Winners with the officials during the presentation ceremony on the opening day of AJP Tour Dubai International Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club took the lead on the opening day of the sixth edition of the AJP Tour Dubai International Jiu-Jitsu Championship, which commenced at Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai on Friday.

The competitions for kids were held and featured notable performances and a sizeable crowd. ADMA International secured second place, followed by M.O.D UAE in third.

The championship will feature 1,300 athletes over three days, including 165 male and female competitors from outside the country.

The event has attracted 73 clubs and academies worldwide, including M.O.D UAE, Commando Group, Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, and Oman Sur Academy.

The opening day of the championship showcased hundreds of male and female participants from the country’s clubs and academies, aged 4 to 13, aligning with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s efforts to support younger age groups, highlight emerging talents, and develop successive generations of champions capable of continuing the UAE’s legacy of achievements in regional and international forums.

Youssef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, praised the young athletes for their stellar performances and highlighted the large participation and remarkable presence of families. He noted that this reflects the awareness of the sport’s importance, its mental and physical benefits for children, and its role in building empowered generations that can raise the nation’s profile.

Batran added: "The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has always been committed to providing competitions for youth with championships that adhere to the highest international standards. This allows them to showcase their abilities, motivates them to develop, acclimates them to strong competition, and guides them towards professionalism in the sport. This reflects our strategic vision to consolidate the UAE’s global leadership in sports by promoting the game among new generations, expanding the base of practitioners, and focusing on children who represent the future of UAE Jiu-Jitsu.”

He also thanked the Shabab Al Ahli Club for hosting the tournament.

Antonio Inacio, Technical Director of Shabab Al Ahli Club, said: "Today, we are participating in this important tournament, and our team is fully prepared to compete. Our players continue to show great commitment to training and are achieving significant development due to our efforts to hone their talents.”

"Participation in tournaments is a key factor and a real challenge for players, as they face opponents who use various methods and have varying abilities, especially in important tournaments such as the AJP Tour events. This enhances their self-confidence and helps them learn innovative techniques and methods in combat.”

Shadia Abbas, the mother of Talia Abdulhadi of Palms Sports - Team 777, said: "Talia has been practising Jiu-Jitsu for three years, and I’m here to support her. I always encourage others to let their children try Jiu-Jitsu because it teaches them to overcome challenges and develop important life skills.”

Reham Mohamed Hosni, the mother of player Anas Diaaeldin of Fujairah Martial Arts Club, who won the gold medal in the 28 kg category, said: "I’m thrilled with Anas’s gold medal today. He’s only been practising Jiu-Jitsu for a year, but his progress has been amazing, thanks to the strong support for the sport here in the UAE.”

On Saturday, the championship will continue with competitions for the youth and masters categories.