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The fifth round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship (Gi division) got underway today at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, attracting strong participation from athletes representing top clubs and academies from across the UAE. The opening day featured competitions in the Under 18, Adults and Masters divisions, with Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club taking the first spot in the standings, followed by M.O.D UAE in second place and Al Jazira Jiu-jitsu Club in third.
The opening day delivered highly competitive contests across multiple belt and weight categories, with athletes demonstrating impressive technical ability, tactical awareness and composure under pressure. Competitors showcased smooth positional transitions, effective control and precise decision-making, reflecting the continued improvement in both technical and mental performance driven by the development programmes implemented by clubs and academies throughout the season.
The competition was attended by H.E. Mohamed Haji Al Khoori, Director General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation; H.E. Fatma Abdulla Al Jabri, Assistant Governor for Financial Crime, Market Conduct and Consumer Protection at the Central Bank of the UAE; H.E. Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, H.E. Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, and Mohamed Hussain Al Marzooqi, Board Members of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; Salem Al Darei, CEO of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Authority; Fatima Al Falahi, Director of Governance and Institutional Excellence at Abu Dhabi Sports Council; and Hamsa Muaid Al Ahbabi, Managing Director and CEO of Al Khaznah Leathers; alongside Federation officials, sponsors and representatives from clubs and academies.
Mohammed Hussain Al Marzooqi said: “The start of Round 5 confirms that the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship has become a cornerstone of the sport’s development in the UAE. Beyond organising competitions, it provides a comprehensive platform to measure the progress of athletes and clubs throughout the season, supporting technical decision-making and future development plans.
“The championship’s consistent schedule and diverse age categories create a direct link between daily training within clubs and competitive performance on the mat. This allows coaches to evaluate athletes’ technical, physical and mental readiness while ensuring the championship remains a sustainable platform for discovering talent, developing athletes and preparing competitors capable of representing their clubs and the UAE national team at the highest level.”
Fatima Al Falahi, Director of Governance and Institutional Excellence at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship reflects the UAE’s approach to building a sustainable sports sector through investment in people, high-quality event organisation and close collaboration between the Federation, clubs and academies, alongside the vital role of families in supporting athletes’ development.”
“The championship plays an educational role alongside its competitive purpose by promoting values such as discipline, respect, responsibility and decision-making under pressure, helping to develop well-rounded individuals both on and off the mat.”
She praised the event’s high technical and organisational standards, as well as the strong family attendance, noting that the enthusiastic support reflects the community’s confidence in the championship and the shared vision of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Abu Dhabi Sports Council to build an integrated sporting model based on excellence, positive values and greater community engagement.
Haitham Hanawi of MOD Academy, who won the gold medal in the Masters Black Belt 56kg division, expressed his delight at securing the title.
“Competing in the Masters division requires experience, discipline, and strong technical and physical preparation. This victory is the result of daily commitment to training and successfully balancing my professional and sporting responsibilities.
“The championship gives Masters athletes strong motivation to continue competing and proves that jiu-jitsu offers opportunities for excellence at every stage of life. It is also an important platform for sharing experience and inspiring the next generation.”
Round 5 continues tomorrow with competitions in the Under 12 and Kids divisions before concluding on Sunday with the Under 14 and Under 16 divisions. Another exciting weekend of high-level competition and strong family attendance is expected, further supporting the championship’s role in expanding participation in jiu-jitsu, discovering emerging talent and preparing athletes to compete at the highest levels.