Abu dhabi: Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club maintained its lead on Day 2 of Round 7 of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club finished the day in second place, with M.O.D UAE third.
According to Emirates News Agency, the second day featured the Kids categories, with boys and girls from clubs and academies across the UAE taking to the mat. A strong turnout of families and spectators added to the atmosphere, with parents supporting the young athletes from the stands.
The young competitors produced a series of closely contested matches and showed their developing skills on the mat. The competition also gave athletes valuable match experience while highlighting the work of clubs and academies in developing young talent across the UAE.
The competitions were attended by prominent figures such as Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to the Russian Federation; Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; and Humaid Mohammed Al Ketbi, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, among others. They also participated in presenting medals to the winners.
Humaid Mohammed Al Ketbi emphasized the growing interest in jiu-jitsu and the success of clubs and academies in nurturing young athletes. He highlighted that youth development is a crucial part of the Federation's plans, as competing from an early age provides athletes with experience, skill improvement, and confidence building.
Mohammed Al Ketbi, father of Rashid, a competitor, shared that jiu-jitsu has instilled discipline and commitment in his children, motivating them to train harder and improve their skills.
The championship's Round 7 takes on added importance as it approaches its final stage, with clubs and academies looking to add more points while giving athletes across different age groups valuable competition experience. The round concludes on Sunday with the Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16 categories.