Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship Opens with Global Participation

The Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship started today as part of the larger Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. The opening day showed strong energy, high enthusiasm, and wide participation from famous clubs and academies from the UAE and around the world. Many young athletes arrived ready to compete and to show the skills they have learned through months of preparation.

Sunday’s competitions were focused on athletes aged between 10 and 17. These young competitors took part in the grey, yellow, orange, and green belt divisions. Each match showed good technical skills and careful training. Despite their young age, the athletes showed confidence and discipline. Their movements were sharp, their techniques were accurate, and their focus stayed strong throughout the matches. Coaches and families watching from the stands expressed pride in the athletes' dedication.

This is the seventeenth edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. The event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. His support reflects the UAE’s deep commitment to developing jiu-jitsu and encouraging young athletes. The championship has grown into one of the world’s top jiu-jitsu events, attracting thousands of participants every year.

Today’s competitions were attended by many senior officials and leaders from the UAE and international jiu-jitsu community. Among them were Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and President of the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union, as well as Odonbaatar Shijeekhuu, the Ambassador of Mongolia to the UAE. Other key attendees included Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Ahmed Fadhel Al Mehairbi, Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Mansoor Al Dhaheri, Redha Monfaredi, Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Mubarak Salem Al Ameri, and Noora Al Menhali. Their presence showed strong support for the sport and for the development of young talent.

UAEJJF Board Member Yousef Abdullah Al Batran praised the opening day, saying that the competition has reached a very advanced level in both organisation and skill. He explained that these young athletes are the future of jiu-jitsu and will form the next generation of national team players. He also said that the wide international participation proves the championship’s strong global position and shows the high level of trust that the world places in Abu Dhabi’s ability to host major sporting events.

Redha Monfaredi, Vice President of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union, said he was proud to attend such an important event. He explained that the championship has helped raise the global level of jiu-jitsu and has encouraged more people to take part in the sport. He also said that the UAE continues to play a major role in promoting jiu-jitsu at both regional and international levels.

Fernando Almeida, a coach from UFC Gym Middle East, said this is their third time participating in the event. For many of their young athletes, it is their first major international championship. He explained that competitions like this help athletes grow faster because they get to meet and compete with young talents from different countries, with different styles and techniques. His team of 16 athletes is hoping to gain experience, confidence, and motivation.

The championship will continue tomorrow (Monday) with the youth blue and purple belt divisions. These categories are expected to be even more competitive, with top young talents from the UAE and abroad preparing to take the stage. Coaches, families, and fans are looking forward to another exciting day of action.