The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship concluded its highly anticipated Round 4 (Gi) with a spectacular display of talent and competitive spirit. The championship, held at the Zayed Sports Complex, witnessed thrilling performances across various divisions, showcasing the highest levels of athleticism in Jiu-Jitsu. M.O.D UAE Jiu-Jitsu Academy took the top honors, emerging victorious after a stellar showing, while Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club and Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club claimed second and third places, respectively.
The atmosphere was electric as athletes from the Men’s and Women’s U18, Adults, and Masters divisions competed fiercely, delivering a multitude of submissions, tactical brilliance, and technical superiority. The first day of the competition set a dynamic tone for the entire weekend, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the upcoming rounds.
A Showcase of Elite Jiu-Jitsu Talent
The opening day of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship was a showcase of elite-level grappling talent. M.O.D UAE dominated the day with multiple podium finishes across divisions, further solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in the Jiu-Jitsu community. Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club and Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club also put on a commendable performance, with their athletes displaying exceptional skills in both attack and defense.
The intensity of the competition was palpable, with numerous matches decided by razor-thin margins. Technical submissions, escapes, and guard passes were the hallmark of the event, underscoring the high level of technical expertise and mental toughness required to succeed at this stage.
The Rising Stars of Tomorrow: Youth Categories Take the Stage
As the championship progresses, Saturday and Sunday will see the rise of future stars, with the spotlight shifting to the younger divisions. Boys and girls in the Kids category, along with Girls U12, U14, U16, and Boys U12, will be competing for their chance to shine. These divisions are crucial in nurturing the next generation of Jiu-Jitsu athletes, offering them a platform to showcase their potential and lay the foundation for future success in the sport.
The championship’s Youth Divisions are known for their exciting, fast-paced matches, where the athletes’ speed, agility, and creativity are put to the test. These young competitors bring a fresh energy to the tournament, making them a crowd favorite and a key highlight of the weekend.
VIP Attendance and Recognition of Excellence
The event drew significant attention from high-profile dignitaries, reflecting the growing prestige of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Among the attendees were:
- H.E. Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, Director of the Fujairah Crown Prince’s Office
- H.E. Major General Mohammed bin Ghanem Al Kaabi, Commander-in-Chief of Fujairah Police
- H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi, Member of the Federal National Council
- H.E. Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation
- H.E. Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation
- H.E. Nasser Muhammed Al Yamahi, Director General of Fujairah Culture and Media Authority
- Abdullah Ali Al Dhanhani, Director of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank – Fujairah Branch
Their presence not only highlights the importance of the championship but also signifies the continued investment in developing Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE.
H.E. Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi lauded the event’s organization and the impressive skill level of the participants, stating, “We are proud to host this prestigious event, which continues to attract top-level talent. The technical expertise demonstrated by the athletes today is a testament to the strength of Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE, and we are excited for what lies ahead.”
Building a Strong Foundation for Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE
The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship is more than just a tournament; it is a crucial platform for the development of athletes and the growth of Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE. H.E. Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, emphasized the pivotal role of the championship in fostering a culture of excellence in the sport.
“The support we receive from our leadership is instrumental in building a vibrant sports culture. This championship is a key driver in enhancing the skills of our athletes and preparing them for international competitions. The performances we witnessed today reflect the success of our efforts to promote Jiu-Jitsu and encourage continuous growth and development.”
The innovative ranking system employed in the championship also plays a vital role in pushing athletes to strive for greatness, with each round serving as a stepping stone toward mastery. By incentivizing continuous skill development and participation, the championship is helping to create a robust foundation of talent that will excel both locally and internationally.
Coaches and Athletes Reflect on Their Success
The event has been a test of not only individual skill but also team strategy and preparation. Talisson Suarez, Coach of M.O.D Jiu-Jitsu Academy, praised his athletes for their perseverance and adaptability in the face of tough competition.
“This championship sets a high standard for Jiu-Jitsu in the region. Our athletes have worked incredibly hard, and today was a great showcase of their abilities. Competing at this level constantly challenges us to refine our techniques and strategies, and I’m proud of the results we achieved. We are now focused on maintaining this momentum as we head toward the final round in December.”
Athletes like Andre Luiz de Almeida from Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club, who claimed gold in the Men’s Adults/Master -85kg division, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Winning gold in such a competitive environment is an incredible feeling. The championship brings together the best of the best, and this victory means a lot to me and the team. We are now looking ahead to the final round, where we hope to achieve even more success.”
Women’s Divisions Shine Bright
The women’s divisions also saw remarkable performances, with athletes like Ghalya Kamis Mohamed Bakhet Almatrooshi from FMAC taking gold in the Youth Women’s Gi / White / 82kg division. Her victory is a significant milestone in her career and serves as an inspiration to other young female athletes.
“Winning today is a huge accomplishment for me. The competition was fierce, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to test my skills against such strong opponents. I’ll continue to train hard and aim for more victories in future championships.”
The success of the women’s divisions underscores the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s commitment to promoting gender equality in sports and creating pathways for women to excel in Jiu-Jitsu at the highest levels.
The Road Ahead: Abu Dhabi’s Final Round in December
As the championship draws to a close, all eyes are now on the final round, set to take place in Abu Dhabi this December. The upcoming round will be the culmination of months of hard work and preparation, with the top athletes vying for the ultimate prize.
The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the sport, serving as a catalyst for the growth of Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE and beyond.
