The jiu-jitsu competitions at the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 ended on Friday at Mubadala Arena, with purple, brown and black belt divisions closing the programme.
Senior figures from the sport were in attendance, including Abdulmunem Alhashmi, chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, and Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, secretary general of the federation and the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union.
H.E. Dr Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, also competed during the event.
Speaking after taking part, Dr Al Neyadi said sport can remain part of daily life regardless of age or professional responsibilities. He had competed in another discipline earlier in the week and described jiu-jitsu as his second passion.
He said the Open Masters Games show that participation is not limited to a specific age group, and that long-term involvement in sport supports health and quality of life.
On the mat, the final day was shaped by control and experience. Many of the advanced belt contests were decided by narrow points margins. Match management often proved as important as physical strength, with athletes relying on discipline and tactical awareness.
Abdulla Salem Al Zaabi, director of marketing and corporate communications at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said the event reflected strong organisation and coordination between partners. He added that the Masters category gives more members of the community the chance to compete and shows long-term commitment to the sport.
World champion Faisal Al Ketbi said competing in the Masters division carries a different meaning. He described it as part of a longer journey with the sport and said seeing athletes of different ages on the mat sends a message to younger practitioners that jiu-jitsu can remain part of their lives over time.
The tournament forms part of Abu Dhabi’s continued push to host international jiu-jitsu events, with Mubadala Arena once again serving as the centrepiece for competition.
