Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour Begins in Istanbul on June 20-21
Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: WAM
ISTANBUL: The first event of the 2026-2027 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour will take place at the Istanbul Sports Complex on June 20 and 21. The tournament, sponsored by EDGE Group, will bring together some of the best jiu-jitsu athletes from around the world.
According to Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP), hundreds of athletes from more than 70 countries are expected to compete in the opening round. The strong international participation shows the growing popularity of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, which has become one of the biggest jiu-jitsu competitions in the world.
The Istanbul event marks the start of a new season after a highly successful previous campaign. Over the years, the tournament has attracted thousands of athletes and helped expand the sport across different countries. It has also strengthened Abu Dhabi’s position as a global center for jiu-jitsu development and champion-building.
Tariq Al Bahri, General Manager of AJP, said the new season’s launch in Istanbul reflects the tournament’s continued growth and the trust it has earned from athletes and academies worldwide.
“The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam has grown stronger every year since it began in 2015. The large number of athletes registered for the Istanbul round shows that it remains one of the most important events in international jiu-jitsu,” Al Bahri said.
Fans can expect exciting matches across all divisions and belt categories. The Istanbul round will also be the first step in the annual world ranking race, where athletes collect points and compete for Abu Dhabi Grand Slam titles throughout the season.
With top competitors and leading academies taking part, the opening round in Istanbul is set to deliver high-level action and an exciting start to the new Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour season.