Eight-year-old Aisha Ahmed has made her mark on the mats, winning gold at the highly competitive Abu Dhabi World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship this past November. The Year 4 Repton Al Barsha pupil delivered an exceptional performance in one of the most prestigious youth events on the global jiu-jitsu calendar, demonstrating a rare combination of technical ability, focus and maturity under pressure.
The championship draws top young athletes from around the world, and Aisha’s composed performance in the youth category reflected her rigorous training and readiness for elite-level competition.
From Passion to Pro: Aisha’s Path in Jiu-Jitsu
Aisha’s journey into martial arts began at age five when she joined Delariva Jiujitsu Abu Dhabi with her brother. Today, she trains five days a week at Studio100 in Dubai, developing a routine anchored in discipline, perseverance and a deep love for the sport.
Her World Pro victory followed a demanding preparation period that included competing at the Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Championship in Abu Dhabi, where she secured a gold medal. The win strengthened her confidence and provided valuable competitive experience ahead of the world championship.
“If you want to achieve something, focus and never give up,” said Aisha Ahmed.
The Gold Medal Match: A Gripping Victory
Across three intense rounds, Aisha demonstrated calm decision-making and strong tactical awareness. Her final bout, the most challenging of the tournament, required video-assisted refereeing due to its intensity. Initially behind on points, she executed a decisive submission technique that secured her win and the gold medal.
Her father, Ahmed Naseef, shared the family’s pride: “Seeing Aisha win was incredibly exciting and emotional for us. She has worked so hard and shown such bravery and determination. Her achievements have given her so much confidence, and we are very proud of the young athlete she is becoming.”
A Well-Rounded Athlete Inspiring Her School Community
Beyond the mat, Aisha is a vibrant presence at Repton Al Barsha. She enjoys football, recently became captain of the school’s netball team, and has a flair for creative writing, showcasing her strengths as a well-rounded young athlete.
Aisha hopes to become a Jiu-Jitsu coach one day and offer free training to children, believing that self-defence should be accessible to all.
Chandini Misra, Principal of Repton Al Barsha, praised her achievement: “Aisha’s achievement is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished through dedication, courage and a genuine love for learning new skills. She brings great energy to our school community, and we are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with her and her family.”
Repton Al Barsha proudly celebrates Aisha’s remarkable accomplishment and looks forward to supporting her as she continues to grow, compete and shape her future in jiu-jitsu.
