ABU DHABI: The UAE’s top jiu-jitsu athletes took center stage at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi over the weekend in the fourth round of the Vice President’s Jiu-Jitsu League, with Al-Ain, Al-Wahda, Baniyas, Sharjah Self Defence and Al-Jazira clubs once again showing their dominance in the men’s competition.
In the U-16 category, Sharjah Self Defence claimed first place for round four with 7,780 points, followed by Al-Wahda (6,570) and Al-Ain (6,230).
In the U-18 category, Al-Ain came out on top with 9,430 points, while Baniyas came second (6,360) and Al-Wahda third (4,280). In the adult category, Al-Wahda players seized first place with 6,650 points, ahead of Al-Ain (5,240) and Al-Jazira (3,090).
Commenting on the fourth round of the Vice President’s Jiu-Jitsu League, UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) CEO Fahad Al-Shamsi said: “The high level of jiu-jitsu skills displayed is a result of the athletes’ participation in international championships, including the 12th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC) in April. Additionally, with the evolution of COVID-19 protocols, players are now able to increase their training sessions and elevate their skills.”
“The championship, being held under an open belt system, allows UAE players to compete against athletes with different skill sets, helping them to gain the experience needed to compete at a high level in the 13th ADWPJJC in November,” he added.
Speaking after his victory in the fourth round, Nayef Al-Mansoori, from Al-Dhafra Jiu-Jitsu Club, said: “The atmosphere exhibited today got us back to the major championships environment, and it inspires all players to bring their best to capture the win.
“Today’s bouts were difficult and decisive, and they reflect stature of this championship. Although the championship is local, it has a global feel because of the quality of the competition,” said Al-Mansoori.
In Friday night’s women’s action in the MON Jiu-Jitsu League 4th round, Al-Wahda claimed first place in the adult category with 9,750 points, ahead of Al-Ain with 5,410 points and Palm Sports Team 777 with 3,280 points.
In the under-18 category, athletes from Al-Ain, took first place on the podium with 8,100 points, ahead of Al-Wahda (6,550) and Sharjah Self Defence Club (3,780).
Al-Wahda ended the night comprehensively ahead of the pack in the under-16s with an aggregate of 6,990 points, followed by Palm Sports Team 777 (6,200) and Al-Jazira (4,340).
“The high turnout at this event reflects the success of the federation’s vision to enhance the presence of women in the jiu-jitsu community and encourage them to participate in various championships,” said Mohammed Salem Al-Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAEJJF. “The strong level of performance demonstrates how closely the athletes have been working with our technical staff and we look forward to witnessing more high-level competition in the final two rounds to crown the first champion of this new version of the championship.”
