Battle of the Bars returns to Dubai

With the aim of expanding knowledge of calisthenics and the growth of discipline within the region, Battle of the Bars (BOTB) announced the return of its 4th installment on Wednesday at Gravity Calisthenics Gym, Al Quoz.

The event will take place on the Nov.17-18 at La Mer, Jumeirah 1.

Battle of the Bars, created by the World Calisthenics Organization, is the world’s first calisthenics competition based on individual battles.

Competitors go head-to-head in battles, where they are judged based on strength, endurance, agility, creativity and technique. Battles are held in different countries throughout the world. Winners of these different battles qualify and get a chance to compete in the main Battle that takes place every year in Los Angeles. The competition consists of a 16-man competition where they go head-tohead in 3-minute battles, with an elimination scheme.

Helping raise awareness about the World Calisthenics Organization (WCO) within the UAE and further into the GCC played role of objective for the press conference. “The message we are communicating is the foundation of Calisthenics as well as its influence on individuals, competition and contribution to the fitness landscape in the region,” explains Yousuf Al Gurg, a key figure behind BOTB and co-founder of Gravity Calisthenics Gym.

“The introduction of calisthenics to the region will help bring regulation and progression to the platform.”

In a first of its kind, WCO shareholders and world champions of the discipline attended the conference to support delivery of key messages.

Targeting UAE and GCC youth ranging between 15 - 30 years, the conference showcased a range of callisthenic-trained athletes and their skills, highlighting the importance of calisthenics, its benefits and visual insight into what to expect at the event.

The conference also featured speakers including Saleh Al Braik, a top contender for Emirati entrepreneurs, who discussed the impact of sports on Dubai as a city. Brendan Cosso, President of WCO, shared the spotlight with other international calisthenics leaders including Vice President of WCO, Kenneth Gallarzo, and award-winning athlete, Eryc Ortiz, to discuss global fitnessregime takeover. “Battle of the Bars will set the bar for what’s to come in the future with regards to the growth of the discipline and the importance of the community to the sport. In light of the event, Gravity Calisthenics has recently opened its second branch – a step towards the spread of a new, fitness process,” signs off Braik.