Al Ain, Al Wahda, Baniyas steal show in 4th round of Vice President’s Jiu-Jitsu League

The UAE’s top jiu-jitsu athletes took centre stage at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi as prestigious Vice President’s Jiu-Jitsu League reached the fourth round.

The country’s top clubs were all the well represented, with Al Ain, Al Wahda, Baniyas, Sharjah Self Defence and Al Jazira clubs once again displaying their dominance. In the U-16 category, Sharjah Self Defence took claimed first place for round four with 7,780 points, followed by Al Wahda (6,570) and Al Ain (6,230).

In the U-18 category, Al Ain came out on top with 9,430 points, while Baniyas came second (6,360), second, and Al Wahda in third (4,280), while in the adult category, Al Wahda players seized first place with 6,650 points, ahead of Al Ain (5,240) and Al Jazira (3,090).

Commenting on the fourth round of the Vice President’s Jiu-Jitsu League, UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation CEO, Fahad Al Shamsi, said: “The high level of jiu-jitsu skills displayed is a result of the athletes’ participation in international championships, including the 12th edition of Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship in April. Additionally, with the evolution of COVID-19 protocols, players are now able to increase their training sessions and elevate their skills.”

“The championship, being held under open belt system allows UAE players to compete against athletes with different skill sets, helping them to gain the experience needed to compete at a high level in the 13th edition of ADWPJJC in November.” Added Shamsi.

Speaking on his victory in the fourth round, Nayef Al Mansoori from Al Dhafra Jiu-Jitsu Club, said: “The atmosphere exhibited today got us back to the major championships environment, and it inspires all players to bring their best to capture the win.

“Today’s bouts were difficult and decisive, and they reflect stature of this championship. Although the championship is local, it has a global feel because of the quality of the competition,” added Mansoori.

Earlier, Abu Dhabi’s Jiu-Jitsu Arena played host to another thrilling round of action in the Mother of the Nation (MoN) Jiu-Jitsu League, with more than 100 athletes from 10 UAE clubs and academies participated for honours in the U-16, U-18 and adults categories, in a safe environment.

After a hotly contested evening of action in the MON Jiu-Jitsu League 4th round, Al Wahda, claimed first place in the adults category with 9,750 points, ahead of Al Ain with 5,410 points and, Palm Sports Team 777, in third with 3,280 points.

In the under-18 category, athletes from Al Ain, stood firm to take first position on the podium with 8,100, with Al Wahda (6550), and Sharjah Self Defence Club (3780), in second and third place respectively.

The under-16 category was fiercely contested with Al Wahda, ended the night comprehensively ahead of the pack with an aggregate of 6,990, to take the honours followed Palm Sports Team 777 (6,200), and Al Jazira (4340).

Commentating on the level of participation of the MoN League, Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “The high turnout at this event reflects the success of the federation’s vision to enhance the presence of women in the jiu-jitsu community and encourage them to participate in various championships.”

“The strong level of performance demonstrates how closely the athletes have been working with our technical staff and we look forward to witnessing more high-level competition in the final two rounds to crown the first champion of this new version of the championship,” added Al Dhahiri.

Commenting on the fourth round of the MoN league, Ibrahim Al Hosani, coach of the Under-18 UAE National Jiu-Jitsu team, said: “The players have developed their skills significantly since the 12th edition of Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, back in April. This is due to the gradual return to a ‘normal life’ and the dedication of the players in the intensive training, that was much limited in the strict precautionary measures that was followed in the previous months.”