Yesterday, the sixth edition of the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Professional Association’s Dubai International Championship kicked off at the Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai, with strong participation in the junior, children and cubs categories, amidst an exceptional audience presence, an enthusiastic atmosphere and great encouragement from families and Jiu-Jitsu enthusiasts. The championship will witness the participation of 1,300 male and female players over the course of its three days, including 165 male and female athletes from outside the country, as the competitions attract 73 clubs and academies from the country and around the world, most notably the Ministry of Defense Jiu-Jitsu Team, Commando Group Academy, Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club, and Sur Academy – Oman. The first day of the championship witnessed the participation of hundreds of male and female players from the country’s clubs and academies from the ages of (4-13) years, and Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club succeeded in topping the first day’s rankings, while Adma Martial Arts Academy came in second place, and third place went to the Ministry of Defense Jiu-Jitsu Team.
Determination and persistence
Yousef Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, praised the outstanding performance of the youngsters and budding players on the mat, and the determination and resolve they showed to win, pointing out that the large participation and remarkable presence of families reflect their awareness of the great importance of this sport and its mental and physical benefits for children, and its contribution to enhancing their capabilities and building empowered generations that can effectively contribute to achieving accomplishments and raising the name of the nation high at all levels.
Future vision
“We at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation have been keen to provide competitions for younger age groups, as part of the season’s agenda full of championships that keep pace with the highest international standards, to give them the opportunity to showcase their abilities, motivate them to develop, accustom them to competing strongly, and guide them to move forward towards professionalism in the game. This reflects our strategic vision to consolidate the country’s global leadership in sports, by enhancing the spread of the game among new generations, expanding the base of practitioners, and focusing on the category of children who represent the future of UAE Jiu-Jitsu,” Al Batran added.
Challenge and commitment
“Our team is fully prepared for the fights, as our players continue to show great commitment to training and are making further progress as a result of the great efforts we are putting into honing their talents,” said Shabab Al Ahli technical director Antonio Inasi. “Participating in tournaments is a pivotal factor and a real challenge for the players, as they face players who use a variety of styles and with varying abilities, which boosts their self-confidence and helps them learn innovative techniques and methods in fighting.”
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