Teens continue to show promise on day four
UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation holds workshop on self defence
ABU DHABI, April 13: Young male athletes continued to show promise on day four of the Abu Dhabi World JiuJitsu Festival, part of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2017 held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Taking place at the IPIC Arena, Zayed Sports City, over 600 Jiu-Jitsu competitors turned out to compete for 419 medals (155 gold, 155 silver & 209 bronze). Males aged from 14 to 17 years old, from 47 different countries, competed in the teen and juvenile categories across 47 divisions.
For many of the youths, the competition is one of the last competing as a boy before they progress to the men’s division next year. The best youth players are monitored by the UAE JiuJitsu Federation throughout the competition, offering a select group support and encouragement to develop their skills. They believe that the young players they train have the skills and mindset to represent the country in years to come.
One of those young players is Mohammed Al Kutbi, 14, who won 3 golds medal in his category since he took up Jiu-Jitsu three years ago. “I have been practicing Jiu-Jitsu for more than three years, and during that time I have kept training to develop my skills and physical fitness. Today, Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival has given us the opportunity to participate at a high level and gain experiences which will help us in the future.
“I will never forget the encouragement from my friends and family during the tournament. By participating today, I have achieved my dream.”
“I have won three gold medals already and now I am looking forward to the Abu Dhabi World Youth JiuJitsu Championship on Sunday — I am pretty sure I can achieve good results there to also reach the podium.”
Jiu-Jitsu is currently playing a huge role in UAE society and across the globe as it has helped many people lead a better, healthier and active lifestyle. UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation believe that is why they have seen a growth, not only in the Championship event, but across all of their programmes.
Abdulaziz Hasn al Hamadi, 15, who also won the gold medal in his category explained that since he took up JiuJitsu two years ago the sport has changed his life. “Jiu-Jitsu helps make people become friends and come together. It creates strong links