Traditional jiu jitsu teams compete for more than R$200,000 in prizes at an AJP event

Being a full-time jiu jitsu athlete in Brazil is a privilege for few. The scarcity of professional events combined with the lack of public and private incentives has forced fighters, for decades, to seek secondary activities to cover basic costs and feed their dreams. However, the future is optimistic. Never in history has the martial art spread by the Gracies received so much financial and marketing incentive as it does today. Much of this is due to the entry of Arab sheiks into the market. Since 2017, 74 events have been organized on Brazilian soil by Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu Pro (AJP), run by Sheik Mohamed Bin Zayed, with an estimated investment of R$20 million.

On the next 17th, 18th and 19th of March, it will be the turn of the AJP to land in the south of the country. Balneário Camboriú, in Santa Catarina, will host the South America Continental Pro, one of the circuit’s main events. There will be more than R$200,000 in prizes for participating athletes and teams.

“The AJP occupies a prestigious place today within Jiu Jitsu because of our organization and because we value the stars of the event who are the athletes, teachers and academies. Jiu Jitsu in Brazil needs to be treated professionally, not with amateurism. We invest heavily to provide the best conditions to everyone who dreams of making a living from jiu jitsu”, explains Elias Eberhardt, representative of the AJP in Brazil.

The expectation of the organization is that the event exceeds the mark of 1,000 subscribers. Traditional teams like Alliance and Gracie Barra have already mobilized to be strong at the event. One of the attractions, obviously, was the cash prize for athletes and teams, as explained by black belt Rodrigo Fajardo, known as Pimpolho, one of the leaders of Gracie Barra in Curitiba.

“The athlete’s life is very difficult, many need to train and work at the same time. Therefore, I am very happy to see an event that aims at the professionalization of the competitor, which takes care of the growth of jiu jitsu as a sport as well. one day the athlete can focus only on training and competitions, and not have to have another job, or have to teach and run after seminars to get some income. We have to value those who value us. And today, we see and support AJP’s investment and growth project for those involved in the sport”, says Pimpolho.

An outstanding figure in AJP events, Fajardo built a solid career as an athlete. He was European, South American champion and podium in the main competitions in the world. Asked if he would compete in the South America Continental Pro, Pimpolho revealed he had other plans for 2023.

“My plans today are more focused on the coaching area, the idea is to be more of a coach, work on training new athletes, new teachers and help in the evolution of the sport as a whole. , now it’s time to try to give back a little and give the next generation a turn. I want to dedicate myself more to my students, the idea is to be present at all stages of the AJP”, reveals Fajardo, who presents a bit of his routine on instagram @pimpolhogb.

The champions of the professional absolutes will receive R$ 5,000 and will also have all costs paid by the AJP to compete in the Grand Slam, in Rio de Janreiro. The three best teams will receive prizes of R$5,000, R$2,500 and R$1,500, respectively.

Registration for the South America Continental Pro can be made until the next 10th, on the organization’s website (ajptour.com/pt_BR/event/683).