The Gracie family has been credited with creating the modern form of the martial art in Brazil, which has since been known worldwide as the home of jiu jitsu. Modern jiu jitsu found its way from Japan to Brazil a little over 100 years ago, when a business associate from Japan introduced the Gracie family to judo and jiu jitsu. "We hope to create national champions for the UAE. "It is a great challenge and I am very excited to be part of it," he said. Pedro Lott, 28, a national Brazilian champion, has been teaching in Abu Dhabi for a year. For the best education programme you need the best coaches that is what we have." "We looked at each individual carefully, if they could be a good coach, if they had worked with kids before. "We chose the best coaches in the world," Mr Santos said. The coaching team includes more than 20 world champions. Last year, 25 coaches from Brazil worked in the programme, and more have been added to handle the increase in schools. We are already planning to set up venues in each education zone and to run classes out of school hours for talented students." "In the long term, we want to identify talented students who will be groomed to become national and international champions. These virtues will make students better and productive citizens of the future. "One of the main things that students learn is to respect their opponents and to win and lose graciously. "The competitive element is important, but is balanced by sportsmanship and fair play," the spokesman said. Being fit and healthy, and having respect for others."Īnother goal of the programme is to nurture a new generation of jiu jitsu champions, allowing the UAE to assemble a formidable national team.Ī spokesman for Adec acknowledged the programme serves dual purposes. It teaches fitness, it teaches fighting, it teaches self-defence and discipline," Mr Santos said. "We have had a lot of support for the programme from schools and families," said Carlos Santos, the head coach of the Emirates Jiu Jitsu Team and the man behind the school programme. Of the 25 schools in Abu Dhabi, four are girls schools. This year, 17 schools in Al Ain will participate, including two girls schools. With the first year deemed a success, the size of the programme has tripled. Under the watchful eye of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) and the Emirates Jiu Jitsu Team, children in grades six and seven were taught jiu jitsu as part of their sports education.
The Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu Schools Programme began last year with 14 schools in the capital. Eighty-one coaches have been brought in from Brazil to serve as instructors. ABU DHABI // Jiu jitsu has found a home in the schools of Abu Dhabi, and as it spreads to Al Ain it seems the martial art is here to stay.Ĭhildren aged nine to 11 will be taught jiu jitsu in their physical education classes in 42 government schools this year.
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