Abu Dhabi Hosts First Jiu Jitsu Arab Open Cup
At least 100 Arab martial artists converged in Abu Dhabi on 20 September to take part in the first Jiu Jitsu Arab Open Cup. Jiu jitsu has gained many followers in the UAE and across the Arab states recently. It is even practiced in some high schools in Abu Dhabi. “Many schools in Abu Dhabi are doing jiu jitsu and this event is to promote them to make them more exited and engaged, to make them improve and to reach the international level”, said the director of the event, Juce Juniour. Abu Dhabi officials plan to take jiu jitsu to universities. The biggest and most respected martial arts schools in the country such as al-Jazira, al-Ain, al-Wahda and al-Wasl have also started jiu jitsu courses. Muhammad al-Ballushi, one of the competitors, says jiu jitsu makes him feel confident and strong. “I started doing jiu jitsu because I liked the sport itself. Then I realized that it also makes me stronger mentally. Now I am sure I can defend myself.” “This kind of sport teaches y