UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation Introduces Supporting Family Award At Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has added the new "Supporting Family Award" category to the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards, aligning with the UAE’s decision to name 2026 the Year of Family and formally recognising dedicated, day-to-day family backing for athletes.

Officials say the category honours families whose efforts extend beyond cheering in the stands, highlighting consistent support at home and during training that helps young athletes build discipline, commitment, and technical skills within a stable, encouraging environment that strengthens their sporting progress.

The federation notes that family presence at championships has become a key factor in athlete performance, with the Supporting Family Award under the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards intended to underline how close family engagement adds clear value throughout each athlete’s competitive journey.

Under the initiative, families who show strong involvement in training schedules and regular participation in championships will be identified as role models of effective support and will be formally honoured during the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards ceremony, which is described as the most prestigious event of its kind worldwide.

The Supporting Family Award sits within a broader set of federation activities held across the season, including championship-side family events, children’s programmes and community partnerships, while media coverage focuses on families as an integral part of the sport’s structure and culture in the UAE.

"Jiu-jitsu is built on strong values, and family sits at the centre of those values," Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations, said. "That is why we introduced the Supporting Family Award as part of the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards. The award recognises the real role families play in supporting athletes and developing champions, while also marking the Year of Family." He added that the award recognises the families' role and affirms it as an important part of the federation’s approach to the sport.

With inputs from WAM