Over 4,900 children in Abu Dhabi have taken part in jiu-jitsu clinics as the city gears up for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship on April 15 to 19.

The initiative, organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, has been visiting schools around the region in a bid to encourage children to represent the country in the upcoming World Jiu-Jitsu Children’s Cup, which coincides with the forthcoming Professional Championship at the Zayed Sports City.

The clinics featured a demonstration of the time-honoured martial art and combat sport, as well as an opportunity for students to test out their new skills with trained jiu-jitsu coaches and against the official UAE Jiu-Jitsu mascot, Azzam.

Speaking of their schools participation, Pedro Damasceno, jiu-jitsu coach of Al Ain Schools, admitted that the clinics had been well received by pupils.

“Our students couldn’t contain their excitement as they got the chance to practice jiu-jitsu ahead of the championship,” said Damasceno.

“For some of the children it was their first introduction to the sport, but after the demonstration and lessons the students were interested and wanted to practice the moves themselves.

“I know more than a few have already asked to attend the championship in April.”