Fujairah, United Arab Emirates — The next generation of grappling talent took center stage on Saturday as the second round of the third edition of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship continued at the Zayed Sports Complex.
The competition featured Under-14 and Under-16 divisions for boys and girls, showcasing rising stars of the sport in the Gi format and highlighting the strong grassroots development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu across the UAE.
Rising Talent Displays High-Level Skill
Athletes delivered impressive performances throughout the day, displaying technical control, disciplined strategy, and strong fundamentals.
The high level of competition reflected the quality training programs being implemented by clubs and academies across the country, which aim to develop young athletes from an early age and prepare them for long-term success in the sport.
UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation Praises Youth Development
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
Also present were:
- Saeed Abdullah Amer Al Nuaimi, judge at Fujairah Federal Court
- Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation
- Mohammed Hussein Al Marzooqi, Board Member of the Federation
- Humaid Mohammed Bekheit Al Ketbi, Board Member of the Federation
- Mohammed Abdullah Al Dhanhani, Branch Manager at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB)
- Abdullah Salem Al Zaabi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communication at the Federation
Mohammed Hussein Al Marzooqi emphasized the championship’s role in shaping future champions.
“The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship plays an important role in developing a new generation of athletes supported by a clear long-term vision for the sport in the UAE,” he said.
He noted that the focus goes beyond results, highlighting values such as discipline, commitment, and competitive spirit, which help athletes grow both on and off the mat.
Families Play a Key Role in Athlete Development
Family involvement was a major theme during the event, with parents and relatives filling the stands to support young competitors.
Mona Al Mansoori, mother of Baniyas Club athlete Fatima Khaled Al Mansoori, highlighted the importance of family support.
“We are not just watching from the stands — we are part of our children’s journey in this sport,” she said. “The Supporting Family Award recognises this role and encourages families to be more involved.”
Al Wasl Athlete Captures Gold
One standout performance came from Shaikhan Saif of Al Wasl Jiu-Jitsu Club, who captured gold in the Under-14 34kg division.
Saif credited both preparation and family support for his success.
“The competition was strong and intense which required a high level of focus and a clear understanding of each opponent,” he said. “My family’s support played a big role in this result.”
Championship Continues With Kids Divisions
The second round of the championship will conclude Sunday with competitions in the Kids and Under-12 divisions, continuing an event that reflects the rapid growth of jiu-jitsu in the UAE and its expanding community of young athletes.
With strong participation from clubs and families alike, the tournament continues to serve as a key platform for identifying and nurturing the future stars of Emirati jiu-jitsu.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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