ABU DHABI, June 24th, 2013 -- The organizing committee of "His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed's Jiu-Jitsu Schools Programme" has launched the program's activities in the Armed Forces Officers Club here in Abu Dhabi.
The programme was launched in six other centers in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region. The launching ceremony was attended by Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation in addition to other officials, students and their parents. Al Dhaheri stressed that the program is a project for the future, highlighting that the organizing committee did not leave anything to chance and that over the duration of the project, there will be daily reports for all students measuring their performance. The strategy of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Committee (UAEJJC) is consistent with the prudent vision of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and with Abu Dhabi?s Vision 2030 to build a strong generation able to defend itself. Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling, especially ground fighting. There are varying accounts as to its origins but most believe it was developed in Japan more than 250 years ago during the feudal wars. Originally designed for warfare, later being modified for peaceful times. One of its greatest advocates Esai Maeda (known as the god father of Jiu-Jitsu) went to live in Para state, Belem City in Brazil in the 1900s, where he taught the martial art to a local man, Carlos Gracie, and his four sons. They, in turn, adjusted some of the techniques and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was born.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2013.
