Siddharth Singh Celebrates Growth of Jiu-Jitsu in India with AJP Tour
Siddharth Singh on the AJP Tour India
Siddharth Singh, a prominent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete, recently shared insights about hosting the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) Tour India in June. He expressed pride in the advancements made in India's Jiu-Jitsu community over the years. The AJP Tour is recognized as the largest professional Jiu-Jitsu tournament globally, and Siddharth holds the exclusive rights to organize the Indian segment of this prestigious event. This year's competition commenced on June 21, marking the second edition of the AJP India series after a successful inaugural event last year at Indira Gandhi Stadium.
In an interview, Siddharth noted that approximately 200 Indian athletes participated this year, with his academy, The Crosstrain Fight Club, achieving the top ranking. He stated, "The Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro is the premier Jiu-Jitsu tournament worldwide, held in various countries. After considerable effort, we secured the opportunity to host it in India. This year, around 200 Indian fighters competed, alongside participants from Europe, East Asia, and Africa."
He further explained the significance of the tournament, saying, "As a world-ranking event, it serves as a grand prix. Competitors earn medals and points that contribute to their global rankings by the year's end. Many AJP athletes travel to India to compete, aiming for the top spot in their weight classes. It's encouraging to see so many Indian participants, as they will also receive rankings in Asia and globally due to this tournament."
The Rise of Jiu-Jitsu in India
Siddharth expressed his delight at the increasing popularity of Jiu-Jitsu in India, noting that even athletes from smaller cities showcased impressive skills during the competition. He remarked, "Many young athletes are either relocating to larger cities for training or finding ways to train in their hometowns by connecting with coaches online and sending techniques for guidance. It's inspiring to see talent emerging from smaller cities."
Siddharth's Journey with AJP
Reflecting on the evolution of the AJP, Siddharth mentioned its growth over the years, highlighting that it achieved an impressive 11th rank in 2022. He shared, "I have competed extensively in the AJP circuit, which has transformed significantly. The caliber of athletes and the level of competition are now world-class. My aspiration is for an Indian to represent the nation at the World Championships and secure a title in the black belt division during the AJP World Championships in November. The atmosphere at the dedicated stadium in Abu Dhabi is extraordinary, attracting Brazilian, American, and European superstars to support the event."
Siddharth acknowledged the challenges of balancing his roles as a competitor, coach, organizer of the AJP Tour India, and business owner. He recounted the difficulties faced while organizing last year's event at Indira Gandhi Stadium, stating, "We underestimated the challenges of hosting in a permanent stadium. This year, I opted for a private, world-class facility in Noida, ensuring athletes had a comfortable experience with all necessary amenities."
He also emphasized the importance of rigorous referee training to minimize errors during matches, aiming to provide athletes with a seamless experience, including timely match notifications and ample preparation time.
Future Aspirations
Siddharth shared his journey from being a boxer to becoming a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu player, coach, and entrepreneur. He expressed his commitment to achieving significant milestones, stating, "My long-term goal is to see an Indian win a title belt in the UFC and to have a black belt world champion from India at the AJP. These are my two major objectives, and I am dedicated to this mission without taking breaks or days off."