On the opening day of the AJP Tour Dubai International Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Sharjah Self-Defence is in the lead.

The Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club clinched the top spot on the first day of the sixth edition of the AJP Tour Dubai International Jiu-Jitsu Championship, held at Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai. The kids' competitions took place on the opening day, drawing a significant crowd and featuring impressive performances. ADMA International secured second place, followed by M.O.D UAE in third position.

The championship will see 1,300 athletes competing over three days, including 165 male and female participants from outside the country. A total of 73 clubs and academies from around the world, including M.O.D UAE, Commando Group, Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, and Oman Sur Academy, are taking part in the event.

The inaugural day of the tournament highlighted the participation of numerous young male and female athletes, aged 4 to 13, representing various clubs and academies in the UAE. This aligns with the objective of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation to promote and support younger age groups, showcase emerging talents, and cultivate future generations of champions who can carry forward the UAE's tradition of success in regional and international competitions.

Youssef Abdullah Al Batran, a Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, commended the young athletes for their outstanding performances and emphasized the significant turnout of families, reflecting the growing awareness of the sport's importance and its positive impact on children's physical and mental well-being. He also highlighted the sport's role in creating empowered generations that contribute to the nation's success.

Al Batran emphasized the federation's commitment to organizing youth championships that meet international standards, providing a platform for young athletes to exhibit their skills, encouraging their development, exposing them to high-level competition, and guiding them toward professionalism in the sport. This approach reflects the federation's strategic vision to reinforce the UAE's global leadership in sports by promoting Jiu-Jitsu among younger generations, expanding the base of practitioners, and focusing on nurturing the future of UAE Jiu-Jitsu.

The championship will continue on Saturday with competitions for the youth and masters categories, with the first fight scheduled to commence at 10:00 GST.