The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJ) and the Ministry of Education announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement to include the “Fortress of the Emirates” series of books for children in the school curriculum to provide students the opportunity to learn about the culture, customs, and traditions of the UAE through interesting events related to the sport of jiu-jitsu.
The agreement was signed by Ali Al Nuaimi, General Manager of United Printing & Publishing (UPP), and Noura Al Shammari, author of the series, in the presence of His Excellency Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education; Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice President of the UAEJJ, and Sultan Al Hatmi, Executive Director of UPP on the sidelines of the 13th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship held at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Zayed Sports City. The sporting event was held from November 13 to 19, 2021.
The agreement stipulates the inclusion of the “Fortress of the Emirates” series, launched by the Federation last May, in classrooms to teach the local culture and traditions, in an initiative of particular importance, especially in light of Abu Dhabi’s position as the global capital of jiu-jitsu, and the rapid increase in the level of interest in this sport among the Emiratis.
The UAEJJ is the first sports body in the country to cooperate with the Ministry of Education in including a sports-related subject in the curriculum.
The series narrates the journey of three cartoon characters that make up the jiu-jitsu team across the seven emirates to explore historical and modern sites and closely learn about the local culture.
Al Nuaimi spoke of how the series, with its lucid narration, would go a long way in enhancing awareness amongst students about jiu-jitsu as a sport and its noble values, including discipline, better physical and mental health.
Author Al Shammari, said that the series derives its inspiration from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to strengthen children’s relationship with the history of the UAE and preserve authentic culture and traditions through education. She also called on all Emirati families to encourage their children to practice and professionalize this sport, thereby actively contributing to the leadership’s vision of creating a strong, well disciplined, and courageous generation of jiu-jitsu practitioners.
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