Challenge Jiu-jitsu Festival gets huge response

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has announced the closure of registration for the highly anticipated Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival amid an overwhelming response from participants.

With over 2,500 participants already registered, the upcoming event at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City from May 26-28 is expected to be a momentous gathering for the wider jiu-jitsu community, as well as families in attendance.

Preparations are in full swing for the festival, which marks the second edition of the year. The championship will feature thrilling competitions with athletes aged 4-17 from various clubs and academies competing in different divisions, including kids, infants, juniors, teens, and youth, all vying for medal glory and enticing prizes.

In light of the record number of participants in the competitions, the UAEJJF has announced an extension of the weigh-in time on Friday.

The weigh-in will now start at 10 am and continue until 3 pm, with the competitions scheduled to begin at 4 pm in the afternoon. Additionally, for Saturday and Sunday, the competitions will start at 11 am.

Youssef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, emphasised the significance of the Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival, saying, “The Festival holds great importance in the Federation’s annual calendar, particularly because it focuses on children, teens, and youth. These age groups form the cornerstone of jiu-jitsu’s growth in the country and align with the Federation’s long-term vision to sustain the continuous development of the sport.”

He added: “The Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival events offer numerous positive outcomes that contribute to the personal growth of youngsters. The sport of jiu-jitsu has gained significant popularity in Emirati society over the past decade and plays a crucial role in instilling positive values in the younger generation.

“These values include discipline, patience, endurance, self-confidence, and courage, all of which contribute to the development of a resilient and responsible generation capable of assuming future responsibilities,” he added.

Victor Yunti, the father of Rania Yunti, who hails from Romania and trains at the First Abu Dhabi Bank Jiu-Jitsu Academy, expressed his admiration for the UAEJJF’s championships and their adherence to the highest international standards in organisation and hosting.

“I am immensely proud of my daughter for choosing a sport that caters to her physical and intellectual growth. We are fortunate to reside in Abu Dhabi, the world capital of jiu-jitsu, where all the necessary elements for the development of practitioners are readily available,” he said.

The Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival guarantees an immersive family experience, providing a diverse array of exciting events tailored to suit the preferences of athletes and their family members.

Maiky Reiter, a jiu-jitsu black belt and father of three, is among the many parents eagerly looking forward to the jubilant atmosphere and high spirits expected at the event.

He said, “As a Jiu-Jitsu black belt myself, I know firsthand the benefits of this beautiful sport, and I’m delighted to see my kids follow in my footsteps and excel in their categories. Maryah, Ryan, and Marcelo are excited to showcase their skills and compete against other talented athletes across the UAE.”

He added, “Maryah is now nine years old and has been practising the sport since she was three. She has participated in the previous editions of the Challenge Festival. Ryan and Marcelo are looking forward to participating in their first event, and we can’t wait for the championship to begin.”

Laila Al Kaabi, a mother of two kids who will participate in the event, also praised jiu-jitsu for its values and virtues.