After shaking up the Jiu-Jitsu world in 2009, with cash prizes and the enchantment of Abu Dhabi, the road to the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Cup in 2010 is already taking shape, with tryouts around the world.
The one to set up the North American West Coast Qualifiers on January 24 is Claudio França, who is responsible for the US Open and American Cup.
The event will take place in the classic Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium on January 24, and will reward 10 champions with travel and board for the main competition, in April.
The six champions of the adult purple/brown/black divisions will join the two women and light and heavyweight white/blue absolute champions.
Interested? Sign up via the abudhabibjj.com website.
But remember that you must be American or a legal resident of the USA to compete for spots for the Arab Emirates.
Alongside the main professional competition the Abu Dhabi Amateur will take place, and is open to juveniles, masters and seniors.
This weekend is the European tryouts, in England.
Seaside Abu Dhabi. Photo: Ivan Trindade