Survey shows Japanese martial arts to be a big hit with Arabs

Judo is among the Japanese martial arts most favored by Arabs of all ages. (Shutterstock)
Updated 27 October 2019
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Survey shows Japanese martial arts to be a big hit with Arabs

  • Arab men and women rank karate as the 'most interesting' of martial arts
  • Combat sports credited with increasing interest in martial arts among Arabs

DUBAI: Japanese martial arts are proving to be a big hit with Arabs with more fans than ever before taking up combat sports.

According to an Arab News-YouGov survey, 86 percent of Arabs of all ages share an interest in at least one form of martial arts, out of which 37 percent believe that karate is the “most interesting.”

The study, which questioned 3,033 people from the GCC, Levant and North Africa regions, showed that both men and women also enjoyed watching or taking part in judo, sumo and jiu-jitsu.

The trend is in line with recent hype surrounding mixed martial arts (MMA), a full-contact combat sport that allows almost all forms of striking and grappling.

The largest MMA-promoting company, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), hosts fighters from various MMA backgrounds who have battled in the “Octagon” in more than 20 countries, with the UAE being a recent destination.

The UFC held one of its largest fighting cards in Abu Dhabi last September, hosting undefeated MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov. Supported by a large Arab fanbase, the Russian fighter has a background in combat sambo and judo.

However, the strong interest in martial arts among Arabs has not only expanded due to UFC viewings, but has also seen a rise in the number of martial arts centers opening up across the region.

With 20 years of training under his belt, Dubai-based jiu-jitsu instructor Amin Touati, told Arab News that more people were showing an interest in taking up a form of the sport and learning the skills to master it.




Dubai-based instructor Amin Touati said jiu-jitsu is the fastest-growing martial art discipline in the Middle East. (Supplied)

Touati, who heads and teaches at the Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Dubai, said he had found jiu-jitsu to be the fastest-growing martial art in the Middle East and, possibly, in the world.

“I have personally witnessed the growth of jiu-jitsu in the UAE, from only three people carrying black belts when I first arrived in early 2006 to having over 700 black-belt holders today,” he said.

Most forms of martial arts root back to times of war and are found in the warrior traditions of the samurai.

Jiu-jitsu, for instance, originated in the 16th century in Japan and was taught to warriors as a method of fighting both with and without weapons.

“While other Asian martial arts were focusing on strikes, the Japanese arts were focusing more on throws and joint manipulation. Similarly, Arabs have also had a history of great warriors, one that is respected in the Middle East.”

Associating today’s hype of martial arts to combat sport promotions such as the UFC, Touati said he believed learning the art went way beyond self-defence.

INNUMBER

700 - The number of jiu-jitsu black belts estimated in the UAE.

“It is a complete package. From building physical strength to building mental strength. Martial arts have always been a tool to instill discipline and strong character, which is why most parents believe it can help their children become strong mentally and physically,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fahad M., an MMA enthusiast from Dubai, said the rise in martial arts interest was also due to its legacy in the region.

“We have to consider jiu-jitsu’s rich history in the GCC and especially in Abu Dhabi, where the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-jitsu Championships have been held for around 20 years. Bahrain is also home to the Brave Combat Federation, the largest MMA promotion in the Middle East,” he said.

The YouGov survey found that among Arabs planning to visit Japan, 33 percent of men considered martial arts such as sumo and judo to be a top attraction, compared to 19 percent of Arab women.

While only 4 percent of Arabs have visited Japan, 87 percent would like to travel there in the future, listing its food options, heritage sites and traditional arts as some of its unique attractions.

With the 2020 Summer Olympics due to take place in Tokyo, the Japanese government is setting a target of between 30 and 40 million foreign tourists to visit the country next year, reported the Japan Times.

Popular tourist destinations in Japan include Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, with 2018 marking a record high of 31.19 million foreign visitors, an 8.7 percent increase on the previous year.


Real Madrid the big winners at Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai

Updated 12 sec ago
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Real Madrid the big winners at Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai

  • Vinicius Jr wins Best Men’s Player and Best Forward after year to remember on glittering evening at Atlantis, The Palm
  • Cristiano Ronaldo takes Top Goalscorer of All Time awards, joins Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on stage as part of 19th Dubai International Sports Conference

DUBAI: Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr added to his growing personal trophy collection in Dubai on Friday night, with Jude Bellingham and Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo the other big winners at the 2024 Beyond Globe Soccer Dubai Awards, held in conjunction with the 19th Dubai International Sports Conference.

