DUBAI, 30th August, 2024 (WAM) -- Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club took the lead on the opening day of the sixth edition of the AJP Tour Dubai International Jiu-Jitsu Championship, which commenced at Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai on Friday. The competitions for kids were held today, featuring notable performances and a sizeable crowd. ADMA International secured second place, followed by M.O.D UAE in third.
The championship will feature 1,300 athletes over three days, including 165 male and female competitors from outside the country. The event has attracted 73 clubs and academies worldwide, including M.O.D UAE, Commando Group, Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, and Oman Sur Academy.
The first day of the tournament showcased hundreds of male and female participants from the country’s clubs and academies, aged 4 to 13, aligning with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s efforts to support younger age groups, highlight emerging talents, and develop successive generations of champions capable of continuing the UAE’s legacy of achievements in regional and international forums.
Youssef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, praised the young athletes for their stellar performances and highlighted the large participation and remarkable presence of families. He noted that this reflects the awareness of the sport’s importance, its mental and physical benefits for children, and its role in building empowered generations that can raise the nation’s profile.
Al Batran added, “The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has always been committed to providing competitions for youth with championships that adhere to the highest international standards. This allows them to showcase their abilities, motivates them to develop, acclimates them to strong competition, and guides them towards professionalism in the sport. This reflects our strategic vision to consolidate the UAE’s global leadership in sports by promoting the game among new generations, expanding the base of practitioners, and focusing on children who represent the future of UAE Jiu-Jitsu.”
The championship will continue on Saturday with competitions for the youth and masters categories, with the first fight starting at 10:00 GST.