ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Baniyas are the team to beat as Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship climax arrives in Abu Dhabi.
Mubadala Arena is set to host the final round of the season this weekend, with the overall titles hanging in the balance.
Running from October 16 to 18, the three-day event organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation (UAEJJF) will determine the Gi category champions, while the top finishers across both Gi and No-Gi formats will be crowned at Sunday's closing ceremony.
Heading into the final stretch, Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club holds a slim lead in the overall Gi standings, closely followed by Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club and Palms Sports - Team 777.
Because points are awarded across every age and weight class, the title race remains wide open, meaning every submission and point scored on the mat could swing the final outcome.
The action kicks off on Friday with the Under-18, Adults, and Masters divisions for both men and women. Saturday will feature the youngest competitors in the Kids category, before the Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16 divisions wrap up the tournament on Sunday.
Khaled Al Katheeri, who competes in the U16 category for Baniyas, said: “In every match, I have a responsibility to my club and teammates. Regular training, listening to my coach and support from my family have helped me improve. I want to help my team finish the season in first place.”
Palms Sports’ U18 athlete Alyazia Al Shamsi said: “The championship has helped me improve my skills and feel more confident. My team, family and coaches have encouraged me to give my best. I want to finish the season with my best performance.”
Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of UAEJJF, highlighted how the league format has raised standards across the country. He noted that regular competition gives young athletes the mat time they need to handle pressure, while giving clubs a clear benchmark to track their progress and build future UAE national team stars.
The championship will officially conclude on Sunday afternoon with a trophy presentation honouring the top three clubs of the season.