Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Fans in Dubai are in for a jiu-jitsu treat next month as the emirate hosts the Vice-President’s Jiu-Jitsu Cup on September 10-11 at Al Nasr Club.

Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), the governing body for the sport in the Emirates, the championship will welcome the best local players from clubs across the UAE.

Considered the second-most prominent local tournament on the federation calendar, the two-day competition is open to Emirati athletes in the U-16, U-18, and Adult categories. Registration for the tournament, which carries a total prize purse of Dhs700,000, has so far attracted more than 100 sign-ups. Registration remains open until September 5.

Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, vice-president of the UAEJJF, said: “The Federation continues its efforts to enhance the level of the sport in this country.

“The Vice-President's Jiu-Jitsu Cup is one of our most important tournaments and plays a key role in raising the level of local players and preparing them to compete in both regional and international championships. Compared to international events, this tournament is no different in terms of the standards it sets – the level of quality and general professionalism is very high.”

The UAEJJF has allocated financial rewards for the top three players from each category, with U-16s sharing a pot of Dhs210,000, U-18s splitting Dhs240,000, and adults battling it out for part of a Dhs270,000 purse.

Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Owais, chairman of the Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, added: “The Vice-President's Jiu-Jitsu Cup is one of the most anticipated events on the sport’s calendar here in the UAE. The values of the sport are based on humility, self-confidence, and respect — all of which are in line with the goals of our club — and at Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, we seek to spread the culture of practising jiu-jitsu and other combat sports as a means of self-defence.

“We also look to educate the community about the importance of self-defence in life, be it for confidence, wellbeing, health, or even safety. We are looking forward to participating in the tournament to enrich our record of achievements and perhaps discover additional talented players that can enhance the club’s presence and reap more successes and medals in the future.”