ABU DHABI // Jiu-jitsu expands its horizons to Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah as the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation bids to draw new audiences during the 2014/15 season.
The highlight of the new calendar is the national team’s participation in the Asian Beach Games in November and the Abu Dhabi World Professional Championship in April.
“We have included several new competitions for the new season to meet the ever increasing demand,” said Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAEJJF on Tuesday. “Jiu-jitsu has spread far and wide in the country and it is important to stage competitions at new venues to capture new audiences.”
The new events are the Ras Al Khaimah Open, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup for girls and ladies, the Sharjah Open, and the Emirates International Cup – No Gi.
The new season kicks off with the Dubai Open at the Al Wasl Club on September 19 and 20.
Apart from the action on the mat, the federation announced the launch of a new initiative to promote the concept of social responsibility.
“The federation as a government entity has arranged charities and projects aimed at the development and welfare activities towards the society through the sport,” said Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, chief executive and general secretary of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union.
Faisal Al Ketbi, the first and only Emirati to attain a black belt in jiu-jitsu, was looking beyond the domestic season.
“It is an important season for the national team with the sport included in the Asian Beach Games for the first time,” he said.
“My focus would be to help the national team win as many medals as possible in this championship and thereafter concentrate on my first season in the black belt category.
“For me, the plan is to take part in all the domestic competitions starting from the Dubai Open. This will provide me as much practice as possible ahead of the Asian event.”
apassela@thenational.ae
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