On July 26, Renzo Gracie Team Elwany in Erbil had the honor of welcoming Professors Alexandre and Wesam, visiting as representatives of the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union (JJAU). Alongside them were representatives from the Jordanian and Iranian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu federations, adding to the significance of the day.
The open mat brought together athletes from across Iraq, including members of the Iraqi BJJ national team, who trained and exchanged experiences on the mats. Ali Abd, a long-time supporter of the team, also attended and contributed his presence and energy to the session.
This visit highlighted the growing importance of Erbil as a center for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in West Asia. The participation of high-level professors and regional representatives gave local athletes the chance to connect with the wider BJJ community, share knowledge, and strengthen ties for future development of the sport in the region.