UAE Jiu-Jitsu Team Dominates Asian Championship with Nine Medals on Day One

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-07-19

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team, backed by Mubadala Investment Company, kicked off the 10th Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship with a bang. On the first day at Almaty Arena in Kazakhstan, they snagged nine medals in the men's competition—three gold, five silver, and one bronze. That's a solid start for a team that's used to winning. This championship isn't just another event. It's the top level of jiu-jitsu in Asia, where the best athletes from across the continent come to prove themselves. For the UAE, it's a big test. They came in as defending champions after taking the top spot at the ninth edition in Amman, Jordan. And with a squad that's been training hard, they're looking to hold that title. ### What Makes This Win Special So, why does this matter? Well, jiu-jitsu is more than just a sport in the UAE. It's a passion that's been growing fast. The team's success here shows how much dedication goes into training and competing at this level. Nine medals on day one isn't just luck—it's the result of years of hard work. Here's a quick breakdown of the medals: - **Gold**: Three athletes took top honors, showing real skill and strategy. - **Silver**: Five more came close, proving the depth of talent on the team. - **Bronze**: One athlete rounded out the medal count, adding to the team's momentum. ### The Competition Ahead The championship runs until July 19, so there's still plenty of action left. The UAE team will need to stay focused as they face tough opponents from countries like Japan, Iran, and Kazakhstan. But with this kind of start, they've set a high bar. It's not just about winning medals, though. This event helps the team prepare for bigger challenges, like world championships. Every match is a chance to learn and improve. ### Why Jiu-Jitsu Matters in the UAE Jiu-Jitsu has become a big deal in the UAE over the past decade. The government and companies like Mubadala have invested heavily in the sport. They see it as a way to build discipline, fitness, and national pride. And it's working. The UAE now has some of the best jiu-jitsu athletes in Asia. For the athletes, competing here is a dream come true. They train year-round, often balancing it with school or work. But when they step onto the mat, all that effort pays off. ### What's Next for the Team With three days left, the UAE team has a chance to add more medals. The adults' competition is fierce, but the squad is ready. They've got the experience, the coaching, and the drive to go all the way. For fans back home, this is exciting stuff. The team's performance is a source of pride. And for the athletes themselves, it's a chance to prove they're among the best in the world. So, keep an eye on the results. The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team is on a roll, and they're not done yet.