Post by : Badri Ariffin

The Persian Gulf's most awaited event, the fifth round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship (Gi), takes place from June 26 to June 28, 2026, at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. This year, it brings together almost 3,000 athletes, both male and female, from various esteemed clubs and academies within the UAE.

Organized by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the championship is pivotal for nurturing the sport locally, scouting emerging talent, and laying the groundwork for future champions. This initiative operates under the watchful eye of His Excellency Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohamed Alhashmi, who chairs the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and also holds the position of President of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

Strong Competition Following Round 4

The upcoming round has garnered significant buzz after the exciting conclusion of Round 4. Currently, Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club leads the rankings, with Al Ain in second and the Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club in third place.

As vital championship points are up for grabs, clubs are gearing up to showcase their premier athletes as the competition progresses into a decisive phase of the season.

Three Days of Fierce Competition

The championship will unfold over three thrilling days, welcoming athletes from myriad age categories.

• Day 1: Under-18, Adult and Masters divisions.

• Day 2: Boys and girls in various children's categories.

• Day 3: Divisions for Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16.

This schedule is crafted to offer athletes of all ages the chance to compete and gain invaluable experience at elite levels.

Federation Emphasizes Sport's Growth

His Excellency Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, expressed that the championship signifies the robustness and evolution of the competitive framework established by the Federation.

He pointed out that this event serves as a benchmark for club development and their ability to formulate solid pathways for athletes spanning different ages.

Al Dhaheri highlighted that the participation of nearly 3,000 athletes underscores the rapid expansion of jiu-jitsu in the UAE, showcasing the effective strategies employed by clubs and academies in nurturing talent.

Moreover, he underlined the significance of family involvement during the UAE's Year of the Family initiative, noting it fosters family connections while instilling values like discipline, confidence, and determination among young athletes.

A Crucial Test for Future Competitions

According to Al Dhaheri, Gi competitions demand a remarkable level of technical skill, tactical understanding, patience, and control. He described Round 5 as essential for preparing athletes for forthcoming tournaments.

The competition will also act as an insightful evaluation for coaches regarding athlete performance and areas needing enhancement as the season's climax approaches.

Al Ain Eyes Stronger Position

Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club's coach, Zayed Obaid Al Kaabi, shared that the team is entering Round 5 with aspirations high after last round's second-place finish.

He mentioned the coaching team has been evaluating previous performances, focusing on refining match strategy, technical transitions, and adaptability to diverse competition styles.

For Al Kaabi, Gi competitions necessitate a synergy of physical prowess, mental clarity, and technical finesse. Competing against formidable teams such as Baniyas and Sharjah not only raises their performance bar but also enhances the championship's overall competitive standard.

The club's primary aim is to narrow the gap to the current leaders while accruing as many points as possible as the season unfolds.

Highlighting UAE’s Sporting Brilliance

The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship has firmly positioned itself as a leading sports event in the UAE. With regular competitions, increasing participation, and heightened technical standards, this championship continues to elevate the UAE’s stature in global jiu-jitsu development.

This event showcases the triumphs of the nation's jiu-jitsu ecosystem, fostering athletes ready to compete and achieve accolades on both regional and international stages.

#Global News #UAE News #Abu Dhabi News #Abu Dhabi