The UAE national junior jiu jitsu team made a massive impression in their first overseas competition, returning with a rich haul of medals, 15 gold, 17 silver and 13 bronze in the American National Kids Championship over the weekend.

They also topped the medal standing in the Teen category and were fourth overall behind Atos Jiu Jitsu, Gracie Barra and Check- Mat USA.

Almost every one of the 48-member UAE squad, including seven girls, in the age group of 10 to 16, were on the podium in the twoday championship at the Convention Centre in Long Beach in Los Angeles, California.

The championship drew more than 330 entries in more than 100 different weight and belt categories.

“It is a remarkable achievement in their first competition abroad,” said Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, of the UAE Jiu Jitsu Federation.

“The results are beyond all expectations and this augurs well for the sport in the country.”