Around 120 fighters, including 40 from the UAE, will be seen in action at the 11th UAE International Karate Riyu-Jitsu championship today.
The one-day championship, which starts at 9am, is being held at the UAE Wrestling and Judo Federation Arena under the patronage of Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Addressing a press conference here last Friday, Walid Hassan Al Merri, a Black Belt 8 Dan and head of the Organising Committee, said fighters representing 20 different nationalities will be seen in action in five different categories.
"Competitors from the UAE, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Tunisia, Palestine, Iran, Yemen, India, Pakistan, Algeria, Japan, Tanzania, Brazil, United States and Canada will be in the fray," said Al Merri, who is the president of the Abu Dhabi-based World Riyu-Jitsu Karatekdo Association.
"Martial arts in various forms have been getting a lot of support from Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Shaikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Mohammad Bin Thaloob who is the President of the UAE Judo and Wrestling Federation," said Al Merri.
"Riyu-Jitsu is a combination of karate, kick boxing and pressure point," said Al Merri.
Adnoc are the main sponsors with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Salem Travel Agency, Dolphin Energy, Abu Khaleq Stores, ASCS, Pioneer Gifts and Antiques and BHS.
Gulf News
