The Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival is making a highly anticipated comeback at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City from May 26th to May 28th. Participants, parents, and fans are brimming with excitement as the second round of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s thrilling season approaches. This edition of the festival is expected to be even more impressive, competitive, and grand, as young athletes aged 4 to 17 from various clubs and academies compete fiercely for both glory and valuable prizes, according to WAM.
Among the enthusiastic crowd eagerly awaiting the event is Maiky Reiter, a jiu-jitsu black belt and proud parent of three. Like many others, Maiky is looking forward to the vibrant atmosphere, jubilant spirits, and thrilling displays of skill that will undoubtedly be on show at the festival.
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 expressed his intention for the Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival to have a broader impact by increasing the number of jiu-jitsu practitioners and encouraging them to fully embrace the discipline 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 upcoming three-day event is currently open, providing an opportunity for interested participants to secure their spot in the festival. Those who wish to take part can register before the 22nd of May to ensure their participation in the event.