Vinicius Jr went home with the Best Men’s Player and Best Forward awards after enjoying the best goalscoring season of his career in 2023-24, finishing with 24 goals and contributing nine assists in 39 matches for Real Madrid. At 23 years and 325 days, the Brazilian also broke Lionel Messi’s record as the youngest player to score in multiple Champions League finals, leading the Spaniards to their 15th European title.

“It was such a faraway dream that it seemed impossible for me,” said Vinicius Jr. “I was just a little kid who used to play barefoot in the streets of Sao Gonçalo. I grew up in a poor place, surrounded by crime, so to be here is something very important to me because I’m not only representing Brazil but all the kids out there with the same dream.”

Bellingham, meanwhile, took home the Best Midfielder and the Maradona Award following an outstanding calendar year, which saw the 21-year-old lift the LaLiga title and maiden Champions League in his first season at Los Blancos, as well as the Supercopa de Espana and UEFA Super Cup. The former Birmingham City prodigy also helped England reach the final of the European Championship, contributing with some key goals along the way.

“Thank you to Globe Soccer for inviting me to this awards ceremony,” added Bellingham. “It’s amazing to see so many great players and legends, and it’s a real privilege to win a trophy here tonight as well. It wouldn’t be possible without my teammates, my staff, and most importantly, my family. My mum, who is here tonight, is the biggest motivation in my life.”

Al-Nassr forward Ronaldo clinched the Best Middle East Player for a second successive year, as well as being awarded the prestigious Top Goalscorer of All Time accolade, with the legendary forward currently standing on 917 career goals following his most recent strike against Al-Ittihad.

“I am always happy to be here because I think you do it as a fantastic gala. You can see all the champions here. I think it’s fantastic. Congratulations to all,” said Ronaldo. “In terms of the trophy, I have to say thank you to my teammates, my team. In terms of individual, I did very well, but for me, it’s not enough. My main goal is to win a trophy for Al-Nassr.”

The 15th edition of the star-studded awards took place on Palm Jumeirah, and alongside the Real Madrid representatives and Ronaldo, this year’s event attracted a number of football stars of past and present, including Brazil and Al-Hilal forward Neymar, Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal, former England manager Fabio Capello, and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.

The Beyond Globe Soccer Dubai Awards garnered more than 100 million votes cast by fans from more than 200 countries and territories, eclipsing the previous record of 70 million.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancellotti won Best Coach for the second time in three years, as FC Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati retained the Best Women’s Player award. Yamal, meanwhile, was duly recognized as Emerging Player.

Earlier in the evening, Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois joined Ronaldo on stage to discuss “talented football” as part of the Dubai International Sports Conference.

“In the beginning, when I arrived at Manchester United, I was a very skillful player, dribbling a lot, and I realized that it was good for the show, but football is more than that,” Ronaldo commented. “When you have a dream to achieve big things, you need to be more effective, and this is what I planned to do. I started to see examples there in the club, like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. And I took some good ideas.

“And, as I say all the time, of course, you’re never going to be a football player if you only have talent. Talent is the main word to achieve success. But the other things, which I consider more important, are the ethics of work. I dedicated all my life to that because I know I can improve year by year.”

Other winners on the night included Al-Hilal’s Jorge Jesus, who was awarded Best Middle East Coach; while Al-Ain received Best Middle East Club and FC Barcelona were crowned Best Women’s Club once more.

“This is a landmark edition for the Globe Soccer Dubai Awards and once again I am immensely proud to see the world of football come out in force here in Dubai to recognize and celebrate the sport’s best operators and is testament to the growing reputation of the Awards itself and the appeal of Dubai as a destination,” said Tommaso Bendoni, founder and CEO of Globe Soccer.

“I would like to thank Dubai Sports Council for their valuable help and continuous support throughout the past 15 years, with a record response from fans during the voting period reinforcing our commitment to honouring the extraordinary talents that make football a global phenomenon.”

