Latest news with #JiuJitsu
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Record growth in participation at IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain
The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation is ramping up final preparations to host the sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships, which will take place in Al Ain from July 21 to 27. More than 1,000 male and female athletes from 60 countries are set to compete, marking a record number of participants and highlighting the event's growing global profile. Leading countries taking part include reigning champions Ukraine, as well as the United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, the UAE, and Armenia. This year, the championship will be held in Al Ain for the first time, while the UAE continues its role as host for the fourth consecutive year. Participation has surged from 200 athletes in the third edition held in 2022 to over 1,000 this year. The sharp increase confirms the championship's rising popularity and the UAE's key role in transforming it into a preferred destination for young talent in mixed martial arts. Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee, said that preparations are progressing according to a comprehensive plan covering all organisational, logistical, and technical aspects. The Federation is working closely with local and international partners to deliver an outstanding edition that reflects the UAE's reputation for hosting world-class sporting events. 'This year's championship has attracted record participation, reflecting the rapid development of the event and reinforcing its position as a global platform for preparing the future stars of MMA,' Al Dhaheri said. 'Bringing the competition to Al Ain marks a significant step forward, building on the successes of previous editions in Abu Dhabi.' Al Dhaheri added that the 2025 edition will offer a well-rounded experience for athletes, delegations, and spectators. Alongside the high-level competition, a range of cultural and entertainment programmes will help cement the championship's status as a leading international event and a meeting point for emerging talent. Meanwhile, the UAE National Team continues its preparations at a training camp in Thailand, focused on enhancing both physical and technical readiness. The camp aims to ensure the athletes deliver a strong performance that reflects the development of MMA in the UAE.
Leader Live
6 days ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Wrexham head coach named champ at Brazilian British Open
Over the weekend, Stuart Duffy competed in this year's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu British Open. A post shared by Stuart Duffy (@duffigo) The first-degree black belt, originally from Cheshire, has described his achievement as 'monumental', after training for the best part of 14-years in the sport. Stuart said: "Very light for that division, but came out on top. "To be named champion, especially this weekend in a tougher category was just the icing on top." Three-years-ago, the 42-year-old opened 'Checkmat' inside the Impact MMA facility at Rhos Industrial Estate in Wrexham. As head coach, Stuart trains young people and adults in the sport, holding classes for varying abilities six-times-a-week, before they too eventually compete. And when he isn't sharing his passion and talent with others, he's competing at various competitions. MOST READ Earlier this year, he won gold at the Milan International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2025 in the lightweight division. Stuart adds: "Jiu Jitsu is an excellent hobby that anyone can do, regardless of age or ability. "You don't need any experience to start training and, for me personally, it's great for both physical and mental health."
What's On
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Exclusive Interview: Reinier de Ridder talks Whittaker fight and Abu Dhabi comeback
There's something poetic about Reinier de Ridder's (RdR) return to Abu Dhabi. A decade ago, the Dutch dynamo clinched his first major title on the mats of the capital at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu Jitsu Championship. Fast forward to 2025, and he's back, only this time, the gloves are off, the lights are brighter, and the stakes couldn't be higher. On Saturday, July 26, de Ridder will step into the Octagon at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi for his first-ever UFC main event, facing none other than former champion Robert Whittaker in what promises to be a middleweight blockbuster. But this moment? It's been years in the making. 'I've been grinding like crazy in Florida,' he tells What's On . 'I moved my family here for the year. All focus is on this fight. It's big it's Whittaker. It's the kind of opportunity you dream about.' For fans who've followed RdR from his ONE Championship days to his recent knockout of Bo Nickal, the meteoric rise isn't exactly a shock. But even he's surprised by how fast things have moved since his UFC debut in November last year. 'They've given me every opportunity. I'm just trying to make the most of it.' It's fitting that de Ridder's next defining moment will take place in Abu Dhabi. The city isn't just another venue, it's part of his origin story. 'It's always been special to me. That first big win was here. To be back now, headlining a UFC card? It feels full circle.' His journey to MMA wasn't a straight path. After back-to-back frustrating Jiu Jitsu finals where opponents 'stalled for eight minutes', he knew he was done with the points game. 'I remember thinking, I'm never doing this again. I want to fight. I want to finish people.' And that's exactly what he's been doing. De Ridder's last performance was a showstopper, a second-round TKO that's still making highlight reels. And if he can deliver something similar against Whittaker? 'If I can finish him early, do it spectacularly, I think I've got a real shot at the title,' he says. The name floating around? Dricus du Plessis, the current champ. One thing's certain: de Ridder is no longer the grappler chasing points, he's the fighter chasing greatness. And fittingly, Abu Dhabi might just be where he claims it, just as he did over a decade ago when he stepped onto the mats at the Jiu Jitsu World Championship and 'faced off in the finals against a 130kg giant guy… I was able to throw him and choke him out eventually, so that was amazing already.' This was his first time in Abu Dhabi, and we can all relate, there's something magical about arriving here for the first time. Like RdR, who hadn't travelled much before, 'it was different from Holland, my home. They picked me up in an Escalade, like a crazy expensive car at the time. I thought 'where did I end up with this Jiu Jitsu thing?'', he said. But are we even surprised? The UAE always does it big, and we love it. Having won the championship, this was the moment everything changed. 