I received this notification in my e-mail from thefightworkspodcast.com and I thought a lot of our upeer belts and instructors might be interested.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like… Payday for BJJ Athletes

Posted: 13 Jan 2010 11:41 PM PST



The United Arab Emirates’ leadership in Brazilian jiu-jitsu competition continues. Not only are they integrating BJJ into the public school system, they are again offering BJJ competitions with significant prize moneys for the winners. In April, the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Cup 2010 takes place. Here are some details, courtesy of Carlao Santos:

Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Cup 2010
15,16 & 17 April
Total Prize Money = $150,000

A- Purple, Brown, and Black Belts
65kg, 74kg, 83kg, 92kg, +92kg, Open
1 Place Open Weight = 12,000 US
1 Place = 8,000 US
2 Place = 3,000 US
3 Place = 1,500 US

B- White and Blue Belts (11)
63kg, 68kg, 73kg, 78kg, 83kg, 88kg, 93kg, 98kg, +98kg,
Open LIGHT -73kg, Open HEAVY + 73kg
1 Place = 3,000 US
2 Place = 1,500 US

C- Female Division (2)
Light -63kg and Heavy +63kg
1 Place = 3,500 US
2 Place = 2,000 US

As seen above, this event offers money that is not often seen at BJJ tournaments. It also has the unusual tradition of combining the white and blue belts into one group. Same for purple, brown and black belts. And while the inclusion of female competitors for the first time this year is an important step forward, the appropriate thing to do is offer equivalent cash prizes for them as the men receive.

Remember if you’re here in the United States, you can qualify to compete at this event very soon! The West Coast Trials take place January 24 and the East Coast Trials take place January 31. Winners receive free travel to the United Arab Emirates!