Abu Dhabi: The UAE national junior jiu-jitsu team made a big impression in their first overseas competition — the American National Kids Jiu-Jitsu Championship — by returning with a rich haul of 45 medals.
The Emiratis, who in total won 15 golds, 17 silver and 13 bronze, topped the medal standings in the teen category and were fourth overall behind Atos Jiu-JItsu, Gracie Barra and CheckMat USA.
Almost all of the 48-member UAE squad, including seven girls aged 10 to 16, were on the podium during the two-day championship at the Convention Centre in Long Beach, California.
The championship drew more than 330 entries in more than 100 different weight and belt categories.
“It is a remarkable achievement from our youngsters in their first competition abroad,” said Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, chief executive of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF).
“The results are beyond all expectations and this augurs well for the sport in the country. Our main objective of sending them abroad for a competition was to provide them with the experience. They are returning with a lot of success.
“No doubt, it is the outcome of the hard work they have put in and of course the UAEJJF’s school programme. The sport is in the curriculum of more than 100 state schools, which has drawn more than 30,000 children to the sport.”
The tour was sponsored by International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) and supported by Abu Dhabi Education Council and Palms Sports, the technical arm of the UAEJJF.
