https://arab.news/4zxnj
- Event takes place at Al-Nasr Club and will run until Sunday
DUBAI: The fifth round of the second edition of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship for no-gi competitions will kick off on Saturday at Al-Nasr Club in Dubai, and is expected to attract a strong field from club and academy athletes across all age categories.
The fifth round, which will run until Sunday, Aug. 17, will see day one hosting the U-12, U-14, and U-16 divisions, while day two will feature competitions in the U-18, adult, and master categories.
Mubarak Saleh Al-Menhali, technical director of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said that the championship serves as a crucial platform for developing athletes’ skills, and preparing them for domestic and international events.
He said that the high turnout in no-gi competitions — contests with no clothing grips allowed — reflects the growing popularity of jiu-jitsu in the UAE and the increasing interest from different segments of the community.
“This championship is more than just a competition; it is an ideal platform to refine talent, test strategies, and develop skills in a high-level environment, enriching the technical aspect and raising the level of competition,” Al-Menhali added.
No-gi competitions present unique technical challenges, requiring greater speed, agility, and control skills compared with traditional gi events, he said. The format provides athletes with the opportunity to gain new experiences, particularly through the championship’s system, which ensures fair competition and fosters the spirit of sportsmanship.
The championship’s prize pool was recently increased to almost $817,000 (AED3 million) under the directives of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, as part of his support for the development of jiu-jitsu.