Abu dhabi: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation has announced that Round 5 of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship (Gi division) will take place from 26th to 28th June at Mubadala Arena, Abu Dhabi, with the participation of 3,000 men and women athletes from across the UAE. The championship continues to highlight the UAE's leading role in developing jiu-jitsu, identifying talent, and developing champions, supported by the nation's wise leadership and the Federation's Board of Directors, chaired by Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi.
According to Emirates News Agency, Round 5 comes amid intense competition for the top spots in the overall standings. Previous rounds have highlighted the closely matched level of competition between clubs and the growing readiness of athletes across all age categories, making this round particularly important in the race for points and rankings. The championship is generating strong interest following the conclusion of Round 4, with Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club leading the Gi standings, followed by Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club and Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club.
The event will span three days. The first day will feature competitions for the Under-18, Adult, and Masters divisions. The second day will focus on boys' and girls' youth categories, while the final day will showcase the Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16 divisions. Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, emphasized the championship's role as a benchmark for club development and athlete pathways.
Al Dhaheri highlighted the participation of nearly 3,000 athletes as a reflection of the growth of jiu-jitsu in the UAE and the efforts of clubs and academies in talent development. He noted the social significance of family attendance, aligning with the Year of the Family, by strengthening bonds and promoting values such as discipline and commitment among young athletes. Gi competitions provide an advanced technical test for athletes due to the tactical patience and control they require, offering valuable insights for coaches.
Zayed Al Kaabi, coach of Al Ain Club, expressed the team's ambitions to strengthen its position in the title race after finishing second in Round 4. He noted that Gi competitions demand a balance between physical strength, mental composure, and technical discipline. Competing against strong clubs adds significant technical value to the championship and enhances performance standards. Al Ain Club aims to close the gap to the leaders and accumulate points as they push through to the season's end.