Fujairah will host Round 3 of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship (No-Gi) this weekend at the Zayed Sports Complex, as leading clubs and academies from across the United Arab Emirates seek to enhance their positions in the overall standings.
On Saturday, the event will begin with competitions for the Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16 categories. The action will continue on Sunday with matches in the Under-18, Adults, and Masters divisions, reflecting a championship format that welcomes athletes of various age groups.
No-Gi matches are characterized by their faster pace and a heightened reliance on physical control and quick reactions, making them a distinctive challenge compared to traditional Gi competition. As the rounds progress and the level of competition intensifies, athletes must adapt to the unique demands of this format.
According to Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, the Secretary-General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, “The level of competition and participation in the previous rounds shows how the championship is growing at a faster pace. In Round 3, the focus will be on consistency and the ability to adapt, especially in No-Gi matches, which require quick decisions and accurate execution. This helps improve the overall level of competition. We are also seeing strong family presence at the event, which shows the important role families play in supporting athletes and creating a positive environment both on and off the mat.”
Competitors are preparing for a closely fought round, with Ibrahim Al Yassi, a Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club athlete (purple belt, 69kg), stating, “The previous rounds were very competitive, which makes this round more challenging. No-Gi matches are faster, with less time to think, so athletes need to react quickly and read their opponents well. Small details like timing and reaction speed can make the difference, especially with the close level of competition.”
The initial round of the No-Gi competition saw impressive participation from leading teams. The Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club secured the top position in the standings, followed by Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club in second place and Palms Sports Academy in third.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
