Al Sayel School could not have asked for a better start to their Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu World Festival after claiming a rich haul of medals on the opening day on Monday.

In the girls’ event at IPIC Arena, Shamma Al Mansoori (32kg white), Rawdha Al Hamoumi (40kg infant), Manal Al Jaidi (32kg junior) and Mahra Al Hameli (63kg junior), all of white belts, stood at the top of the podium after winning their bouts.

There was more success for the Abu Dhabi-based institution with Jawahir Noman (32kg) claiming silver, while Shaikha Akmeed (32kg infant) and Shamsa Al Shehhi (57kg junior) took bronzes.

Al Mansoori, 12, was delighted by her latest achievement and has lofty ambitions to go far in the sport. “I’m really happy to have won this medal,” she said. “I now want to improve and work hard to get the black belt.

“I’m really happy to win and will work harder from now on.”

More could be added by their collection on Tuesday when the teenagers take to the mat but their Brazilian head coach Gabriela de Ponte was thrilled with the impressive results.

“Most of the girls started to work with me and I’m delighted with the results,” she said. “Some of them like Rawdha and Shaikha have started training this year and ended up on the podium and so I’m more happy for them.”

She added: “Parents also turn up to support their girls which is the biggest change I would say. It boosts the morale of the child tremendously.”

In total more than 120 gold medals were won. Among the winners of their categories on Monday were Abeir Al Mesmari (48kg junior), Khadija Al Ali (44kg junior) and Reem Al Nuami (60kg infant).