Girls get chance to showcase skills on Day 1 of Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival

Gabriela Ponte, coach for Al Asaiel school with members of her team during the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival at Ipic arena in Abu Dhabi on April 10, 2017. Christopher Pike / The National

ABU DHABI // For most girls competing in the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival for infants, children and juniors on the opening day of the two-week long martial art extravaganza, it was a stepping stone to greater things.

Many of the winners had barely spent two or three years in the sport but showed remarkable skill and spirit in the competition at Zayed Sports City’s Ipic Arena on Monday.

Up for grabs were 128 gold, an equal number of silver and 256 bronze for girls age four to 13.

Aisha Saeed, 13, only took up jiu-jitsu a year ago and returned home with a gold she won in the kids’ white belt 57-kilogramme division.

“I have won two gold medals previously in regional competitions but this is the biggest,” the pupil from Umm Ali School in Al Ain said.

“When you are successful, it’s only natural you want to pursue the sport.

“I was a late starter when I joined the jiu-jitsu school programme. Now I want to put more time and double my efforts to reach the next level.”

Tosca and Gaia Tolomelli made successful debuts. The Dubai-based Italian schoolgirls won a gold and bronze respectively.

Tosca bagged a gold medal in the “kids” white belt 32kg category and Gaia took bronze in the junior white belt 57kg event.

“I followed my friend for jiu-jitsu classes two years ago and now I’m here on the podium with a medal around my neck,” Gaia said.

“I do ice skating as a sport but after my first competition I want to spend more time in jiu-jitsu. I have had a wonderful start in jiu-jitsu and I’m enjoying my time. I hope I’ll improve with time.”

With more than 70,000 Emirati girls and boys practising the martial art since jiu-jitsu was introduced in the Abu Dhabi schools curriculum, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) wants to provide the rising stars with the opportunity to compete.

“If we don’t, the interest will wane,” Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, the chief executive officer of the UAEJJF, said.

“We have set the platform for them to enjoy a day out to be in the spotlight. This is the best way we can take jiu-jitsu forward.

“They are competing on the mats where the world’s elite will be competing, and are live on TV, enjoying the spotlight.”

Flavia Peirmatei, the Brazilian instructor from Fatima bint School in Abu Dhabi, said the concept was to get these youngsters early exposure in such a high-profile competition.

“Most of the girls have been less than two years into the sport but they have picked up fast and are progressing well,” she said.

“I had heard about the school programme from my colleagues who have been working here but when I arrived 18 months ago, I was amazed at what I saw. The girls are amazing to work with.”

In Tuesday’s action, the competition moves up a level or two with the juveniles and teens, including some of the elite Emirati female juniors, in action.

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