Al Ain and SSDSC shine at Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu C’ship

The inaugural edition of the Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship concluded its thrilling final round at Mubadala Arena, Abu Dhabi, captivating fans and participants with three days of high-intensity competition and extraordinary performances. Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club triumphed in the Gi division, while Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club (SSDSC) dominated the No-Gi division, solidifying their supremacy in the landmark season.

The championship featured five rounds held across various locations in the UAE this year, including three rounds for the Gi category and two for the No-Gi category, with competitions spanning different age groups. Held from December 13-15, the fifth and final round brought together the UAE’s brightest athletes.

The Kids and Under-16 categories provided action-packed matches on the final day, with Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club continuing their incredible performance to emerge victorious, capping off their dominant reign in previous rounds in style. Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club secured a strong second-place finish in the overall Gi ranking, while Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club earned third. In the No-Gi division, Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club took the title, M.O.D Academy finished as runner-up, and Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club taking third place.

The event was attended by several esteemed guests, including Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council; Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development; Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi; Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE); Dr Saif Al Nasseri, Undersecretary of the Department of Municipalities and Transport; Homaid Al Shimmari, Deputy Group CEO and Chief Corporate & Human Capital Officer of Mubadala Investment Company; Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group CEO at Aldar Properties; Mohamed Abdelbary, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank; Bushra Abdullah Al Shehhi, Chief Human Resources Officer at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Chairman of Kawader; Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri and Yousef Al Batran, Board Members of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

Dhaheri said: “We are proud of the tremendous success achieved by the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship over its five rounds. It has become a leading platform showcasing the growth of jiu-jitsu in the UAE. This championship reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, developing local talent, and providing a high-level competitive environment that unites athletes and clubs nationwide.

“On this final day, we celebrate our champions, who have embodied the values of the sport. We honour the winning clubs for their achievements and outstanding efforts. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to elevate jiu-jitsu and support our athletes in reaching greater heights.

“We sincerely thank the championship sponsors, whose invaluable support has been instrumental in our journey. Their partnership has helped us achieve milestones, organise world-class events, and promote the sport of jiu-jitsu.”

Ahmed Saeed Ali Jarwan, President of the Board of Directors of Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, commended the club’s players for securing the championship title in the No-Gi category. He dedicated the achievement to His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Sports Council, and the club’s sports family.

“This milestone reflects the insightful vision and unwavering support of the Ruler of Sharjah, which has been pivotal in shaping the club’s legacy of sustainable achievements. The players’ technical excellence and the dedication of their coaches have been instrumental in this accomplishment,” Jarwan said, extending his gratitude to the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for its vital role in developing national talent.

Mansour Al Hashemi, Chairman of the Sports Games Company at Al Ain Club, said: “We are incredibly proud to claim the Gi championship title in a competition that carries a name close our hearts. From the start, we were determined to accumulate the highest points and secure the title.