ABU DHABI Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE has been on the rise in recent years. The recent success at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Championship held last month in Abu Dhabi is testimony to the fact that the sport has been embraced by youngsters in a big way here.
Taking it a step ahead, the Aldar Academies plans to further intensify it by launching the inaugural Jiu-Jitsu Cup. The event, held in partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Palm Sports, brought together children from all Aldar Academies schools and Glenelg School along with the UAE Junior National team for the event.
“The competition is targeted towards students from as young as six, with the hope of igniting a passion for this sport at an early age. Through this competition, we wish to provide them with the platform to showcase their skills, further encouraging them to take up the sport with dedication,” said CEO of Aldar Academies Nilay Ozral.
Inspiration
“Furthermore, with the support of the Federation, and two of the UAE’s most celebrated Jiu-Jitsu fighters (Ali Al Darei and Faisal Al Ketbi) at the event, it is a great deal of inspiration for the students participating, but also for students in the audience to take up this wonderful sport as well,” Ozral added.
The tournament, which will be held every year will very likely see an expansion offering invitation to more schools in the UAE in the future. “We plan to extend invitations to schools throughout the UAE over the coming years. For this year, however, we have schools from Abu Dhabi participating,” he said.
Noting that this effort would also help to promote healthy living among the kids, he said: “Encouraging individuals to take up any form of physical fitness is a great way to combat obesity and poor health. We believe introducing young students to the competitive sport of Jiu-Jitsu not only goes a long way in instilling the discipline and routine of practicing and staying fit, but will also help them maintain a regimented lifestyle that will help with their well-being on the whole.
“The leaders of Abu Dhabi are great supporters of Jiu-Jitsu and their backing will ensure that there continues to be such platforms and scope for encouragement to pursue the sport,” Ozral added.
