UAE youngsters travel to the USA to compete in national jiu-jitsu tournament

Denzil Pinto 07:36 09/10/2014
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  • Doing their country proud: The children are travelling overseas for the first time.

    Forty-eight children aged between 10 and 16 years, will compete in the American National Kids Jiu-Jitsu Championship next week, offering them the opportunity to compete in overseas competitions.

    The October 18-19 event in Long Beach, California will mark the first time the team, which includes sev­en girls, will compete abroad.

    The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation hailed the occasion, praising the parents for supporting their chil­dren’s jiu-jitsu careers.

    “This is a get together to show our gratitude to these kids and their parents who have played a major role by supporting them in the sport,” said Fahad Ali Al Sham­si, chief executive officer of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and gen­eral secretary of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, at a reception at the Armed Forces Officers Club in Abu Dhabi.

    He added: “The enthusiasm and encouragement from both the youngsters and parents have been an inspiration for us to develop the sport.”

    Among the competitors is 15-year-old Khalifa Mohammed Al Blooshi, who will be competing in the 56kg Orange Belt category.

    Al Blooshi was born with no fin­gers on his left hand, but this hasn’t stopped him indulging in a sport he loves.

    “Nothing is impossible, every­thing is possible. And it [disability] doesn’t give me the disadvantage,” said Al Blooshi.

    “I would say it’s a good advantage to have because it gives me more power and determination to do well.

    “It feels really great to take part in this competition which will really test me. It can send a strong message to other competitors that there are very good jiu-jitsu fight­ers in the UAE,” added the Khalifa Bin Zayed Secondary School stu­dent.

    Not only has he set his sights on winning gold, but he has also set himself some ambitious goals.

    “Long term, I want to get black belt and face some of the best jiu-jitsu fighters in the world and do the UAE proud.”

    Hassa Khamis, 11, will also be in action in the 34kg Grey Belt divi­sion. Khamis, who has been com­peting in the sport for two years, can’t wait for the action to begin.

    The Al Reef School student said: “I feel really proud to be going to California and representing my country.

    “I have been training hard for this competition and really want to do well.”

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