Posts Tagged Abu Dhabi Pro

Looks like “Papa” John Gorman isn’t going to be around much. Yesterday we talked about his upcoming trip to Jordan, and now we find out he is going to World Professional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Cup tournament in Abu Dhabi!

The tournament is being held April 15^th, 16^th, and 17^th, and has a total prize value of $150,000. This is one of the largest purses in any Jiu Jitsu event in the world. The absolute champ will take home $12,000. Sure beats working in an office.

The event has the full support of the Abu Dhabi government and is supported personally by his Highness the Supreme Prince and Commander In Chief of the United Arab Emirates National Army, H. H. Sheik Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.  The tournament is being promoted as the largest in the world. Also new this year, there will be a womens division. It is great to see that women practitioners are gaining the same recognition in the sport as men.

Papa John will be attending with Gilson Fernandes .  One of the reasons they are going to Abu Dhabi is to support Jiu Jitsu International, and our Jiu Jitsu organization,  and discuss its participation amongst other countries. Sylvio Behring, president of the Jiu Jitsu Internationale Black Belt Council, will be there coaching Anderson Silva who is competing at a UFC event April 10th.

Also attending is Johnny Ramirez, who is a member of the USAJJ Black Belt Council and operates a successful Jiu Jitsu school in Los Angeles. As you may know, Johnny won the Abu Dhabi West Coast Trials which took place in Santa Cruz, CA on January 24th

The tournament will be open to everyone. Participation in the trials is not mandatory; however the winners of the trials have an all expenses paid trip to Abu Dhabi for the tournament.

This is a huge event featuring combatants from around the world. We all envy Papa John for his chance to take part in this amazing tournament.  Good Luck to Papa John and ALL the competitors, and have fun!