Grade six and seven students from government schools in the capital will compete in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu regional finals this week and next week
The winners will represent their region at the Abu Dhabi Schools Jiu Jitsu Tournament in March. There are separate tournaments for boys and girls.
Students in Al Gharbia schools commenced the regional tournaments on 1st February, followed by Abu Dhabi on 2nd February (boys) and 16th February (girls) and Al Ain on 9th February (boys) and 15th February (girls). The Emirate finals will be held in Abu Dhabi on 1st March for boys and 8th March for girls.
The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program is an initiative of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and is under the patronage of HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.
Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) supervises the project and Palms Sports has recently taken over the management of the program. The Jiu Jitsu program has grown from 14 schools to 46 schools over the last few years. Over 70 experienced Jiu Jitsu coaches work in 36 boys’ schools and 10 girls’ schools across the three regions.
Students fight according to ten weight divisions ranging from “light roosters” weighing in at 28kg, to “super heavy weights” weighing 64 kg and above. No matter how small or big the students are, the competition is intense, and each bout is keenly contested. The bouts involve two minutes of high energy physical effort with no kicking or punching, but plenty of grappling.
The winner of each bout is the boy or girl who scores the most points or forces an opponent into submission. All students have special kimonos and now have a good grasp of the basics of the sport.
HE Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Director General of ADEC said, “The initiative is part of ADEC’s commitment to encourage its students to indulge in activities and healthy lifestyle habits. Jiu Jutsu is a martial art; combat sport and self defense system that can help turn our students into future champions. We trust that both boys and girls will progress through different colored belts and compete with confidence.”
