The third Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship is set to reach its conclusion as the eighth and final round arrives at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. Scheduled for October 16-18, the event will determine the season’s final Gi champions, while also recognizing the top performers in the overall Gi and No-Gi categories during the closing ceremony.
Entering the deciding stage, the overall Gi standings show Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club in the lead, followed by Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club and Palms Sports – Team 777. Because points are aggregated across diverse age and weight classes throughout the season, the championship remains competitive, with every upcoming match potentially influencing the final team rankings. The title race remains open and every result could make a difference, with athletes across all age groups and weight categories earning points for their teams.
Competition kicks off on Friday, October 16, featuring the Under-18, Adult, and Masters divisions for both male and female athletes. The focus shifts on Saturday to the Kids categories, while the season officially wraps up on Sunday with the Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16 tournaments. The action begins on Friday, October 16, with the Under-18, Adults and Masters categories for men and women. Before the Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 competitions bring the season to a close on Sunday, boys and girls in the Kids categories take to the mats on Saturday.
Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, described the finale as the culmination of a rigorous season defined by consistent training and commitment. He emphasized that the championship serves as a vital platform for athletes to sharpen their skills under tournament pressure, allowing academies to evaluate progress and prepare talent for international representation. Al Shamsi, an Under-18 competitor, said: “The championship has helped me improve my skills and feel more confident. Helping prepare athletes to compete at higher levels and represent the UAE internationally, it also allows clubs and academies to track their progress and identify areas for improvement.
Young competitors remain central to this progression. Khaled Alkatheeri of Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club, who competes in the Under-16 division, highlighted his sense of responsibility toward his teammates, noting that regular training and family support have been key to his growth. Similarly, Alyazia Alshamsi of Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club, an Under-18 contender, credited the tournament for boosting her confidence and overall skill level. Zayed Ali Alteneiji, representing Palms Sports – Team 777 in the Under-14 category, shared that he uses each preceding round as a learning experience to refine his performance.
Beyond the competition, the event aligns with the Year of the Family 2026 initiative, acknowledging the fundamental role parents play in supporting their children’s sporting endeavors. This environment of parental involvement, coupled with club-wide efforts from coaches and administrators, fosters a culture of discipline, teamwork, and pride.
The championship continues to serve as a key pillar in the UAE leadership’s strategy to invest in sports infrastructure and talent development. By offering a structured, high-level environment for clubs to showcase their development, the tournament remains instrumental in identifying the next generation of jiu-jitsu talent capable of competing on the global stage. Their contribution goes beyond winning titles and helps us develop new talent and maintain the high standards of UAE jiu-jitsu.”.
