The UAE has taken a commanding lead at the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026, posting 378,700 points and leaving Brazil and Kuwait well behind. The Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi has become the center of regional jiu-jitsu, with the host nation leading both in results and event organization.
Saturday brought a wave of young competitors: nearly a thousand children and juniors filled the mats, turning the arena into a showcase for grassroots talent. The event drew over 2,000 athletes from 90 countries, with stands packed with families, officials, and supporters. Backed by EDGE Group, the championship wraps up on Sunday, but Abu Dhabi has already made its mark as a leading host for international jiu-jitsu.
The official event title, as confirmed by WAM, is the AJP Asia Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026, highlighting Abu Dhabi's role as a premier host for the sport.
WAM
UAE's competitive edge and event organization
The UAE's lead is clear in the numbers. The national team's 378,700 points far outpace Brazil's 98,800 and Kuwait's 88,140, showing both depth and breadth of talent. Among academies, Komando Group leads with 84,750 points, followed by Adma International and M.O.D UAE. High-ranking officials, including Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Meera Sultan Al Suwaidi, and Mariam Muslim Al Mazrouei, attended the event, reflecting its importance and the country's focus on sporting achievement.
Organizers added cultural and community elements alongside the competition. An Emirati heritage tent, run by local women, introduced visitors to traditional crafts and customs, making the event as much about cultural exchange as sport.
According to WAM, the AJP Asia Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026 was scheduled for 4-6 September at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, with more than 2,000 athletes from 90 countries participating. The event is held under the aegis of local organisers and with sponsorship from EDGE Group, confirming Abu Dhabi's institutional leadership in hosting major jiu-jitsu tournaments.
WAM
Women and families at the center of the championship
This year's championship coincided with Emirati Women's Day, putting a spotlight on female participation. Mothers cheered from the stands, and girls competed at high levels, making the event a platform for women's involvement in sport. Mariam Muslim Al Mazrouei praised the organization and inclusive atmosphere, noting the visible impact of women both on and off the mats. She credited Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak's support for helping Emirati women succeed in sport and society.
Volunteer Hasna Ali Al Mansouri, part of the Ous Volunteer Team, spoke about the importance of women's roles in both competition and event support, especially during the children's categories. Her comments echoed a broader trend: Emirati women are not only participating-they are helping shape the sport's future.
Developing the next generation
For many families, the championship is more than a contest-it's a step in their children's growth. Kaltham Al Baloushi, mother of five young jiu-jitsu athletes, described the long-term effort needed to build discipline, resilience, and confidence. She said results matter less than growth and learning, a view shared by many parents at the event.
The championship, organized under the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) umbrella, aims to broaden the sport's reach and raise standards. By attracting a diverse field and keeping high organizational benchmarks, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a global center for jiu-jitsu development.
As the final day approaches, the UAE's dominance is about more than points. It reflects years of investment in youth, women, and community involvement. Abu Dhabi's approach-combining elite competition, grassroots participation, and cultural exchange-has become a model for sustainable sporting growth in the region.
