ADGS Rio: Youths and Amateurs take control of the tournament on the first day

July 19, 2024

Set to take place from July 19th to 21st at the Arena Carioca 1, the ADGS Rio de Janeiro has officially begun, bringing the AJP's signature action in contrast with the tropical shores of one of the most famous cities in the world and allowing fight fans to follow every second of the competition through the modern TX7.com platform. With the tour celebrating its tenth anniversary, the tournament also marks 50 years of a harmonious bond between the UAE and Brazil, a milestone that is reflected in the event as it branches out and invites the Youth category to the mats for the first time in its existence.

And that same Youth category, alongside athletes from the Amateur class, is in charge of opening the competition this Friday, July 19th. With the future of Jiu-Jitsu shining brighter than ever, young warriors have risen to the mats as they sought to take their very first steps in the competitive scene.

Such is the case of Henzo Werneck, a 13-year-old yellow belt who overcame three opponents on his way to become the Junior 50kg division champion. Originally from Rio and fighting out of Gracie Barra São João Del Rey, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, Henzo got two quick submissions on his way to the final match but saw himself starting behind in the gold round as his opponent got an advantage point and then swept to put the scoreboard at 3-0. With a focus that shows just how promising this young athlete really is, Henzo kept his eyes on the prize and, when the opportunity presented itself, landed a winning armbar to conquer the coveted gold medal.

"I received an offer to leave Rio and go train in Minas Gerais", Henzo tells AJP. "But now I got the chance to return to my hometown and become a champion."

Meanwhile, Lebanese blue belt Jad Tabbara had his work cut out for him as he represented Al Wahda Club Jiu-Jitsu Academy in the 55kg division. Entering a Brazilian-only bracket, the 17-year-old competitor showcased a strong game of foot attacks that got him two victories via submission and one by points before the final. In the gold round, Jad went up against Top Brother's Luiz Silva and, after five hard-fought minutes, got the win and the title via decision, flying back to his home country as an ADGS gold medalist.

Highlighting the Amateur category, the Brazilian blue belt Julia Gervasio put her stellar Jiu-Jitsu to the test as she conquered the under 62kg division. With four opponents standing between her and the gold, the Dream Art athlete landed two submissions and got her ticket to the final with a 3-1 win over Chile's Romina Troncoso. In the gold round, Julia went up against Atos' Anny Santos and, after the entirety of the regulated time, got the victory and the title with a narrow 1-0 score.

With the ADGS Rio's first day completed, the tournament now prepares to welcome the Master category in its second day of competition. Go to TX7.com and watch the second and third day live, in addition to reliving the thrills of the first day of the ADGS Rio and many other explosive AJP tournaments, and make sure to follow @ajptour on social media to stay up-to-date on all the tournaments and chances for you to see the world through Jiu-Jitsu. We'll see you in Rio!