A spring training camp for local jiu-jitsu athletes has been successfully completed, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) announced. The nine-day camp was in preparation for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Ji-Jitsu Championship, which will be held later this month.

Held in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, the camp saw over 100 athletes attend, including 75 in the U21 category. The camp focused on fitness and stamina training as well as improving technique and skills, with international athletes on hand to provide skills training.

“We had the opportunity to undergo intense training at the spring camp, in line with the caliber of the upcoming tournament,” blue-belt athlete Hamad Nawad said after the camp concluded.

“The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is one of the biggest and most important events for us, and we are dedicated in winning strong medals for our country in this global opportunity.

“We thank the UAEJJF and their technical management for their constant support in providing us with the necessary training required to improve our performance and achieving success.”

UAEJJF has been organising annual training camps for athletes over the past five years in a bid to boost the sport in the UAE. The federation has announced that this year’s jiu-jitsu championship will have unprecedented local participation, along with a greater slate of regional and international athletes.

This year’s championship, which will be held from April 16th to 29th at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, is the 10th edition of the tournament.