The third round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship continued on Saturday with competitions in the under-14 and under-16 categories at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. The competitions featured strong performances and a high technical level, reflecting the ongoing development of jiu-jitsu in the UAE and the success of clubs and academies in nurturing and qualifying rising talent.
By the end of the day, Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club remained at the top of the overall standings, followed by Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club in second place and Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club in third.
The competition attracted a large audience of families and fans. The vibrant atmosphere at the Arena underscored the strong community spirit and positive values that the sport is known for.
H.E. Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said:
“The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship represents a key pillar in our strategy to develop the sport, especially by focusing on younger age groups, who are the foundation of long-term sporting excellence. The championship’s ranking system offers strong motivation for clubs and academies to enhance player development and achieve strong results—factors that will elevate the level of competition and expand the athlete base across the country.”
Mohammed Haitham, Youth Team coach at Al Jazira Club, said, “We prepared intensively for this round, both physically and mentally, knowing how important it is in the overall championship. The team delivered a strong and disciplined performance, executing the technical plans effectively, which boosts our chances in the final rankings.”
Munira Hassan, mother of players Saif, Saud, and Meera Al Balushi, added: “Munira Hassan, mother of athletes Saif, Saud, and Mira Al-Balushi, explained that jiu-jitsu helps children develop a balance between academic achievement and sports activities, while also instilling values such as discipline, time management, and goal-setting. She added that their participation in the Federation’s championships has had a significant impact on their behaviour, strengthening their sense of discipline and awareness both on and off the mat.”
The final day of the third round takes place tomorrow, Sunday, May 4, with the under-12 categories in action and wide participation expected from clubs and academies nationwide.
