New ranking system introduced at Dubai Jiu-Jitsu Open

The Dubai Jiu-Jitsu Open under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, will be held on October 9 and 10 at the Al Nasr Club.

The opening day’s action begins with the No-Gi (without the traditional kimono) competition, while fans will be treated to the thrilling events in the Gi category on the second and final day.

The Dubai Open is the second of the 13 domestic competitions of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s calendar for 2015/2016, and it is set to draw both local and international stars for the second time in two months.

With the new ranking system introduced by the UAEJJF this season, all those who competed in the Al Ain Open, the curtain raiser event in September, are set to return to consolidate their ranking spots.

“The ranking system will encourage the players to participate in a majority of the competitions and aim to become the No.1 in their respective categories,” said Yousef Al Batran, Board Member of the UAEJJF.

“Besides the accolade of becoming the top ranked player, they will also benefit from the attractive financial rewards that are up for grabs.”

The winners of the weight divisions in the domestic competition will earn eight ranking points with the runner up and third earning four and two respectively.

The winners of the Open category have 12 points up for grabs with six and three for the minor places.

In international competitions, the winners can rack up 12 points in the weight category with the second and third receiving six and three.

The winners of the Open class will collect 16 with the minor places earning eight and four.

International Petroleum Investment Company is the official partner of the competitions conducted by the UAEJJF while Etihad Airways and Al Tayer Motors Land Rover are the official airline and automotive partners.

The Dubai Open is in its third year and for the first time will be staged at Al Nasr after Al Wasl Club hosted the first two competitions.

“The Dubai Open is well established although it’s only the third year. It is a permanent and important competition in the country’s jiu-jitsu calendar of events,” said Al Batran.

“The previous two competitions were staged at Al Wasl and this year we have moved it to Al Nasr to provide more hosting opportunities for the clubs. By doing so we are attracting new audiences.”

Faisal Al Ketbi, the Emirati black belt, is expected to headline the local entries with the cream of the expatriate players set to vie for the honours.

While the jiu-jitsu fighters eye for glory in their matches, the spectators can avail of a chance to win some attractive prizes in the raffle draw on the free entry tickets on each of the two days.

Hareb Mubarak Al Muhairy, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President for Corporate and International Affairs said: “Etihad Airways is honoured to work with United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Federation and be the official airline partner for three consecutive years in  their  sports calendar.

"We work with many sports organisations as a core part of our commitment to promoting local initiatives across the UAE. It is also in line with our goal to increase awareness of Jiu-Jitsu sport and healthy living in the UAE. Etihad Airways wishes the sport team the best of luck in all its activities.”

Talal Merheb, General Manager Sales Jaguar Land Rover, Al Tayer Motors said: “Al Tayer Motors is pleased to be associated with the Dubai Jiu-Jitsu Open Championship for the first time. Events such as this will help to create awareness in Dubai about the diverse sporting disciplines being practised in the UAE and inspire youngsters across the country to participate in sporting activities right from their childhood.”

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