Kids and parents brace for three days of intense action and fun as challenge jiu-jitsu festival returns

Mubadala Arena to host much-anticipatd event from May 26-28

Here goes the content.

Abu Dhabi, UAE – May  18, 2023: The Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival is set for a welcome return to the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City from May 26-28, and the excitement is palpable among participants, parents, and fans. The second of the four Festival rounds in the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s action-packed season calendar promises to be bigger, better, and more competitive, with male and female players aged 4-17 from various clubs and academies vying for glory and prizes.

Maiky Reiter, a jiu-jitsu black belt and proud father of three, is among the many parents eagerly looking forward to the jubilant atmosphere and high spirits that are expected at the event. 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 all excited to showcase their skills and compete against other talented athletes from across the UAE.”

He further added, “Maryah is now nine years old and has been practicing 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.”

Reiter added that the Challenge Festival is not just a competition, but also a celebration of sport, family, and community. “We had attended the previous editions, and we always had a blast. The vibe is incredible, and the crowd is passionate and supportive. We are grateful to the UAEJJF for organising this beautiful event and promoting jiu-jitsu as a way of life and a source of inspiration for all ages.”

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 their role in 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 honored 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 added that the Challenge Festival aims to expand the base of practitioners and inspire more people to embrace jiu-jitsu 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 three-day event is still open and interested participants can register before May 22 to secure their participation.