Dubai Globe Soccer Awards 2024 Winners:

Best Men’s Player: Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid and Brazil)

Best Women’s Player: Aitana Bonmati (FC Barcelona and Spain)

Best Coach: Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)

Best Middle East Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr and Portugal)

Best Middle East Coach: Jorge Jesus (Al Hilal)

Revelation Club Awards: Olympiacos FC

Best Men’s Club: Real Madrid

Best Women’s Club: FC Barcelona

Best Midfielder: Jude Bellingham (England and Real Madrid)

Best Forward: Vinicius Jr

Best Sporting Director: Piero Ausilio (Inter Milan)

Best Agent: Jorge Mendes

Best Middle East Club: Al-Ain FC

Emerging Player: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona and Spain)

Maradona Award: Jude Bellingham

Top Goalscorer of all Time: Cristiano Ronaldo

Special Career Award: Alessandro Del Piero

Special Career Award: Florentino Perez

Player Career Award: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid and Belgium)

Player Career Award: Neymar Jr (Al-Hilal and Brazil)

Player Career Award: Rio Ferdinand


Bosch, Jansen put South Africa on top against Pakistan

Updated 28 December 2024
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Bosch, Jansen put South Africa on top against Pakistan

  • Bosch, batting at number nine, enabled South Africa to take a 90-run first innings lead
  • Bowlers made it count by taking three wickets before Pakistan could wipe out the deficit

CENTURION: Debutant Corbin Bosch hit 81 not out and left-arm fast bowler Marco Jansen claimed two late wickets as South Africa took control on the second day of the first Test against Pakistan at SuperSport Park on Friday.
Bosch, batting at number nine, enabled South Africa to take a 90-run first innings lead — and the bowlers made it count by taking three wickets before Pakistan could wipe out the deficit.
Pakistan finished the day on 88 for three — still two runs behind.

Pakistan’s Babar Azam plays a side shot during day two of the Test cricket match between South Africa and Pakistan, at the Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa, on December 27, 2024. (AP)

South Africa would qualify for next year’s World Test Championship final for the first time with a victory in either match of this two-Test series.
The contest was evenly poised when opening batsman Aiden Markram was eighth man out for 89 with South Africa on 213 for eight — just two runs ahead of Pakistan’s first innings total of 211.
Four South African wickets had fallen for 35 runs either side of lunch, with Naseem Shah taking three in a fiery spell, and it seemed probable the sides would start the second innings almost on level terms.

Pakistan’s Naseem Shah bowls during day two of the Test cricket match between South Africa and Pakistan, at the Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa, on December 27, 2024. (AP)

But Bosch, who has a first-class batting average above 40, batted with freedom and a wide variety of strokes as he shared stands of 41 with Kagiso Rabada (13) and 47 with Dane Paterson (12) to turn a narrow lead into a substantial one.

Bosch hit 15 fours in a 93-ball innings.
“It was a huge momentum shift and it was probably worth more than a hundred,” said Markram, who captained Bosch and Rabada when South Africa won the Under-19 World Cup in Dubai in 2014.

It was the continuation of a remarkable debut for Bosch, 30, who took four for 63 in the first innings and was clocked at 147kmh, the fastest of any bowler in the match.
Bosch, whose Test cricketer father Tertius died when Corbin was five years old, was low on the list of potential Test fast bowlers at the start of the season.
But a lengthy list of injuries to bigger-name players, as well as good recent form, opened the door for him.
“He’s a really talented guy and in the last few years he’s really put his head down and worked to get his opportunity,” said Markram.
Bosch shared the new ball with Kagiso Rabada at the start of Pakistan’s second innings but did not take a wicket and left the field at the end of a three-over stint.
Saim Ayub and Shan Masood, who both made 28, put on 49 for the first wicket before Rabada bowled Ayub.

South Africa’s Marco Jansen (second right) celebrates with his teammates after taking the wicket of Pakistan’s Shan Masood during day two of the Test cricket match between South Africa and Pakistan, at the Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa, on December 27, 2024. (AP)

Jansen followed up by having Masood caught at third slip and first innings top-scorer Kamran Ghulam caught at gully for eight before bad light stopped play.
Markram said it was a typical Centurion pitch, providing assistance for the fast bowlers.

“While I was batting it did feel that at any time the ball could nip past your edge,” he said.
Markram cautioned South Africa would need to bowl well to press home their advantage on Saturday.
“If you’re not going to land the ball in the right areas it’s still going to be nice to bat on,” he said.


