Brazilian athlete Jackson Sousa has expressed his gratitude to the UAE Jiu Jitsu Federation for its transformative impact on the sport, following a victorious debut in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Tour's 2024-25 season. Sousa, who triumphed in the Masters 94kg category in Istanbul, has seen his career rejuvenated with support from the UAE. He is sponsored by Scalo Technologies, a UAE tech venture, and praised the Federation's role, stating, 'The changes they've brought to jiu jitsu are revolutionary. They've expanded the reach of our art to new regions and people, demonstrating exceptional leadership and innovation in valuing both male and female athletes.' Sousa highlighted the high-quality organization of UAE jiu jitsu events and the crucial support they provide to young talents, enabling them to compete in prestigious tournaments like the World Pro. He also shared his personal journey, growing up in a Brazilian favela, where his mother's expectations of excellence fueled his drive to succeed. Sousa, who runs a training program in his London gym, is thrilled to participate in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Tour for the first time, thanks to the support from Scalo, which allows him to pursue his dream as a BJJ athlete.