Coaches ready for School-Jitsu Program 2009/2010

Abu Dhabi, November 1, 2009. 80 coaches are working in 42 government Cycle 2 schools and teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to nearly 20,000 grade 6, 7 and 8 students.
There are now more students practicing Jiu-Jitsu in Abu Dhabi schools than any other school system in the world and students are going to have the opportunity to choose what they want from Jiu-Jitsu - from the healthy part of the sport with discipline, life skills, and team work to a much more focused and dedicated approach that might lead to students becoming professional fighters and representing their country in international competitions. School-Jitsu does not have any kind of punches or kicks. It is about throw techniques, control and locks.
The School- Jitsu program is one of Abu Dhabi Education Council’s special projects and is sponsored by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Last year’s trial School Jitsu program took place in 14 schools across the emirate. Because of its success, the 2009/2010 program was expanded. Reacting to feedback given by students, the Jiu Jitsu team has developed more services that will make the program more exciting.
The differences from last year will be that extra after-school classes in each zone will be provided for talented students and will give students a chance to train together. There will also be an increase in the number of school, inter-school, regions and inter-region competitions. Last year there were three competitions, but this year there will be more including those in the girls’ schools.