June 3, 2023
The AJP Tour continues to captivate fans worldwide with action-packed weekends filled with unforgettable matches and events. AJP has successfully curated a series of thrilling moments that leave spectators on the edge of their seats. With an impressive lineup of top-tier organizations participating, the AJP Tour promises to deliver even more excitement in the coming months, hosting adrenaline-pumping tournaments in various locations across the globe.
Check out below some of our best highlights from May and expect even more action for the next season, which starts in the next Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in Rio de Janeiro, on June 9th.
ADGS Abu Dhabi: Zayed Alkatheeri becomes a Hero and keeps the gold in UAE
The month started with a blast. From May 5th to the 7th, the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour reached the modern Mubadala Arena to close the Season 2022-2023. With Youths on the first day, Masters on the second, and finally, Professionals on the third, the event was a sight to see in the very home of the AJP. While all days were filled to the brim with high-octane fights, the last day was the one that had us holding our collective breaths, as it had not only the black belt finals but also crown the Heroes of the season.
Now, we can’t talk about black belts and Heroes without mentioning Zayed Alkatheeri. The UAE rising star went above and beyond on his campaign at the 56 kg bracket, taking the gold after two matches, with the last one being a very balanced duel against the dangerous Yuri Hendrex. After reaching the top of the podium, Zayed returned to the mats to be recognized for his outstanding performances in the season. Standing alongside equally talented warriors, Zayed was selected as the Hero of Jiu-Jitsu in the 56kg category.
Croatia National: Marcos Carrozzino submits his way to the gold
On May 13th, Zagreb was still a couple of days away from its summer. Despite that, the city decided to bring the heat a little earlier and opened the doors of the Dom Sportova for the AJP Tour Croatia National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023. Young and inexperienced athletes stood alongside Seasoned warriors as they fought for glory and a better position in their respective rankings.
ADGS Abu Dhabi champion Marcos Carrozzino was one such warrior. In a two-man bracket, the GFTeam powerhouse faced Croatian Ivan Matesic for the 94kg title. The match, however, didn’t last long, as Carrozzino first scored 4-0 and then quickly landed a submission, taking yet another gold medal back to Brazil.
Spain National: Alberto Guzman becomes best friends with the scoreboard in Alicante
Usually known for its architecture and rich history, the city of Alicante had another aspect drawing visitors last month. On May 20th, athletes from all over the world flocked to the European locale for the AJP Tour Spain National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023. When it all began, more than 20 nationalities were represented on the mats of the Ciudad Deportiva Camilo, celebrating the growth of Jiu-Jitsu and the influence of the federation.
While many athletes rose to prominence during the tournament, the Spaniard Alberto Guzman stood out among the others, representing the host country as he took to the podium and earned his gold medal. A 35-year-old professional black belt, Alberto walked straight into a round-robin at the 77kg bracket. After beating Argentine Santiago Rios by 3-0 in the first match, he wound up facing the same opponent in the finals and this time let his game flourish, taking the division gold by a score of 17-6.
Qatar National: Two battles and two golds for Vanderlucia Lima in Doha
Shifting the European allure of Alicante for the Metropolitan awe of Doha, the AJP Tour Qatar National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023 also reached the 2022 FIFA World Cup host country on May 20th. With five fight areas set up in the Aspire Ladies Sports Hall, the event had athletes of all ages and graduations fighting for the glory of being crowned a champion so close to the roots of the federation.
It was there that the Brazilian Professional black belt Vanderlucia Lima reached the coveted double gold. Fighting in the 55kg division, Vanderlucia put on her gi and started her campaign in Qatar by scoring last against fellow countrywoman Luzia Lara. She then returned without the gi for the second gold and found Luzia standing against her once again. Ranked second in the South American No-Gi ranking, Vanderlucia quickly submitted her opponent and asserted her dominance.
Turkey National: Bader Al-Kuzai with the double championship win in Istanbul
Capping off the month, AJP turned its sights to the city of Istanbul, where the AJP Tour Turkey National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023 would take place. Given the chance to fight and experience the Turkish culture, athletes stormed the Bağcılar Gençlik Ve Spor İlçe Müdürlüğü Olimpik Spor Salonu, prompting the federation to set up eight fight areas.
When it was all said and done, Jordanian Bader Al-Kuzai stole the spotlight for himself by taking two golds in the Professional 77kg division. First, he fought in the gi and submitted his first opponent to reach the finals, where he scored 7-1 against Russian Tamerlan Esanukaev. Bader later returned without the gi, submitting Tamerlan and then landing another submission against Brazilian Marcio Clother to cement his golden campaign.
Brazil, Bulgaria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, and The Netherlands are next
Keeping up with our world tour, the AJP officials already have some big events to attend, providing our athletes with the best environment and matches in the sport. At the beginning of the month, after the Estonia National on June 4th, AJP is having the always-packed ADGS Rio de Janeiro, with some of the best players in the world fighting for glory at the well-known locale for Jiu-Jitsu. After that, great events will take place in Bulgaria and The Netherlands, simultaneously on June 10th, followed by Belgium and Brazil Nationals on June 17th, and Denmark closing the tour of Nationals on June 24th. Be aware of the closing dates of registrations by accessing our website at www.ajptour.com and don't miss out on the action!
