The 5th Ghana Combat Jiu Jitsu National Championships came off to a resounding success last Saturday at the Accra Sports Stadium, scoring full marks from Special Guest ot Jomour, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimato who pledged continued support as well as more collaborative competitions between the Japanese Embassy in Accra and the Ghana Combat Jiu Jitsu Federation (GJJF).
Featuring over 65 fighters from 15 clubs across the country, the one-day competition at the D.G. Hathiramani Hall aimed to select fighters for the national team to represent Ghana at the 2026 SJJIF World Jiu Jutsu Championship in Tokyo, Japan, September 3-6.
Following fierce competition in nogi, ground fight, close contact and full contact jiu jitsu, notable winners included Joshua Commey (57 kg), Simon Okine (63 kg), Shato Musaph (68 kg), Hamza Mohammed (72 kg), John Quartey (95 kg) and Grace Antonia Apla-Kweku (80 kg – women).
Others handed national team invites for their outstanding performances include Maxwell Kori (64kg 2nd), Charles Lamptey (3rd) and Claudia Otoo (2nd – women), among others.
Winners received gold, silver or bronze medals based on their positions in each category, in addition to certificates for participation, presented by the Japan Ambassador to Ghana.
He assured of the inclusion of jiu jitsu in the Embassy’s programme for the annual Ambassadors Championships – Japanese sports festival in Ghana in November.
“Jiu Jitsu is a wonderful Japanese martial art that’s not just a sport, it is unique especially for children to develop values like discipline, teamwork, responsibility and self-defence skills essential in daily life,” Mr Hiroshi told the Graphic Sports.
“This event strengthens the friendship between Japan and Ghana, I really value this competition and I’m honoured to be here at the Accra Sports Stadium. I look forward to more such competitions and collaborations between Japanese government and Embassy, the people of Japan and Ghana like the Ambassadors Cup in November where jiu jitsu will definitely be part,” he said.
For Team Ghana, focus shifts immediately to the world championships in Japan in September, with GJJF President Maxwell Borquaye assuring of a medal haul by the national team.
A certificate of appreciation was also presented to the Ambassador by GJJF in recognition of his immense support towards the successful organisation of the national championships.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh