Third round Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu (No-Gi) Championship will take place this weekend in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, where athletes from top clubs from across the country will gather to compete for valuable ranking points in one of the most vital jiu-jitsu competitions in the United Arab Emirates.

Organized under the leadership of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the championship continues to play a major role in the development of the sport in the UAE, offering organized competitions and opportunities for athletes of various age groups to showcase their skills.

No-Gi competitions provide faster, technical battles

Round 3 will feature No-Gi matches, a format known for its faster pace and active rallies. Without conventional gi uniform grips, players rely more on speed, positioning and quick decision-making.

This style of competition requires athletes to respond immediately and adapt to changing situations, helping them refine their techniques and expand their experience against a variety of opponents.

The tournament provides athletes with an excellent opportunity to assess their physical readiness and tactical awareness as they look to climb the overall championship rankings.

Building the future of Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE

Since its launch, Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed’s Jiu-Jitsu Championship it has become a cornerstone of the country’s local jiu-jitsu calendar. The event serves as a development pathway for athletes who wish to represent the UAE on national teams and compete internationally.

According to Abdullah Salem Al Zaabi, director of marketing and corporate communications at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the number of participants increases with each round.

“We are seeing a steady escalate in participation in the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship rounds, demonstrating the success of efforts to expand the sport and attract more athletes,” Al Zaabi said.
“It also raises the level of competition and provides athletes with a solid platform to develop in a professional environment.”

Athletes take up the challenge

For players like Theyab Alnuaimi of Al Ain Club, the No-Gi format adds another level of intensity to the competition.

Alnuaimi, competing in the 62 kg adult brown belt division, believes that the faster-paced nature of No-Gi matches requires full concentration from start to finish.

“This round is different because No-Gi matches are faster and require quick decisions,” Alnuaimi explained.
“Athletes must remain fully focused at all times because even compact mistakes can make a difference. At the same time, the championships give us a good chance to test ourselves against different opponents, which helps us improve our results and gain experience.”

A key event in the United Arab Emirates grappling calendar

As the number of participants continues to grow and the level of competition increases each season, the championship has become an vital platform for the development of the next generation of Emirati grapplers.

Events like Round 3 in Fujairah not only facilitate athletes improve their skills, but also support the broader mission of preparing athletes to represent the UAE in regional and international jiu-jitsu tournaments.

As the championship progresses, clubs and athletes will continue to fight for points in the rankings, keeping the pressure high as the race for the top positions intensifies.