Abu Dhabi: A 48-member UAE Jiu Jitsu junior national team will be taking part in the American National Kids Jiu Jitsu Championship in Long Beach, California next month. Seven girls are also part of the squad and currently a camp is underway to get them ready for the event.

“Children in the age between 10 and 16 years will be taking part in the event in US, to be held on October 18. The selections have been made in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Education Council and Palms Sports,” said UAE Jiu Jitsu Federation CEO Fahad Ali Al Shamsi.

Fifteen-year-old Reem Rashid Al Falahi, who is part of the squad to USA was keen to make this opportunity count.

“I’m very excited to take part in this tournament. This is the first time will we be participating in a tournament outside UAE and I want to make the most and make my coach and country proud,” said a beaming Al Falahi, who is aiming to be a professional Jiu Jitsu coach.

“I have won gold in all three kids World Championships I have taken part and if these success can transform into results in the US nothing like it. We are working really hard and I’m confident everyone along with me will do well,” added Al Falahi.

UAE will also participate in the Asian Beach Games in Phuket, Thailand. The team will be led by Faisal Al Ketbi holder of the first black belt in the UAE, and include two ladies — Shamsa Hassan and Shifaa Mousa.

“This team will be training for one month to ensure their access to a level that qualifies them to compete strongly and win medals, especially given that the tournament will witness the participation of more than 10 countries,” revealed Al Shamsi.

Meanwhile, UAE Jiu Jitsu Federation also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Palms Sports for a three-year period under which the latter will continue to act as the technical arm of the federation. With its international experts, coaches, and referees exceeding the 400-strong marker, Palms Sports will oversee the programs and plans drawn by the UAEJJF to expand the base of the game in the country.

They will manage the training centres affiliated to the federation and the clubs, as well as the schools programme of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The signing ceremony was attended by both Abdel Moneim Al Hashemi, Chairman of UAEJJF, and Hamad Khalfan Al Shamsi, representative of Palms Sports.

Under this agreement, Palms Sports will provide the federation with the technical staff such as the referees for the tournaments organised by the federation, and coaches for the training centres of the federation and the clubs.