training.
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