Trailblazers Salma Al Mansoori and Noura Al Ghilani steal Jiu-Jitsu spotlight at Mubadala Arena

The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship delivered another thrilling chapter at Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Arena this weekend, as the spotlight turned to the sport’s rising stars in the Under-14 and Under-16 divisions.

With the stands packed with passionate supporters, the competition on the mats was fierce as the event continued to build momentum, serving as a key proving ground for the UAE’s next generation of champions.

Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club, champions of the Mother of the Nation Jiu‑Jitsu Cup in March across women’s and youth divisions, tightened its grip at the top of the leaderboard, while Al Jazira and Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Clubs were in close pursuit in second and third place.

The championship, organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), which was officially established in November 2012 under the directive of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has quickly become a pivotal stage for discovering and developing young talent from across the country.

More than 1,800 boys and girls are currently competing at the Mubadala Arena, making it one of the most well-attended grassroots sporting events on the national calendar.

While dignitaries and guests it it was the athletes on the mats who commanded the spotlight, and none more so than the rising talents from Baniyas and Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Clubs.

Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club in particular extended its dominance with a wave of impressive performances, most notably by Salma Rashid Al Mansoori, who clinched gold in the fiercely contested Girls U14 -44kg grey belt division. Her victory wasn't just another medal, it was a symbol of months of demanding training and total dedication.

“This gold medal is the result of her hard work and focus,” said her proud mother, Sarah Al Mansoori, watching her daughter shine on one of the sport’s biggest local stages. “Winning in a tournament that carries such a respected name makes it more meaningful. We are also thankful to the leadership for increasing the prize money. It was a huge motivator.”

Salma's win capped off a strong day for Baniyas, who continued to set the tone across divisions and looked increasingly difficult to dislodge at the top of the standings.

Meanwhile, Al Jazira Club’s Noura Nasser Al Ghilani left a lasting impression of her own. She powered through the Girls U16 -80kg grey belt category to secure gold, showcasing both technical skill and mental toughness.

“This win means a lot to me and my team,” said Noura. “Jiu-jitsu has given me so much: confidence, discipline, and a drive to succeed. I thank the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for their incredible support and promise to keep training hard to represent the UAE internationally.” 

These personal milestones not only reflect the level of competition at the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship but also highlight the growing depth of talent within the UAE's grassroots jiu-jitsu scene.

“Jiu-jitsu is a national and community sport in every sense,” said Dr Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities.

“This championship is well-organised and held under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

“The high level of organisation shows how much the sport has grown in the UAE and how well it is received by the community,” Al Dhaheri added.

The championship’s appeal has been further boosted by the decision to double the prize pool this year, a move welcomed by athletes and clubs alike.