'I beat everybody and got given an envelope with money and that was crazy for me, to be able to make money doing sports. It was very much a moment of me looking forward, like if I can do this for a couple more years and if this can be my job, it would be amazing.' RdR also thanked UAE Warriors, especially Fouad Darwish, 'they really took a chance on me, giving me a fight there. They've really helped me out and I have a huge part of this last year of my career in UFC to thank them, so Abu Dhabi will always be very special to me.' We asked RdR if he had a full day off in Abu Dhabi, how would he spend it? 'Lay down, chill at the beach, get a lot of food, I like Indian food and go to the desert. I've never done sandboarding there,' he laughs. RdR also said that UFC in Abu Dhabi really became a spotlight moment during Covid, when it was the only venue in the world hosting fights. 'Their way of putting the fighters first is just really special, the way they treat their athletes is something different.' He wrapped up our interview with a message to his UAE fans: 'Hopefully you guys come out, support me like you always do and I believe you will. See you guys soon.' It's an exciting build-up for Reinier de Ridder, one we have no doubt will be an edge-of-your-seat moment. 'Abu Dhabi is my place,' he says — and it'll be even more special if he walks away with the win, just like he did over 10 years ago at the Jiu Jitsu Championship. Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Date: 26 July Tickets: and Image: Getty Images
Khaleej Times
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
UAE Jiu-Jitsu team to compete at World Games from August 7-17
The UAE Jiu-Jitsu national team is preparing to compete at the 2025 edition of The World Games in Chengdu, China, taking place from August 7 to 17. The team is aiming to build on its impressive performance at the previous edition in the United States in 2022 and continue to raise the UAE's standing in the global jiu-jitsu scene. The team includes six athletes who will represent the nation across various weight categories: Mohammed Alsuwaidi (69 kg), Mehdi Alawlaki (77 kg), Saeed Alkubaisi (85 kg), Asmaa Alhosani (52 kg), Shamsa Alameri (57 kg), and Shamma Alkalbani (63 kg). Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: 'Taking part in a major international event like The World Games reflects the strong presence the UAE has built in jiu-jitsu. This would not have been possible without the continued support of our visionary leadership, who have created the right environment for our athletes to grow and succeed.' 'In the coming days, our athletes will begin an intensive training programme that includes local and international camps along with focused technical and physical sessions to ensure they are fully prepared.' Mohammed Alsuwaidi, competing in the 69kg division, said representing the UAE on this stage is a proud moment in his career. 'We are going into this event with full focus and determination. We know the responsibility that comes with wearing the national colours and are ready to give our best. With the support we have and the preparation ahead of us, we are confident we can perform well.' At the 2022 World Games held in Birmingham, USA, the UAE team made history by securing five medals. Faisal Alketbi won two gold medals in the 85 kg and open weight divisions, while Mohammed Alsuwaidi earned silver in the 69 kg category. Shamma Alkalbani won two bronze medals in the 63 kg and open weight categories. The achievement marked a major milestone for the team and placed the UAE among the top jiu-jitsu nations. The 2025 edition of the World Games in Chengdu will bring together around 5,000 athletes from 118 countries, competing in 34 different sports between August 7 and 17.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ashlie is revved up to compete thanks to Porsche backing
Porsche Centre Bolton is sponsoring technician and competitive Jiu-Jitsu athlete Ashlie Fowler as she prepares to compete at the BJJ British Open 2025 in Coventry. Fowler, who works as a technician at Porsche Centre Bolton, will represent Stealth BJJ Bolton in the Master 1 blue belt division at the UK's largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu event, held this weekend at the University of Warwick. Advertisement She will compete in the light-featherweight or featherweight category. A blue belt in the Master 1 (30–39 years) division, Fowler has previously secured gold at the 2024 European No-Gi IBJJF Championship and competed in multiple national and international events, including the 2025 European IBJJF Championship. No-Gi or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is where fighters wear a rash guard and shorts instead of a traditional kimono. She said: 'The support from Porsche Bolton means a lot. 'The competition kit looks great and makes a real statement - it's something I'll probably wear for all my future comps. 'I've got big goals, like maybe competing in Vegas one day, but it all adds up - travel, entry, hotels - so every bit of help matters.' Advertisement Fowler began training three years ago after attending a women-only class and now helps coach at Stealth BJJ - a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu club in Manchester. She currently trains six times per week. She also leads a closed-door Jiu-Jitsu class for women. The number of regular female participants in her class has grown from two to nearly 20. Alongside competition, she continues to advocate for greater female inclusion in both martial arts and the automotive industry. Dealer principal at Porsche Centre Bolton, Steve Webb, said: 'Ashlie's story really stood out to us - she's working hard here as a technician while also training, coaching and competing at national level. Advertisement 'It's great to be able to support her and see Porsche Bolton represented on the mats.' The BJJ British Open 2025 is open to all belts and categories, drawing competitors from across the UK and overseas. The tournament is a key ranking and development opportunity for both Gi and No-Gi athletes. Then, in October, Fowler will travel to Rome to compete in the IBJJF European Championships.
