While Abu Dhabi Grand Slam attracted some of the biggest names of competitive Jiu-Jitsu for its debut in Rome, the AJP had a broader scope for the action this weekend, keeping other tournaments and providing athletes worldwide with even more chances to put their skills to the test. Without further ado, let’s check out the highlights from each of those championships, and click here if you’re looking for the Professional Black Belt finals of the ADGS Rome!
AJP Tour Andorra National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2024: Jonas Andrade and Bruno Almeida take the double gold in Andorra la Vella
On Saturday, April 13th, the Pavelló Estadi comunal d’Andorra la Vella welcomed competitors of all ages and backgrounds to show the results of their training in the AJP’s internationally recognized mats. With many colored belts rising as champions and painting an exciting image for the future of Jiu-Jitsu, two more graduated athletes from the Professional category put on exemplary displays of technique and know-how to conquer the double gold.
Hailing from Brazil, Jonas Andrade (Humbling Jiu Jitsu Club) was unstoppable as he sought both titles for the 85kg division. Starting in the gi, Jonas first defeated the Spaniard Ruben Purificacion (Ratão Jiu Jitsu Internacional) by a whopping 19-2 score to reach the final, in which he scored 9-0 and then submitted Italy’s Jorge Iellamo (Association Aranha). With one medal hanging from his shoulders, Jonas returned later on to fight without the gi and conquer his second title in his weight class. Ruben Purificacion was ready for a rematch, but Jonas offered his opponent no quarter and landed a submission with one minute on the clock to climb the podium yet again.
Meanwhile, the Angolan brown belt Bruno Almeida (Gracie Barra) made a memorable campaign as he fought both with and without the gi to take the 77kg division gold medals. Clad in his cotton armor, Bruno first defeated Spain’s Victor Siles (Gracie Barcelona) in the semifinal by a narrow 6-5 score to advance to the final, in which he quickly submitted the Czech Frantisek Lukes (Choketopus Gym) for the title. Still raring for more, Bruno found his way to mats a couple of hours later, submitting Bulgaria’s Alexander Yankov (Twisted Jiu Jitsu) twice to reign over the 77kg division for a second time.
Check out the full results here!
AJP Tour Curitiba International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2024: Rodrigo Laurindo conquers the double gold in Brazil
On Sunday, April 14th, the Ginásio do Tarumã was the stage upon which the colored and black belts from Brazil showed their prowess, each leaving their hearts on the mat as they sought the glory of being called an AJP champion. Standing as a highlight at the tournament, the Professional brown belt Rodrigo Laurindo (Alliance) shined bright in the Curitiba International, fighting in the Black Belt category and conquering the gold in both his weight class and the Open Heavyweight division.
Starting in the 120kg bracket, Rodrigo first faced Bruno Zimmermann (NS Brotherhood) in the semifinal, fighting a well-balanced duel and taking the win with a tight 2-1 score. In the final, however, Rodrigo had grown more comfortable in the mats and made short work of Jacson Junior (Team Cruz BJJ), submitting with less than a minute on the clock to take his first title.
Later on, at the Open Heavyweight division, Rodrigo ran into Jacson once again, this time in the semifinal, and the athletes were so evenly matched that the referees had to decide who would be the winner. Rodrigo won the decision and headed for the final, facing Sander Silva (Sul Jiu Jitsu) in the last match and taking the win by a 13-7 score.
Check out the full results here!
