Baniyas Club Tops Leaderboard At UAE Jiu-Jitsu Championship

The eighth and final round of the second edition of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship began on Friday at Mubadala Arena, Zayed Sports City. The opening day saw Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club take the top spot on the leaderboard, followed by Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club in second place and M.O.D UAE in third. The championship attracts athletes of all ages and skill levels from across the UAE.

High-Level Competition Across Divisions

Friday’s matches featured Under-18, Adults, and Masters divisions in the Gi category. Athletes competed fiercely, demonstrating skill, focus, and technical mastery. The No-Gi competitions had concluded in the previous round, where Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club emerged as champions. The event provided a platform for young and seasoned competitors to showcase their dedication and progress.

Record Participation And Lively Crowd

The opening day saw record participation from dozens of male and female athletes representing multiple clubs and academies across the UAE. Spectators enjoyed intense matches and vibrant support from the crowd, creating an engaging and festive atmosphere that celebrated the sport of jiu-jitsu and its growing popularity in the country.

Distinguished Guests Attend Opening Day

Several notable figures attended the event to honour participants and winners, including Dr Salem Khalfan Al Kaabi, Director General of Operational Affairs at the Department of Municipalities and Transport; Mohammed Munif Al Mansoori, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority; Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri and Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Members of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; and Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. Senior representatives from Mubadala, ADIB, Aldar Properties, and the Integrated Transport Centre were also present.

Officials Highlight Growth Of Jiu-Jitsu

Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri praised the opening day, noting that the championship reflects the growth of jiu-jitsu in the UAE. He emphasized the importance of spreading the championship across three days to allow athletes of different age groups to perform at their best. The event supports the development of technical skills, consistency, and long-term growth among young athletes.

Athletes Share Training And Experience

Abdullah Mohammed Al Ketbi, a jiu-jitsu practitioner, said the sport’s rise in the UAE has been inspiring. He highlighted how events like this championship promote physical fitness, mental well-being, and community involvement. Meanwhile, Mohammed Al Ketbi from Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club, who won gold in the Adults under-62 kg division, shared his experience of rigorous training, including three sessions daily to prepare for the championship.

Championship Continues With Youth Categories

The championship continues on Saturday with competitions in the Under-14 and Under-16 categories, allowing young athletes to display their skills and dedication. The tournament will conclude on Sunday with the Under-12 and Kids divisions, after which the overall season champions will be crowned.

Promoting Jiu-Jitsu And Community Engagement

The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship plays a key role in promoting active lifestyles, discipline, and teamwork among athletes in the UAE. By combining high-level competition with community engagement, the event helps nurture the next generation of jiu-jitsu champions while encouraging participation across all age groups.

Inspiring The Next Generation Of Champions

Through strong participation and support from clubs, coaches, and officials, the championship continues to inspire young athletes and elevate the sport in the UAE. The opening day highlighted the dedication, talent, and competitive spirit of jiu-jitsu players, setting the tone for a thrilling conclusion to the championship.