KBZS, ATS DOMINATE NATIONAL C’SHIP
As the Abu Dhabi Jiu-jitsu Festival 2018 entered its fourth day, thousands of male Emirati school students pitted against each other in the School Jiu-jitsu National Championship, part of the Abu Dhabi Jiu-jitsu Festival. Khalifa Bin Zayed School (KBZS) topped the rankings of the 16 - 19 age-group with a total of 17 medals, while Al Tawafoq School (ATS) took the lead in the 10 - 15 age-group with a total of ten gold medals.
Held by the UAE Jiu-jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) and powered by the Abu Dhabi Department and Knowledge (ADEK), the Abu Dhabi Jiu-jitsu Festival takes place at Mubadala Arena under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
In addition to its ten gold medals, Al Tawafoq School secured five silver medals and two bronze medals in the 10 - 15 age-group. Al Maqam School took home a total of eight gold, two silver and five bronze medals, with Sultan Bin Zayed School following in third place with six gold medals, two silver and two bronze.
In the 16 - 19 age-group, Khalifa Bin Zayed School topped the rankings with seven gold, three silver and seven bronze medals, while Al Maqam School won five gold medals, three silver and one bronze. Coming in third place with four gold, four silver and one bronze was Abdul Qader Al Jazaeri School.
The School Jiu-jitsu National Championship saw thousands of male and female Emirati students aged 10 to 19 compete over the past two days.
Notable dignitaries have spectated throughout the course of the Championship, including Sheikh Zayed Bin Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Zayed Bin Khalifa Bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan; Abdulmonem Al Hashemi, UAEJJF Chairman; Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Advisor to the ADEK Chairman; and Samira Al Romaithi, UAEJJF Board Member.
Dhaheri said: “Over the past two days, we have seen a remarkable level of youth participation with Jiu-jitsu. The School Jiu-jitsu National Championship provides an opportunity to compete on an international scale.
“At the same time, it has been a significant challenge for the athletes as they push themselves to the limit.
“This is an extremely popular sport throughout UAE society, but particularly among the upcoming generation, in which it instils the core values of confidence, discipline and determination.”
Youssef Al Kaabi said: “This is one of the most important sports in the UAE and it enjoys the direct support of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We have seen significant development to the level of preparation and participation among the competitor. We are honoured to be part of this global championship, and urge all companies in the UAE to support Jiu-jitsu.”
Mohammed Ali Mohammed, a 14-year-old white belt competitor who took home a bronze medal today, said: “I started Jiu-jitsu training at school four years ago.
“I took part last year and won a gold medal.”