More than an event well organized by Brazil’s Zé Marcello and England’s Jude Samuel, the European tryout for the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Cup was proof how Jiu-Jitsu is conquering ever-more peoples, cultures and nationalities.
With a cauldron of surnames of all origins among the champions, the tryouts on the 12th of this month rewarded the main Jiu-Jitsu academies on the old continent, who now have four months to be ready to put on a show in the capital of the Arab Emirates in April, and fight for the 144 dollars in prize money up for grabs.
Check out the photos of what went on at the tryouts and the complete results: www.abudhabi-pro.co.uk.
In the area surrounding London, a purple belt snags an arm at the World Pro tryouts. Publicity photo shot by James Oluoch-Oluny
Around the world, the other tryouts continue. If the World Cup Pro already has its qualified athletes from Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa, the one responsible for the qualifiers in the United States is Renato Tavares, our GMA and leader of ATT in Vero Beach.
“Two qualifiers will be held this year. One on the East Coast, with the help of Professor Helio Soneca, and on the West Cuast, where we have the experienced Cláudio França, who is responsible for the US Open and American Cup, in the organizing committee,” says Renato.
The East Coast event will take place in Boca Raton, Florida, at the FAU gymnasium, on January 31. And the one in California will be held at the Santa Cruz Civic Center on January 24.
The six champions of the adult purple/brown/black belt weight divisions will join the female champions and light and heavyweight white/blue belt absolute champions. The athletes will receive an all-expense-paid trip to compete in Abu Dhabi in April.
Anyone interested can sign up on the websites:
East Coast: www.nafafighters.com
West Coast: www.abudhabibjj.com
“We would like to remind everyone that in the main event, to compete for places in the Arab Emirates, only athletes from the United States, Canada or who have green cards will be allowed to participate. In the amateur, juvenile, master & senior divisions, however, the event is open to everybody,” explains Renato.