Baniyas crowned champions in junior Jiu-Jitsu championship

Abu Dhabi: Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club emerged as champions in the first round of the second edition of Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship on Sunday. Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club took the second place while Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club claimed third spot.

The three-day championship saw lots of excitement, suspense, and strong fights at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Athletes under 12 years old and kids aged 4-8 stole the attention demonstrating promising skills and great determination.

Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, stated that the first round of the Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship achieved significant success, both in terms of its exceptional organisation and the wide participation of clubs and academies. He also highlighted the strong public attendance, which reflects the growing popularity of the sport and the effectiveness of the Federation’s strategies in promoting and developing it.

Al Shamsi praised the outstanding performance and high sportsmanship displayed by the kids and youth on the mat, noting that this signals a generation of promising future talents who form the strategic foundation of the UAE’s jiu-jitsu endeavours.

“The Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship is an exemplary model for sports competitions, made possible by the vision and limitless support of the wise leadership. The championship successfully hosted 2,000 male and female athletes from various clubs and academies, along with their families and sports fans, making it a unique platform that merges competitive excellence with community engagement.”

Dr Ali Bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) at the Department of Culture and Tourism, said: “We are proud of this championship and pleased to witness the high level of organisation adhering to the highest standards. It plays a key role in refining the skills of male and female athletes, enhancing their capabilities, and serves as a strong motivator that attracts more practitioners. This, in turn, contributes to the growth of jiu-jitsu and spreads its physical and mental benefits across the Emirati community.”

Flavio Serafin, father of M. O. D Academy athletes Eduarda Scanferla Serafin and Valentina Scanferla Serafin, said: “I am extremely proud of what my daughters have accomplished, which is the result of extensive training, as they have been practising jiu-jitsu for over three years. I believe this championship is crucial as it provides them with the opportunity to test their skills, especially given the large number of participants. I have lived in Abu Dhabi for 12 years and hold six titles in the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, so I fully understand the significance of jiu-jitsu, its physical benefits, and the noble values it instils in athletes.”