UAE jiu-jitsu athletes return to action in refresher tournament

The UAE’s leading jiu-jitsu athletes will return to competitive action this weekend in a behind-closed-doors ‘refresher’ tournament as they continue preparation for a scheduled return to international competition later this year. The tournament, organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), the governing body for the sport in the Emirates in line with the Federal and global COVID-19 health and safety protocols, is part of the ongoing UAE National Jiu-Jitsu team training camp, which runs until May 24. Featuring 60 of the nation’s top players, the ‘Refresher Jiu-Jitsu Tournament’ at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi, signals a return to live sporting action in the UAE. Athletes, coaches, and support staff were given medical examinations before the camp commenced and are continually monitored. The event will be held without fans in attendance in line with public health guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While the virus has resulted in an uncertain short-term future for live sport worldwide, the UAEJFF is constantly working on plans for healthy, safe, and medically approved means to continue the development of the UAE national Jiu-Jitsu team. “We are committed to our mission of developing the sport of jiu-jitsu in the UAE and ensuring the national team is on track for them to bring glory to the nation. The closed training camp along with the Refresher Jiu-Jitsu Tournament, is the first-of-its-kind sporting initiative in the region,” said Fahad Al Shamsi, general secretary, UAEJJF. “The enthusiasm of the athletes and the desire to ensure they are in the best shape for global tournaments is the main reason behind organising this tournament,” he added. The Refresher Jiu-Jitsu Tournament takes place on Saturday from 10pm to 12:30pm, with participating athletes divided into three pools.

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