The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has announced the completion of preparations for the Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship – Round 3 No Gi, scheduled to take place from Sept.27 to 29 at Al Bait Metwahed, Sharjah. The event is expected to draw more than 1,500 athletes across three days of competition.

On Friday, the opening day of the event, athletes will compete in the Adults and Masters categories, followed by the U12 and U14 categories on Day 2 and the U16 and Youth categories on Day 3. This championship is part of a five-round series held across different emirates throughout the season.

This round holds special significance as it marks the final No Gi round, with double ranking points awarded, offering athletes an enhanced opportunity to advance in the title race.

Khalid Ibrahim Al Nakhi, a board member of the Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club and Jiu-Jitsu Supervisor, said: “Hosting the Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Sharjah is an important step in promoting jiu-jitsu in the emirate. Our club’s training department, following the board of directors’ guidance, has fully prepared for the largest participation in our history. We are confident our athletes will compete strongly and win medals.”

He added: “We extend our gratitude to the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for its constant support of athletes and clubs across the country. This support has helped develop a strong pool of talented athletes, motivating them to strive for excellence. Our club is determined to compete for the championship title, building on our success in the second round.”

Yasser Al Qubaisi, Technical Supervisor at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “The Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship – Round 3 No Gi has seen an incredible 50 per cent increase in athlete participation compared to the second round, with 35 academies and clubs taking part. This shows the rising importance of No Gi competitions across different categories. No Gi requires advanced technical skills, quick movement, and strategic flexibility, making it a unique challenge.”

Competitions will commence daily at 10 a.m. Athletes can complete official weigh in on the day of their category’s competition between 8 and 9 am, or the day before from 5 to 7 pm.

The Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club claimed the top spot in the second round of the Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship, held at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai in July. Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club emerged victorious following a impressive performance, while M.O.D UAE took second place, and Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club secured third. The opening round of the Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship unfolded with great splendor at the magnificent Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi this past June, drawing together a vibrant tapestry of athletes, fans, and martial arts enthusiasts. In a breathtaking display of skill and tenacity, Al Ain Club rose to prominence, claiming the coveted top position on the medal table. Their athletes dazzled the audience with flawless technique and unwavering spirit, embodying the very essence of competitive jiu-jitsu.

Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship plays a pivotal role in encouraging community participation and strengthening family bonds. The championship provides a unique platform for people of all ages to get involved and engage in an exciting and dynamic sporting environment.

Jiu-Jitsu has become one of the most popular martial arts in the world, and has attracted a strong following in regional and global sports forums, due to its suitability for different ages, and the physical, intellectual and social benefits that its practice confers.