ABU DHABI: The second round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship will be held at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Sunday, July 14, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has announced.

This follows the successful first round at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, which saw significant participation across various categories.

The Dubai event is the second of five rounds in the current season, held in different emirates across the country. The final round in December in Abu Dhabi will see the crowning of the winning clubs and academies in both Gi and No-Gi categories based on a comprehensive ranking system, which awards points for participation and results in each round.

The ranking system aims to drive clubs to invest in local talent and participate with the maximum possible number of athletes in various categories throughout all five rounds of the championship.

The second round has attracted more than 1,000 participants in youth, adult, and masters categories, starting from the age of 10, to over the age of 30. The championship also marks the first participation of the U-12 category in No-Gi competitions.

Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “The strong demand for participation in the second round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship is clear evidence of the continuous development of jiu-jitsu in the country and its increasing popularity among various segments of society.

“Adding the U-12 category in the No-Gi competitions aims to help young athletes develop their skills, improve their physical fitness, discipline and patience, and build their self-control and confidence.”

Al-Dhaheri said that the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship was an event that fostered community participation as it brought together people of all ages and skill levels from across the country, contributing to building a strong society that pursued active and healthy lifestyles.

Gleason Bertolot, coach of the UFC GYM Academy, said: “We’re thrilled to join the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship, a well-organized event with strong participation. No-Gi competitions challenge athletes to explore new techniques, focusing on agility and skill rather than traditional Gi techniques. It demands intense focus to win in matches, and we’re eager to see our athletes compete in this event.”

Khalifa Alharbi, competing in the Youth Men’s 50kg category for Baniyas Club, said: “I’m excited to compete and show my skills in the championship. We work hard to be technically strong and fit, aiming to win medals and raise our club’s ranking. I thank the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for organizing great championships and giving us opportunities to train and compete, preparing us for regional and international events.”