A dedicated athlete from the Art of Jiu-Jitsu academy and a protégé of the two-time Abu Dhabi World Pro champion Rafael Mendes, Johnatha Alves is on a quest to emulate his mentor’s success.

With a wealth of experience in competing at Abu Dhabi Grand Slam (ADGS) events in the USA, Alves shared his insights on what makes the AJP tournaments so appealing – starting with weigh-ins:

Having weigh-ins one day before the competition was one of the main allures.
It allows us to fully focus on performance without worrying about cutting weight on the same day.

This careful approach not only has positive impacts on our physical aptitude but also our mental well-being.

Alves also commented on the comfortable and well-thought-out competing facilities.
He was particularly impressed by the separate warm-up areas:

The separate warm-up areas for the athletes was a brilliant idea.
It provides a specific space for us to mentally and physically prepare for our fights, away from distractions and the crowd.

The screens in the warm-up area that allow us to follow the fights are also amazing.
Staying up to date on tournament progress keeps us engaged and mentally involved in the tournament.

Alves further emphasized the significance of scheduling all black belt finals on the main mat:

This not only allows us to showcase our skills to a larger audience but also adds an extra layer of emotion and prestige to the final fights.

These seemingly simple but carefully thought-out details make a huge difference in how athletes feel about the event.
We feel more professional, valued, and comfortable, enhancing our overall experience.

Sign up for the next AJP tournament and enjoy the best BJJ competition experience of your life!
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