ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The youth segment of the 17th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship kicked off on Sunday with strong performances and wide participation from leading local and international clubs and academies.
The day’s competitions were dedicated to athletes aged 10 to 17 across the grey, yellow, orange, and green belt divisions. Participants delivered high-level technical displays, reflecting the advanced preparation of the academies and clubs taking part.
In attendance among the dignitaries were Abdulmunem Al Hashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union and Senior Vice President of the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation; Redha Monfaredi, Vice President of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union; and others.
UAEJJF Board Member, Yousef Al Batran, said, “Today showed how much the championship has evolved in terms of organisation and technical level. These age groups are the foundation of jiu-jitsu’s future, and they provide national teams with talented athletes.
“These performances from athletes around the world show how fast the sport is growing and how much effort clubs and academies are putting into training a disciplined and professional generation. Every year, the championship proves it is a global platform for developing champions and spreading the sport’s values.
“The wide international participation today shows the the great level of confidence by international communities in Abu Dhabi’s organisational and technical capabilities. The diversity of training backgrounds adds to the quality of the competition and gives athletes the chance to learn from others from different continents.”
Expressing his delight at being in Abu Dhabi, Monfaredi said: [The championship] has helped raise the level of the sport around the world. We are happy to see record numbers of participants growing every year. The UAE is strongly recognised for its constant support in developing jiu-jitsu at regional and international levels.”
Fernando Almeida, a coach at UFC Gym Middle East, said, “This is our third time taking part here, and it is the first time for several of our athletes. Our team has 16 athletes, and we see this as a great chance for them to compete against strong talent from around the world.
“Championships like this help athletes develop in experience, as they bring together different skills and jiu-jitsu styles.”