Jiu-Jitsu is the National Sport of the UAE.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, the UAE’s president, designated jiu-jitsu as the country’s national sport.
In 2008, it was a compulsory subject in the Abu Dhabi public school curriculum.
And by 2016, 130 Schools were teaching jiu-jitsu, with over 76,000 students taking part.
Coaches have been actively recruited from overseas to teach in local schools.
And also to the armed forces, the law enforcement, and other public departments.
In fact, this contributed in increasing the talent pool in both teaching and fighting in the UAE.
Jiu-Jitsu beginnings in the UAE.
In fact, much of the credit for the UAE’s impact on the sport must go back to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, National Security Advisor of the country.Who has developed an interest in jiu-jitsu and began training as a student in San Diego.
After watching the first edition of televised UFC in 1993.
ABU DHABI COMBAT CLUB
Since then, it has been commonly argued that he has made two major contributions towards the discipline.
Both on a local and international level by launching the Abu Dhabi Combat Club “ADCC”.
Which is one of the region’s, and world’s, most important combat gathering.
In truth, jiu-jitsu has penetrated the depths of Emirati culture.
But not on a merely organic level: it’s become an official government project.
Promoted by the seemingly endless resources of a shadowy ruling figure.
Who has thrust the sport into the UAE’s educational curriculum and national consciousness.
In addition to establishing Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) in 1998.
A competition circuit has come to embody the pinnacle of modern submission grappling.
Sheikh Tahnoon has turned his own country into a vaunted hinterland for Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes.
“Abu Dhabi is one of the worldwide capitals of jiu-jitsu.
Jiu-jitsu was my primary reason for moving to the UAE.”
Says Yasmin Sewgobind, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu teacher of Dutch and Indian descent, who now lives in Abu Dhabi.
ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship started in Abu Dhabi and spread around the world.
Between 1998 and 2003 the ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship was exclusively held in Abu Dhabi.
And it has gone on to be hosted in Brazil, China, Finland, Spain, the UK, and the US in following years.
Sharing the excitement with millions despite initially attracting smaller crowds.
Now, it has grown into an unmissable event for aficionados and fans.
The numbers the tournament generates today can serve as a testament to the catalyzing role it plays in the arena.
The 2022 edition of the event alone, which was in Las Vegas, saw $800,000 worth of ticket sales.
In addition to a prize pool of $350,000 dollars and individual sponsorships of athletes reaching up to $100,000.
In other words, ADCC may be one the biggest sporting events you’ve never heard of, and it takes its roots from the region.
ADCC has succeeded in its mission of promoting jiu-jitsu across the globe.
It has helped the sport dramatically expand its reach.
As it boasts “federations”, or satellite offices, throughout Europe and much of Asia.
Some people think it could provide the blueprint for pushing Brazilian jiu-jitsu into the Olympics one day.
UAE National Jiu-Jitsu team huge victories.
Last week, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed the UAE Jiu-Jitsu national team.
As well as the members of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s Board of Directors, and partners and sponsors of the sport.
During the meeting, His Highness congratulated the team, in addition to the administrative and technical staff, on their commendable performance.
In fact, the team secured 10 medals at the 19th Asian Games.
Which was recently hosted in Hangzhou in the People’s Republic of China.
Moreover, he wished them and their fellow athletes continued success in adding to the UAE’s impressive record in various sports.
His Highness also expressed his congratulations to the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s Board of Directors.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has encouraged the UAE National Jiu-Jitsu team.
The UAE President has praised their efforts in enhancing the sport.
As they provided an ideal environment to cultivate champions.
As well as exceptional talents poised to uphold the UAE’s victory in sporting events.
The President of the UAE receives the UAE Jiu-Jitsu national team and the federation’s management. Strong support for athletes and administrators on their path to success. 🇦🇪 #JiuJitsu #UAE pic.twitter.com/TSd0PXYx4n
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) October 27, 2023
His Highness also expressed appreciation for the support provided by partners and sponsors of Jiu-Jitsu.
Because it has significantly impacted the athletes’ results and advanced the sport.
The UAE Jiu-Jitsu national team won 10 medals at the Asian Games.
Consisting of four golds, three silvers, and three bronzes.
Those medals successfully maintained its top position in Asian Jiu-Jitsu.
Abdel Moneim Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, expressed his appreciation to His Highness support.
Abdel Moneim Al Hashemi expressed his appreciation to His Highness support for the athletes’ and the sports sector.
As this encouragement represents a significant incentive to continue achieving further accomplishments.
Thereby enhancing the UAE’s status on the global sports stage.
Al Hashemi added that the UAE takes great pride in leading the global development of Jiu-Jitsu.
And positioning itself as one of the most impactful nations in defining the sport’s future trajectory.
This achievement has been made possible due to the substantial support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
As well as the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
He emphasized that Abu Dhabi has earned its status as the world’s Jiu-Jitsu capital and stands as the foremost developer of the sport globally.
He also said that the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation is steadfastly pursuing its strategy.
By working to promote the sport and expand participation.
In addition to providing premium programs to enhance talent and cultivate champions.
This encompasses organizing world-class training camps both within the country and internationally.
As well as ensuring a competitive environment of the highest quality through various local and international championships.
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