Dubai: The ninth edition of the Vice President’s Jiu-Jitsu Cup began today (Saturday) at Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai, drawing big crowds and setting the tone for a highly competitive two-day championship featuring athletes from top clubs and academies from across the UAE.

According to Emirates News Agency, day one saw the preliminary rounds unfold across the Under-14, Under-16, Under-18, and Adults divisions, with closely matched contests and a consistently high rhythm. Teams approached each bout with a clear objective: secure progression to Sunday’s finals, where titles will be decided.

The opening day’s results confirmed the qualification of several clubs to the final rounds across all divisions. In the Adults category (18+), Al Ain Club and Baniyas Club secured their places in the finals. In the Under-18 division, Al Jazira Club and Al Ain Club advanced.

In the Under-16 category, Palms Sports Academy, Baniyas Club, Al Ain Club, and Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club progressed to the final stage, while in the Under-14 division, Al Ain Club and Palms Sports Academy confirmed their qualification, setting the stage for a highly competitive final day.

What sets the championship apart is its team-based format, a rare structure on the domestic calendar that shifts the focus from individual wins to collective performance. Success depends on squad depth, tactical balance, and the ability to manage matchups across multiple divisions, offering a more complete test of a club’s competitive system.

Mubarak Saleh Al Menhali, Technical Director of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, noted the challenge the team-based format presents, emphasizing the importance of managing athletes across all categories and maintaining consistency under pressure. The finals are anticipated to be intense, with performance and decision-making being crucial.

Thani Majid bin Suleiman, Director of Combat Sports at Shabab Al Ahli Club, highlighted the importance of creating an environment that allows athletes to perform at their best. The club enters the competition with a balanced line-up and a competitive mindset, focusing on discipline and smart bout management.

Cassiano Cunha, coach of Palms Sports – Team 777, praised his team’s performance, emphasizing the need to refine timing and decision-making under pressure. He acknowledged the significance of small details in determining the outcome at this level.

The championship concludes tomorrow with the final rounds, where champions will be crowned across all divisions. With families and supporters expected to fill the stands, the closing day promises a charged atmosphere as teams and athletes compete for the title in front of those who have supported them throughout their journey.

Dubai: The ninth edition of the Vice President’s Jiu-Jitsu Cup began today (Saturday) at Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai, drawing big crowds and setting the tone for a highly competitive two-day championship featuring athletes from top clubs and academies from across the UAE.

According to Emirates News Agency, day one saw the preliminary rounds unfold across the Under-14, Under-16, Under-18, and Adults divisions, with closely matched contests and a consistently high rhythm. Teams approached each bout with a clear objective: secure progression to Sunday’s finals, where titles will be decided.

The opening day’s results confirmed the qualification of several clubs to the final rounds across all divisions. In the Adults category (18+), Al Ain Club and Baniyas Club secured their places in the finals. In the Under-18 division, Al Jazira Club and Al Ain Club advanced.

In the Under-16 category, Palms Sports Academy, Baniyas Club, Al Ain Club, and Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club progressed to the final stage, while in the Under-14 division, Al Ain Club and Palms Sports Academy confirmed their qualification, setting the stage for a highly competitive final day.

What sets the championship apart is its team-based format, a rare structure on the domestic calendar that shifts the focus from individual wins to collective performance. Success depends on squad depth, tactical balance, and the ability to manage matchups across multiple divisions, offering a more complete test of a club’s competitive system.

Mubarak Saleh Al Menhali, Technical Director of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, noted the challenge the team-based format presents, emphasizing the importance of managing athletes across all categories and maintaining consistency under pressure. The finals are anticipated to be intense, with performance and decision-making being crucial.

Thani Majid bin Suleiman, Director of Combat Sports at Shabab Al Ahli Club, highlighted the importance of creating an environment that allows athletes to perform at their best. The club enters the competition with a balanced line-up and a competitive mindset, focusing on discipline and smart bout management.

Cassiano Cunha, coach of Palms Sports – Team 777, praised his team’s performance, emphasizing the need to refine timing and decision-making under pressure. He acknowledged the significance of small details in determining the outcome at this level.

The championship concludes tomorrow with the final rounds, where champions will be crowned across all divisions. With families and supporters expected to fill the stands, the closing day promises a charged atmosphere as teams and athletes compete for the title in front of those who have supported them throughout their journey.