Abu Dhabi hosts first ever Aldar Academies Inter-School Jiu-Jitsu Cup

Supported by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu federation, over 50 students from Abu Dhabi schools participate in the tournament

UAE, May 28 2015: Aldar Academies, one of the UAE’s largest providers of world-class, private education, hosted its first ever inter-school Jiu-Jitsu cup in Abu Dhabi yesterday, at the Al Bateen Secondary School, supported by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Palm Sports LLC.

The competition, which is set to recur annually, witnessed a spectacular day of sportsmanship with participants from the UAE Junior National Team, Aldar Academies’ run schools; Al Mushrif School, Al Muna School and Al Yasmina School; and the Glenelg School. Two of the UAE’s most decorated fighters, gold medalists Ali Al Darei and Faisal Al Ketbi were also present to floor the audience with an exciting demonstration match.

Taking inspiration from the recent Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Championships, the competition witnessed participants, from ages as young as six, competing for top honors in an event aimed at being an introduction to the world of competitive Jiu-Jitsu.

Originating in Asia more than 250 years ago as a form of self-defense, Jiu-Jitsu focuses on both the physical and interpersonal development of an athlete and is one of the fastest growing martial arts in the world. The sport complements Aldar Academies’ drive to nurture the spirit of discipline, determination, respect, responsibility, commitment and sportsmanship among all six of its schools, all of which are also the core values of Jiu-Jitsu.

Commenting on the inter-school competition, Nilay Ozral, CEO of Aldar Academies said, “We believe that sport and fitness are key elements of a student's individual development. At Aldar Academies, we are inspired by the leaders of Abu Dhabi andare proud to support the sport of Jiu-Jitsu and the development of its athletes in the UAE. Through this annual inter-school tournament, we hope that our young athletes are encouraged to participate at the professional level alongside their Jiu-Jitsu heroes, while equipping them with skills which will prepare them for the future. Who knows, perhaps we have seen future gold medalists here today who, in turn, will be heroes to our future children.”

The first Aldar Academies Inter-School Jiu-Jitsu Cup was conducted in partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Palm Sports. Jiu-Jitsu training is available to students at all six Aldar Academies schools in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.