Players in action during a Jiu-Jitsu tournament.

The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC) will be 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, when it returns for its 12th edition at Mubadala Arena in the UAE capital from April 11-17.

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), the governing body for the sport in the Emirates and organiser of the ADWPJJC, is grateful for the support of Sheikh Mohamed, who has been a long-time supporter of jiu-jitsu and has previously demonstrated his commitment to making the UAE a centre for jiu-jitsu by designating it the country’s national sport.

The game is gaining popularity among the children also.

“Thanks to the vision and the utmost support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed, the UAE has established its position as the home of jiu-jitsu and the championship is a must-attend event for athletes from around the world striving to achieve their dreams in the sport,” said Abdulmonem Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union and Senior Vice President of the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation.

“This vision of our wise leadership is enabling the Federation to build a generation of distinguished sporting talent that can perform on the global stage. This championship, through the support of our leaders, provides a platform for athletes from the UAE to test themselves against the world’s best.”

Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice President of the UAE Jujitsu Federation, added: “Thanks to support and appreciation of Sheikh Mohamed, the UAEJJF is able to play a leading role in contributing to cement Abu Dhabi’s position on the world sporting map. The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is founded on creativity, innovation and planning to ensure the ultimate platform for athletes.”

Girls take on each other during a match.

The ADWPJJC is the largest and most prestigious event on the global jiu-jitsu calendar. This year’s championship is the 12th edition and will welcome thousands of athletes from around the world for a week of high-level action on the mats.

The championship is open to athletes of all nationalities across a variety of categories: kids, teens, juveniles, para jiu-jitsu, masters, and the professional competition featuring the world’s top stars.

The ADWPJJC is the final event of the global 2019-2020 Jiu-Jitsu season and will bring the curtain down on the current UAEJJF Ranking Series.

Meanwhile, a string of strong performances from the Al Wahda Jiu-Jitsu Club saw it crowned the winner of the second round of the Mother of Nation Jiu-Jitsu Championship, one of the most prominent Jiu-Jitsu championships for women organized by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, held at the Mubarak bin Mohammed School, Abu Dhabi recently.

Al Dhafra Jiu-Jitsu Club ran Al Wahda, the eventual winners, close but had to ultimately settle for second while Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club finished in third place.

Al Wahda’s 76 wins across categories saw them accumulate 660 points while Al Dhafra’s 53 wins accounted for 590 points, Al Ain rounded off the podium places with a tally of 470 points. Al Wahda’s position at the top of the pile was made possible through the 14 Golds, 7 Silvers, and 10 Bronze medals that its athletes won.

Al Dhafra managed 10 Golds, 10 Silvers, and nine Bronze medals, while Al Ain’s kitty included 11 Golds, 5 Silvers, and 4 Bronze medals. The third and final round of the Mother of Nation Championship will be held on March 14 at the Mubarak bin Mohammed School in Abu Dhabi.