Post by : Bianca
Haleem
The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship (Gi) is set to commence its fifth round from June 26 to June 28, 2026, at Mubadala Arena, Abu Dhabi. This event will attract around 3,000 male and female competitors from various esteemed clubs and academies across the UAE.
Organized by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, this championship plays a key role in enhancing the sport’s development nationwide, fostering emerging talent, and grooming future champions. It operates under the guidance of the Federation’s Board, led by His Excellency Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohamed Alhashmi, the Chairman.
Heightened Expectations Follow Previous Rounds
Anticipation for the upcoming round escalates after the conclusion of Round 4, with Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club atop the Gi standings, followed by Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club and Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club in second and third, respectively.
As critical championship points are on the line, clubs are poised to showcase their premier athletes during this pivotal segment of the season.
Three-Day Event Schedule
The championship spans three days, encompassing various age brackets.
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Day 1: Competitions for Under-18, Adult, and Masters divisions.
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Day 2: Boys and girls in children’s categories.
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Day 3: Competitions for Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16.
This arrangement aims to offer athletes of all ages a platform to compete and enhance their skills at an elite level.
Federation Acknowledges Sport’s Progression
His Excellency Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, remarked that the championship is a testament to the robust and mature competitive landscape fostered by the Federation.
He highlighted how this event is a significant metric for club progression and their capacity to cultivate strong development pathways for athletes across multiple age categories.
Al Dhaheri expressed that the participation of nearly 3,000 athletes showcases the swift expansion of jiu-jitsu in the UAE, underscoring the effective efforts of clubs and academies in nurturing talent.
He also stressed the importance of family involvement and attendance especially during the UAE's Year of the Family initiative, promoting essential values such as discipline, confidence, and commitment among young participants.
Crucial Test Ahead of Future Competitions
According to Al Dhaheri, Gi matches demand high technical proficiency, tactical awareness, patience, and self-control. He termed Round 5 as a pivotal phase for athletes in their preparation for upcoming challenges.
Moreover, this competition offers coaches valuable evaluations into athlete performance and highlights areas needing enhancement ahead of the season's final stretch.
Al Ain Aiming for Improved Standing
Zayed Obaid Al Kaabi, coach of Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club, stated that the team approaches Round 5 with ambitious goals following their second-place finish in the previous round.
He mentioned that the coaching staff has spent several weeks analyzing past performances, focusing on refining match strategies, technical transitions, and athletes’ adaptability to varying competitive styles.
Al Kaabi emphasized the balance of physical prowess, mental clarity, and technical discipline required for Gi competitions. Competing against capable teams like Baniyas and Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club enhances the overall performance standards and technical caliber of the championship.
The primary aim for the club is to minimize the lead distance with the current frontrunners and accumulate points as the season advances.
A Premier Event in the UAE Sporting Calendar
The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship has asserted itself as a leading sporting event in the UAE. Through consistent competitions, increased participant engagement, and escalating technical standards, the championship fortifies the UAE's global leadership status in jiu-jitsu.
This event not only reflects the success of the nation’s jiu-jitsu ecosystem in producing athletes capable of competing effectively on regional and international platforms but also underscores the UAE’s commitment to sporting excellence.
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