Brighton draws 0-0 with Brentford in lackluster Premier League encounter

Updated 28 December 2024
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Brighton draws 0-0 with Brentford in lackluster Premier League encounter

  • The result leaves Brighton in 10th place with 26 points, one spot and two points ahead of the Bees

LONDON: Brighton had most of the chances but could not find the net in a 0-0 draw with Brentford that extended the south coast club’s winless run in the Premier League to six games on Friday.
It was a frustrating night for the home side and especially Julio Enciso. The Paraguay striker had a host of opportunities to score but couldn’t make them count.
Along with Southampton, Brentford has the worst away record in the league with seven losses and two draws and it was easy to see why in this toothless performance.
Brentford had an early goal from Yoane Wissa ruled out for offside and, although it came a bit more into the game in the second half, it failed to pressure Icelandic goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson, who made his Premier League debut eight minutes before halftime when Mark Flekken went off with a thigh injury.
One bright spot for the home side was the return of winger Solly March. He came on as a late substitute to make his first appearance for Brighton since injuring a knee against Manchester City 14 months ago.
The result leaves Brighton in 10th place with 26 points, one spot and two points ahead of the Bees.


Arsenal moves up to second in the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Ipswich

Updated 28 December 2024
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Arsenal moves up to second in the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Ipswich

LONDON: Arsenal moved up to second place in the Premier League with a 1-0 home win against Ipswich on Friday.
Mikel Arteta’s side is six points behind leader Liverpool, which has a game in hand.
Second-bottom Ipswich had won two of its last three away games but was up against it from the start at the Emirates.
The visitors did not have one touch in the Gunners’ box during the first 45 minutes and, although Ipswich showed signs of life after the break, it was Arsenal which continued to dominate the game, marshaled by Declan Rice in midfield.
Kai Havertz got the only goal midway through the first half when he knocked in a cross from Leandro Trossard.
Havertz, Rice, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus all had chances but none of them could add to Arsenal’s tally.
“It’s so tough, every team is tough to break down,” Havertz said. “They fight for each other and at the end we’re very proud for the win.”
Arsenal is a point above third-place Chelsea and two points clear of season surprise team Nottingham Forest in fourth.
Seagulls and Bees share the points on south coast
Brighton had most of the chances but could not find the net in a 0-0 draw with Brentford that extended the south coast club’s winless run to six league games.
It was a frustrating night for the home side and especially Julio Enciso. The Paraguay striker had a host of opportunities to score but couldn’t make them count.
Along with Southampton, Brentford has the worst away record in the league with seven losses and two draws and it was easy to see why in this toothless performance.
Brentford had an early goal from Yoane Wissa ruled out for offside and, although it came a bit more into the game in the second half, it failed to pressure Icelandic goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson, who made his Premier League debut eight minutes before halftime when Mark Flekken went off with a thigh injury.
One bright spot for the home side was the return of winger Solly March. He came on as a late substitute to make his first appearance for Brighton since injuring a knee against Manchester City 14 months ago.
The result leaves Brighton in 10th place with 26 points, one spot and two points ahead of the Bees.


Ex-Turkiye boss Terim named Al-Shabab coach

Updated 27 December 2024
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Ex-Turkiye boss Terim named Al-Shabab coach

  • Terim won the 2000 UEFA Cup with Galatasary

RIYADH: Former Turkiye and Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim was appointed Al-Shabab boss on Friday.
Terim, who won the 2000 UEFA Cup with the Turkish outfit, replaces Victor Pereira in charge of the sixth place team in the Saudi Pro League.
The 71-year-old’s last job was with Greece’s Panathinaikos, but he left at the end of last season.

In Saudi Arabia, Terim will overlook a squad including Belgium winger Yannick Carrasco and Italy midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura.
Terim is set to work under Al-Shabab’s director of football, former Juventus and Czech Republic midfielder Pavel Nedved.
“Having been a player with Juventus for years, he’s also done a lot as a director of football,” Terim told reporters at Istanbul airport before flying to start his new job.
“I’m very happy to be with him, I think he was a great footballer, a great name and an important symbol,” the former AC Milan and Fiorentina boss added.