Istanbul Hosts Opening of Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu Season with Global Participation

Abu Dhabi – Ahly Online.

The inaugural round of the “Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu” for the 2026-2027 season will take place at the Istanbul Sports Complex on June 20 and 21, sponsored by Edge Group. This event will bring together elite athletes and academies from around the globe, marking the beginning of the new season.

Participants from 67 countries and 157 academies are set to compete, with registration nearly complete at 90% a month prior to the event, highlighting the growing interest in this prestigious tournament that continues to solidify its status as a leading global competition in jiu-jitsu.

The Istanbul leg of the tournament kicks off a new season of the “Abu Dhabi Grand Slam” series, following an exceptional previous season that enhanced its global presence and established Abu Dhabi as a premier hub for developing jiu-jitsu talent through events that attracted thousands of competitors from various continents.

Tarik Al Bahri, General Director of the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Professional Association, stated that the launch of the new season in Istanbul reflects the continuous growth of the tournament and the trust it enjoys among athletes and academies worldwide.

He remarked, “The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam continues to enhance its international presence year after year, and the figures being recorded for Istanbul confirm its status as one of the most important competitive destinations for jiu-jitsu players.”.

Al Bahri added, “We look forward to a new season filled with intense competitions and exceptional skill levels, building on the successes achieved in previous years while promoting jiu-jitsu globally.”.

The Istanbul competitions are expected to feature fierce matchups across various categories and belts as the race for points and world rankings begins anew, representing the start of a competitive journey for titles in the “Abu Dhabi Grand Slam” among top stars and international academies.