Kenya’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu community has announced itself on the continent, thanks to a remarkable performance at the AJP Tour Africa Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2025 in Cairo, Egypt, on February 21 – 22, 2025.
A combined team of athletes from Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy and One Tribe BJJ competed fiercely and brought home 13 medals, including six gold.
Among the standout performers were Ouhsummer Ali Abad, James Ng’ang’a and Daniel Crank, each of whom captured double gold medals in both the GI and NO-GI categories.
Their exceptional achievements highlight Kenya’s growing strength and competitiveness on the world stage. GI is the white jacket worn in jiu-jitsu tussles.
Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy’s Ouhsummer Ali Abad, aka Ninja Turtle, also won in his mixed martial arts debut at the Blood Warriors Championship in Kampala, Uganda in November of 2024.
With 10 athletes representing Kenya, the Nairobi team secured fourth place overall out of 49 participating teams. Additionally, Kenya ranked an impressive fifth among 15 countries in the professional category, demonstrating the nation’s rising prominence in international jiu-jitsu.
The athletes’ success would not have been possible without the vital support of the strength and conditioning coaches, Schola Muchiri and Mary Kagi, who meticulously prepared the team for the competition and provided unwavering support throughout.
Tomas Maule from Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy said: “Our performance in Cairo is a direct result of years of commitment, and we’re thrilled to see Kenya’s jiu-jitsu community gaining recognition. This success reflects the dedication and hard work of our athletes, coaches and supporters. A special thank you to all the sponsors and supporters whose financial contributions helped make the team’s participation and this milestone possible.”
Kenya’s remarkable performance in this prestigious tournament sets the stage for further growth and success in the future.
Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy and One Tribe BJJ are two of Kenya’s premier Brazilian jiu-jitsu institutions, dedicated to fostering skill, discipline and sportsmanship. Through their combined efforts, they have produced top-tier athletes who are excelling on the international stage.
About Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy (NJA) is a premier martial arts school offering world-class Brazilian jiu-jitsu and self-defence instruction in Nairobi, Kenya.
Located on the third floor of New Muthaiga Mall, Thigiri Ridge, Westlands, NJA provides a state-of-the-art facility, ideal training environment for students of all levels. The academy offers a comprehensive schedule of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Striking and Self-Defense courses for both children and adults, fostering a supportive community where individuals can learn, grow and thrive through the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
With a team of experienced coaches, NJA places a strong emphasis on both physical and mental development, helping students build confidence, self-discipline and respect. Whether for beginners or seasoned practitioners, NJA is committed to cultivating skill, discipline and a lifelong passion for martial arts.
