Amith Passela
ABU DHABI // Youngsters were out in force over two days of competition at the Abu Dhabi Kids Jiu-Jitsu Open, with more than two thousand boys and girls taking part in the fourth staging of the competition conducted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
On the opening day for the girls, more than 1,000 turned up to compete for 49 gold medals that were up for grabs. The boys event the following day drew more than 1,200 in 77 different age, weight and belt categories. The tournament took place at the Ipic Arena at Zayed Sports City.
Alyazyah Al Shehyari, 17, the leading Emirati teenager, extended her unbeaten run by winning her fourth gold medal of the season in the 61.5-kilogramme blue belt for juvenile girls.
“As I have told repeatedly fights are never easy to win but I have been fortunate to keep a 100 per cent record,” she said after getting the better of Fatima Al Hosani in the final.
“Obviously winning a gold medal in the Abu Dhabi Kids World Championship in April is the main objective. I haven’t been able to achieve that in two previous attempts and this will be my last chance to compete in the age-group competition.”
Gallery:
Girl power on display in Abu Dhabi at Jiu-Jitsu Kids Championship – in pictures
Alyazyah’s long-term objective is to become the first Emirati women’s black belt and the first Emirati full-time coach. She currently holds a blue belt, the highest rank for a juvenile.
The other winners in the blue-belt categories were Latifa Al Shamsi (41.4kg), Mouza Al Shamsi (46.5), Mariam Al Hosani (51.5), Maha Saleh Hinaai (56.5), Ahlam Al Shkeili (71.5), Shamma Al Marar (76.5) and South African Dominique de Beer (81.5+).
In the boy’s division, Zayed Al Shamsi, 14, won his 20th gold medal since taking up jiu-jitsu five years ago. He overcame Abdulaziz Al Hosani in the yellow belt 54.5kg final.
Despite the success he has had in the white, grey and yellow belt divisions, his coach was not prepared to move him up to the next level.
“I follow the instructions of my coach and he’s told me to stick to the yellow belt until after my first appearance in the Abu Dhabi Kids World Championships,” Zayed said.
“He feels I have a better chance to win in this category. I feel confident too as I have done quite well in this division up to now.
“There is one more local competition for the juniors, in March, before the Kids World Championship. I am very excited and looking forward to my international debut in April.”
Ahmed Mohammed Al Blooshi’s transition from football to jiu-jitsu has been successful one.
The schoolboy, 17, from Al Makam Al Ain, bagged his second gold medal in the blue belt 51.5kg defeating Saleh Dhraibi for the second time in two finals this season.
“This is my first year in the blue belt but have won gold in white, yellow and orange belt categories previously,” he said.
“I started with football but now switched full time to jiu-jitsu because of the success I have had. This is the sport for me.
“I don’t know how much success I will enjoy but it’s getting tougher as I grow older and move up to different levels.
“Having said that, if I keep training harder I can achieve more in this sport.”
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