ABU DHABI, 19th May, 2023 (WAM) — The Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival is set for a welcome return to the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City from 26th-28th May, and the excitement is palpable among participants, parents and fans. The second of the four Festival rounds in the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s action-packed season calendar promises to be bigger, better and more competitive, with players aged 4-17 from various clubs and academies vying for glory and prizes. Maiky Reiter, a jiu-jitsu black belt and father of three, is among the many parents eagerly looking forward to the jubilant atmosphere and high spirits expected at the event. He said, “As a Jiu-Jitsu black belt myself, I know firsthand the benefits of this beautiful sport, and I’m delighted to see my kids follow in my footsteps and excel in their categories. Maryah, Ryan, and Marcelo are excited to showcase their skills and compete against other talented athletes across the UAE.” He added, “Maryah is now nine years old and has been practising the sport since she was three. She has participated in the previous editions of the Challenge Festival. Ryan and Marcelo are looking forward to participating in their first event, and we can’t wait for the championship to begin.” Laila Al Kaabi, a mother of two kids who will participate in the event, also praised jiu-jitsu for its values and virtues. She said, “I believe that jiu-jitsu is more than just a sport; it’s a philosophy and a lifestyle that teaches discipline, respect, and perseverance. My children practice jiu-jitsu not only to win medals but also to develop their character and confidence.” Al Kaabi commended the UAE’s visionary leadership and the UAEJJF for promoting jiu-jitsu and nurturing young talents. She said, “I am proud to see how far jiu-jitsu has come in the UAE, thanks to the support and vision of our leaders and the dedication of our coaches and athletes. The Challenge Festival is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to excellence and innovation, and I’m honoured to be part of this vibrant community.” Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations, said, “The Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Championship is one of the highlights of our season calendar, as it showcases the best and brightest talents in the country and promotes the sport’s values and principles. We are proud of our young athletes, and we believe that they represent the future of jiu-jitsu in the UAE.” Al Shamsi added that the Challenge Festival aims to expand the base of practitioners and inspire more people to embrace jiu-jitsu as a way of life. He said, “We want to create a culture of excellence and sportsmanship where everyone can benefit from the power of jiu-jitsu and the joy of competition. We invite all interested participants to register as soon as possible and join us in this exciting journey.” Registration for the three-day event is still open, and interested participants can register before 22nd May to secure their participation.

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)