UAE Jiu-Jitsu Team Eyes Historic Fifth World Championship Title In Greece
The UAE's Jiu-Jitsu National Team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, is gearing up for a fifth consecutive Jiu-Jitsu World Championship title. The 29th edition of the event will be held in Greece from October 24 to November 3, organised by the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation.
This year's championship will feature a combined format for both adults and youth. Para and adult athletes will compete from October 24 to 28, followed by the under-21, under-18, and under-16 categories from October 29 to November 3.
Intensive Training Camp
The UAE National team began an intensive training camp on September 5, which will continue until October 18. This camp includes 37 athletes from the UAE and 20 athletes from Brazil, providing an opportunity to test their skills against competitors with different training methods.
The training camp involves three daily sessions: two jiu-jitsu practice sessions focusing on technical and strategic skills and one physical training session aimed at enhancing fitness. This rigorous schedule prepares athletes for the most challenging competitions.
His Excellency Youssef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, stated: "The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation is committed to providing extensive support to the National Team across all categories, ensuring the athletes are fully prepared physically and mentally to participate in the most prestigious championships on the continental and global jiu-jitsu calendar."
Past Achievements
Last year, the adult team outperformed more than 40 teams at the championship held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. They secured the top position with 14 medals—8 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze. The youth team also retained their title for the fourth consecutive year in Kazakhstan, winning a total of 46 medals—15 gold, 12 silver, and 19 bronze.
Mubarak Saleh Al-Menhali, Director of the Technical Department at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, commented: "The championship in Greece will bring together some of the strongest teams, all aiming to achieve top positions. The training camp that our team is currently participating in offers a comprehensive training environment overseen by the best coaches and technical staff."
Focus on Preparation
Al Menhali emphasised that this training camp is crucial for preparing athletes at all levels. It focuses on enhancing physical fitness and refining technical skills while fostering team spirit and improving tactical awareness. This preparation enables analysis of both our team's strengths and weaknesses as well as those of their competitors.
"The Jiu-Jitsu World Championship is a true test for our athletes," said Al Batran. "They give their all to make a strong impression in the competitions, perform well against the world's elite athletes, and reinforce the UAE's leadership on the international Jiu-Jitsu stage."
"The National Team has an outstanding record at the Championship," he added. "Having won the title in the last four editions, they approach this championship with intense focus and strong determination to defend their title."
Athlete Insights
Shamma Al Kalbani won gold in last year's edition in the 63 kg weight category. She shared her thoughts: "I look forward to participating in the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship and winning another gold medal. Over the past few weeks, I have focused on mastering new skills to surprise my competitors."
"I have also reviewed videos of previous matches with my coaches to improve my techniques," she continued. "I will aim to finish fights quickly and secure submissions."
The UAE's commitment to excellence in jiu-jitsu is evident through their rigorous preparation and past successes. As they head into this year's championship with high hopes and intense focus, they aim to continue their winning streak on an international stage.
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