DUBAI: At the end of the fifth round of the second Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship on Saturday, Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club topped the standings, with Al-Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club second place and ADMA (Abu Dhabi Martial Arts) third.

The event is being held at Al-Nasr Club in Dubai, with competitors from clubs and academies throughout the UAE.

Day 1 featured strong competition in the U-12, U-14, and U-16 categories, while Sunday will feature bouts in the U-18, Adult and Masters categories.

Yousef Abdullah Al-Batran, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said the championship is an important platform for discovering and nurturing talent across different age groups.

 “The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship provides athletes with an ideal opportunity to develop their skills in a professional and competitive environment, while instilling values of discipline, confidence, and commitment,” he said.

“We are confident that the athletes will give their best in a championship that carries such a prestigious name, raising the level of competition and fulfilling the goals of the tournament.”

Mishaal Jalfar, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, said: “We are delighted to be present at such a major event. The importance of jiu-jitsu is clear, not only in promoting self-confidence, determination, and perseverance, but also in its diverse physical benefits. Today we witnessed an impressive crowd and excellent organisation, reflecting the sport’s rising popularity and the strong support it enjoys across the UAE.”

Javid Mohammadzadeh, father of Javad Mohammadzadeh, a Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club athlete competing in the U-16 60 kg category, said: “Javad has been practising jiu-jitsu for many years. He chose the sport himself and has a deep passion for it, dedicating long hours to training. Competing in such an important championship gives him a chance to learn, grow, and test himself against athletes of different levels.”