Emirati schoolgirls from the ages of 10 to 19 years old competed in the School Jiu-Jitsu National Championship this week as part of the 10-day-long Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Festival. 

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), which hosts the Abu Dhabi World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championships from April 24-28, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the competition. As part of the festivities, multiple tournaments will utilize the same mats as when the world-class black belts begin to arrive. 

Watch the Abu Dhabi 2018 World Pro

When: April 24-28 | Start time: 1 AM CST daily

Jiu-jitsu is part of the school system in the United Arab Emirates, and every school child (male and female) takes part in lessons in which they learn grappling techniques. Many of the practitioners compete as part of the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Festival, a move the country’s government promotes. 

H.E. Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Advisor to Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, said: “Today is a significant manifestation of our efforts to build a strong generation through the widespread local adoption of jiu-jitsu—an accessible sport that is open to all, regardless of age, gender or ability. 

"Today’s wide participation from schoolgirls around the UAE is a clear indication of this, and we are pleased to have had such a magnificent turnout, which builds on the momentum of the remarkable achievements during the 2018 World Youth Championships in Abu Dhabi last month.”

Jiu-jitsu is seen by the Emirati government as an excellent way to develop qualities such as physical fitness, discipline, and courage—and the results speak for themselves. 

H.E. Al Dhaheri added:

“Following its introduction into school curriculum 10 years ago, we have seen clear correlation with improved concentration, performance, and grades. With jiu-jitsu as the national sport of the UAE, and we hope to increase the number of schools providing a focus on jiu-jitsu even more over the coming years, under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.”

The event opened with a demonstration of advanced self-defense skills, with female athletes showcasing how to take down an armed attacker. 

About Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE

In 2008 the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge began incorporating jiu-jitsu into the curriculum of government schools throughout the Emirate, with students of all grades receiving one lesson per week and an additional physical education class. Proving popular, the sport has since become a prominent part of school life at more than 130 schools in the UAE, reaching over 120,000 students. In addition, 15 jiu-jitsu centers nationwide are supervised by the UAEJJF, with more than 600 Brazilian coaches heading activities. 

Held at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Festival takes place under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.