More than 500 athletes took part in brown, purple, and blue belt categories at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in the UAE capital The second day of the 12th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC) witnessed a strong performance from the world’s best Masters, with fighters from Brazil coming out on top with the most gold medals at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena. The ADWPJJC welcomed more than 500 Masters over 30 years of age from around the world to compete in brown, purple, and blue belt categories, and the day belonged to veterans of the mat from Brazil, who amassed 70 medals, including 27 golds, 24 silvers and 19 bronze medals. Athletes from Russia ranked second, with 27 medals: nine gold, 10 silver and eight bronze. They were followed by athletes from the UAE, who took home 23 medals, including five gold, nine silver and nine bronze medals. Paulo Miayo, 62 kilograms (kg), was among those to top the podium on the second day of the championship, which runs until 9 April, clinching the gold after an imposing performance against Javier Gomez culminated in victory by submission. “This is a great moment,” Miayo said after his victory. “To be here competing in these circumstances is one thing; to win a gold medal on this stage is something else. Thank you to the organizers and to Abu Dhabi for bringing us all together in a safe environment.” After capturing gold in the 94-kg black belt competition, Polish star Radoslaw Singer said: “I was eyeing the gold, but nevertheless it is great to be able to compete against the best of the best jiu-jitsu players from around the world. The competition level is [astounding], and it’s just wonderful to be able to compete in a safe environment during these unprecedented times.” Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, Anna Carolina Ardisson was among the standout performers, beating Belgium’s Tine Schedlman to claim the 55-kg black belt gold. Athletes from across the Arab world also came big in the Masters’ division, with Jordanian black belt athlete Wissam Ahmed capturing the gold in the Masters’ category 2, 85-kg. “Having a chance to compete as an Arab athlete against the best in the world is a privilege. Abu Dhabi is the only place that can host such great events safely. Winning the gold is the cherry on top,” he said. Commenting on the strong performances at the championship, Alex Nascimento, head of referees at ADWPJJC, said: “This competition is one-of-a-kind in today’s world, bringing high-caliber jiu-jitsu athletes under one roof. This illustrates that the UAE is leading the world in hosting sports events with such strong household names and strict safety protocols.” The third and fourth days of the championship will host the world’s top jiu-jitsu athletes between the ages of 18 and 30, competing in purple, blue, brown and black belt categories in various weight divisions.