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Baniyas dominate on Day 1 of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
The energy was electric and the stakes higher than ever as the fourth round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship roared to life on Friday at Zayed Sports City's Mubadala Arena.
On a day defined by grit and willpower, it was Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club who stole the show, topping the leaderboard after a stellar performance across divisions.
In a championship that showcased fighters brimming with ambition, Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club came in a close second, with the rising force M.O.D UAE securing third place.
The event, hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), brought together a passionate mix of youth, adult, and master-class athletes competing for podium glory and valuable ranking points.
Prize Money Doubled
A key talking point was the championship's doubled prize pool, thanks to the visionary directive from Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The move not only enhances competitiveness but also reflects the nation's deepening investment in jiu-jitsu as the UAE's national sport.
Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, praised the generous directive from Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, to double the championship's prize money. He said this move reflects the UAE leadership's commitment to the development of top-level sports, especially jiu-jitsu, which has become the country's national sport.
'The fourth round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship is especially important,: he said. "It marks a key moment in the competition and gives us a chance to evaluate club performances and how well the athletes are prepared to continue their success in the upcoming stages.'
Jasem Al Marzooqi, CEO of AMMROC, stated that the strong organisation and professional level of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship reflect the leadership's ambition to position the UAE as a leading global sports destination.
'The championship is progressing with every round. Both the technical and organisational levels show how successful the overall system is, giving athletes the ideal environment to grow and excel," he said.
Heart of a Champion
One of the day's standout performances came from Bouchaib Elidrissi, the Moroccan master representing Baniyas, who clinched gold in the Men's Masters Brown/Black Belt –62kg division.
"This achievement means a lot to me, especially since I faced
an opponent in the final who was 20 years younger," he said., "This championship is a unique platform for athletes of all ages to showcase their talent and chase their goals.
"I sincerely thank the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and the organisers for the tremendous effort they put into delivering such a professional event and creating a competitive environment that matches our ambitions and pushes us to give our best.'
Coaches Step Up
Igor Lacerda, head coach of the Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, said preparation for this round went beyond physical training. 'We focused on mindset and tactical flexibility. Winning championships isn't about one weekend – it's about consistency across every round.'
As the championship unfolds over multiple rounds, each event brings clubs and athletes one step closer to season glory.
