Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – As the Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games reach their midway point, the spotlight continues to shine on Saudi Arabia. The event has featured thrilling final events in various combat and martial arts disciplines such as Aikido, Ju-Jitsu, Boxing, Judo, Karate, Sambo, Sumo, Wushu, and Wrestling, captivating global audiences. This 11-day sporting extravaganza in Riyadh has showcased the world's best in 16 combat and martial arts disciplines.
On Day 5 of the event, the focus turned to Aikido, Ju-Jitsu, and Wrestling. Gold medalists from various countries, including Germany, Albania, Colombia, Montenegro, Morocco, Egypt, the UAE, Canada, Algeria, and Slovenia, claimed victory. As of today's final events, Ukraine, Independent Neutral Athletes, and China lead in the gold medal count.
Aikido
Aikido, inspired by traditional Japanese fighting techniques and focused on self-improvement, featured eight demonstration teams in Riyadh. This martial art, characterized by alternating attacks and defenses, does not have gender or weight classifications. Among the demonstration teams were the Saudi Arabian Team, a Japanese Team, Aikido Fundamentals, Advanced Aikido, Para Aikido, Aikido Experts, Shihan, and Doho Cho.
Ju-Jitsu
Ju-Jitsu, with over 600 years of history, is a traditional martial art that emphasizes self-defense. The Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) regulates competitions in four different disciplines, making it a significant part of the World Combat Games and the Asian Games. The competition included Ju-Jitsu Fighting, Ju-Jitsu Ne-Waza, and male and female Duo Teams. Fighting Ju-Jitsu is a modern form of the martial art, known for its comprehensive range of techniques, including striking, throwing, and groundwork. Ne-Waza involves grappling techniques such as pins, joint locks, and strangles, performed on the ground to immobilize opponents.
Wrestling
In the Greco-Roman wrestling events, athletes from various countries secured gold, silver, and bronze medals across different weight divisions.
The Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games feature more than 1,500 athletes from over 120 countries competing in 16 martial arts and combat sports, showcasing the pinnacle of combat sports on a global stage.
