Baniyas Shine Bright on Day 1 of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Electric atmosphere in Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Arena as youth, masters, and elite athletes battle for glory in a landmark round with doubled prize money

Abu Dhabi, UAE — The fourth round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship kicked off in electrifying fashion on Friday at Mubadala Arena, Zayed Sports City, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend of action, skill, and resilience.

Leading the charge was Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club, which surged ahead on the leaderboard thanks to an extraordinary showing across multiple divisions. Their dominance on Day 1 reaffirmed the club’s reputation as a powerhouse in the UAE’s jiu-jitsu scene. Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club followed closely in second, while the fast-rising M.O.D UAE took a commendable third.

Hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), the event brought together a vibrant mix of youth, adults, and master-class athletes, each vying for critical ranking points and a spot on the podium. This round, more than ever, symbolised the growing intensity of the championship.

A Championship Elevated

A significant development this year was the doubling of the prize pool, an initiative driven by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The move not only intensified the competitive spirit but also underscored the UAE’s strategic investment in jiu-jitsu as a pillar of its national sports identity.

Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAEJJF, lauded the directive, saying, “It marks a key moment in the competition and gives us a chance to evaluate club performances and athlete readiness for future stages.”

Jasem Al Marzooqi, CEO of AMMROC, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the championship’s technical evolution: “The organisational quality reflects our leadership’s vision to make the UAE a global sporting hub.”

Stars and Strategy

Among the standout athletes was Bouchaib Elidrissi, a Moroccan master from Baniyas, who clinched gold in the Men’s Masters Brown/Black Belt –62kg division. His victory, particularly over a finalist two decades his junior, embodied the heart and perseverance that defines the sport.

“This platform allows athletes of all ages to dream big,” said Elidrissi. “Facing a younger opponent was tough, but the spirit of competition kept me focused. I’m grateful for the UAEJJF’s commitment to excellence.”

Igor Lacerda, head coach of Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, shared his strategic insights: “We trained beyond the mats—focusing on mindset, adaptability, and consistent performance. Championships are marathons, not sprints.”

With each passing round, the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship strengthens its legacy—not just as a competition, but as a crucible for national pride, athlete development, and sporting excellence. As the journey continues, all eyes remain on who will rise and who will reign.