The Jiu-Jitsu International Federation -JJIF- used the Abu Dhabi 2026 World Championship to recognise the national federations within its structure and deliver an initiative connected to inclusion. During the competition, the international body presented membership certificates to its affiliated members, while the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation -UAEJJF- distributed gifts made by people with disabilities among young athletes and officials.
The certificates were collected by representatives of the national federations that had travelled to Abu Dhabi. The presentation did not relate to new admissions, but recognised the organisations’ continued membership and contribution to the international development of jiu-jitsu. JJIF has not disclosed how many federations received the document, but used one of the main competitions on its calendar to bring together part of its global membership network.
Gifts made by People of Determination
The gifts were presented to athletes in the U14, U16 and U18 categories, as well as referees and international technical officials -ITOs-. They had been specially made by people with disabilities, officially referred to as ‘People of Determination’ in the United Arab Emirates. The initiative incorporated their work into the championship and recognised both the young competitors and the personnel responsible for applying the rules and overseeing the events.
In parallel, a World Championship delegation visited the Innovation Centre of the Zayed Authority for People of Determination to learn about its support, rehabilitation and empowerment programmes. The group included JJIF President Panagiotis Theodoropoulos; UAEJJF Vice-President Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri; other officials, heads of national delegations and several members of the host team. The official releases do not establish a direct connection between this visit and the production of the gifts.
A World Championship with new rules
The championship took place from 1 to 9 August at Mubadala Arena and brought together more than 1,500 athletes. Its programme covered the Masters, Adult, U21, U18 and U16 categories, alongside the U14 World Cup. Events were contested across Newaza, Fighting, Duo, Show and Contact Jiu-Jitsu, bringing competitors, coaches, referees, technical officials and federation representatives together over nine days.
Abu Dhabi 2026 also marked the mandatory application of JJIF’s approved equipment programme. Participants were required to compete with certified equipment from authorised suppliers, including adidas Combat Sports and Ju-Sports. According to the federation’s assessment, the new requirements made it easier for referees and organisers to inspect equipment and allowed checks to be conducted more clearly and consistently. The system establishes common safety, performance and presentation standards for the participating national teams.
Abu Dhabi as an institutional base
JJIF organised the World Championship, while UAEJJF hosted it under the patronage of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The city’s institutional relationship with the federation extends beyond the competition, as the international body’s headquarters are located in Capital Tower in the UAE capital. The certificate presentation brought together the national organisations responsible for implementing regulations, managing their teams and representing jiu-jitsu in their respective countries.
The United Arab Emirates team completed the World Championship with 65 medals: 18 golds, 17 silvers and 30 bronzes. Fifty-one came in the development categories, comprising 12 at U14 level and 13 in each of the U16, U18 and U21 divisions; the remaining 14 were won in the Adult competition. The host team also topped the Adult and U21 Newaza team standings.
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