Abu dhabi: Round 4 of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship (Gi) will commence tomorrow at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant phase of the domestic jiu-jitsu season.
According to Emirates News Agency, the championship is pivotal in developing athletes and identifying emerging talent, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi's status as a global jiu-jitsu hub. Clubs are entering this round aiming to enhance their standings in the overall rankings as the competition heats up and the season progresses. The championship offers athletes valuable chances to gain experience, refine their skills, and gear up for regional, continental, and international events.
Round 4 is crucial as clubs vie for valuable points in the race for top positions. Each result holds increasing importance, with the Gi format providing a technical challenge that requires control, tactical awareness, and effective match management, preparing athletes for future challenges. The competition begins on Friday with U18, Adult, and Masters divisions for both men and women. Saturday will feature U14 and U16 divisions for boys and girls, while the championship concludes on Sunday with U12 divisions and Kids 1, Kids 2, and Kids 3 categories.
Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club currently leads the overall standings, followed by Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club in second place and Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club in third. The competition for points is expected to intensify as clubs strive to maintain or improve their rankings.
Abdullah Salem Al Zaabi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, emphasized the importance of this round, noting the growing competition and the crucial nature of every point in the overall standings. He highlighted that the championships demonstrate the quality work of clubs and their ability to develop high-level athletes. Family and fan attendance contributes to the event's atmosphere, reflecting the rising popularity of jiu-jitsu in the UAE, especially in the Year of the Family.
Zayed Alshamsi, an Adult brown belt athlete from Al Wahda Club, shared insights into the challenges of competing in the adult division, where experience, composure, and attention to detail are key. His preparation focuses on controlling matches and capitalizing on opportunities to gain an advantage. The championship serves as a valuable platform for athletes to test themselves against strong competitors, enhancing their performance and experience from one round to the next.