The second round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship, featuring competitions in the No Gi division, will be held at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Sunday 14 July 2024. This follows the successful first round hosted at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, which saw significant participation and strong competition 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, taking place in December in Abu Dhabi, will see the crowning of the winning clubs and academies in both Gi and No Gi categories. This will be based on a comprehensive ranking system, which awards points for participation and results in each round.

The ranking system motivates clubs to invest optimally in talent and participate with the maximum possible number of athletes in various categories throughout all five rounds of the championship to score points and compete for the title.

The second round will attract more than 1,000 participants in the youth, adult and masters categories, with competitors as young as 10. The championship marks the first-ever participation of the U12 category in No Gi competitions, providing a platform for developing and refining skills among emerging age groups.

His Excellency 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 U12 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 highlighted that the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship is a significant event that fosters community participation and strengthens family ties as it brings together people of all ages and skill levels from across the country, providing a unique sporting environment, as well as contributing to building a strong society that pursues active and healthy lifestyles.

Gleason Bertolot, a coach at the UFC GYM Academy, said: "We’re thrilled to join the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship, a well-organised 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 matches, and we’re eager to see our athletes compete in this event."

Khalifa Al Harbi, who will represent Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club when competing in the Youth Men’s 50kg category, 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 organising great championships and giving us opportunities to train and compete, preparing us for regional and international events."

Celebrate your community at the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

To join, visit: https://kmbzjj.evsreg.com/Reg/visitor