Fujairah: The second round of the third edition of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship (Gi) commenced today at the Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah, showcasing strong participation across the youth, adult, and masters categories.
According to Emirates News Agency, the opening day witnessed intense competitions, with clubs striving to secure early points in the overall standings. Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club emerged as the leader after day one, followed by M.O.D UAE in second place and Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club in third. The championship continues to bolster the growth of jiu-jitsu in the UAE, focusing on athlete development and strengthening competition across all categories.
Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, commented on the progress of jiu-jitsu in the UAE, highlighting the role of clubs, athletes, and families. He noted the strong family presence, emphasizing its importance in athlete development. The competition showcases improvement in youth athletes, disciplined competition among adults, and valuable experience from masters, adding depth to the event.
Ribamar Santiago, coach of Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club, remarked on the importance of this round in assessing athlete readiness, given the competition level and challenges. He stated that the championship is about evaluating performance and adaptability, with its structure allowing clubs to plan long-term for consistent success throughout the season.
Zayed Al Shamsi, an MOD Academy athlete and gold medallist in the adults' brown belt 56 kg division, shared insights into the competition's demands. He emphasized the importance of timing and control, stating that the championship focuses on maintaining performance and improving consistently from one round to the next.
The championship's second and third days are expected to draw more families, as part of the 'Supporting Family Award' initiative by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, under the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards, aligning with the Year of the Family. Attendance is tracked using a QR code to record family participation and support for athletes throughout the season.