Six Emirati Sisters Set to Conquer MMA and Jiu-Jitsu World

In a remarkable display of talent and determination, six Emirati sisters from the Al Mutwa family are making waves in the male-dominated world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Jiu-Jitsu. The young athletes from Dubai, aged between 11 and 15, are not only breaking stereotypes but also bringing home medals, showcasing their prowess on both national and international stages.

The sisters—Afra (15), Maryam (14), Noof (13), Anfal (12), and 11-year-old twins Hamda and Hessa—are rapidly becoming a formidable force in combat sports. Their journey is particularly noteworthy as they balance their rigorous training schedules with their academic responsibilities. At the ongoing IMMAF Youth World Championship in Abu Dhabi, Maryam and Noof have already clinched bronze medals in the 52kg and 40kg categories, respectively. With four sisters actively competing and the twins preparing to join them, the Al Mutwa family is poised to make a significant impact in the coming years.

Their mother, Ibtisam Ali, affectionately known as Um Afra, has been a pillar of support and inspiration for her daughters. She has gone to great lengths to facilitate their training, even setting up special mats at home to ensure they can practice together. Speaking at the championship, Ibtisam expressed her pride in her daughters’ achievements and her hopes for their future. “I have six children, all girls, and all of them are MMA and Jiu-Jitsu athletes. They are good fighters. I hope they go on to win more medals for the UAE and do the country proud,” she told Khaleej Times.

The sisters’ training regimen is intense and disciplined. They receive Jiu-Jitsu coaching from Brazilian instructors at their school in Ajman and engage in a demanding six-hour training session at Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai. Their mother often juggles her work schedule to accommodate their training, even skipping work occasionally to watch them practice. The dedication has also inspired Ibtisam to begin her own training in the sport.

Maryam, reflecting on their journey, shared their enthusiasm for future competitions. “We have participated and won in other Jiu-Jitsu and MMA events, including IMMAF competitions. At the next IMMAF, my twin sisters will also participate as they will turn 12 years old,” she said, noting that the competition categories start from age 12.

Their coach, a black belt in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, has been instrumental in pushing the girls to excel. “They train hard, sometimes together at home, the club, or during open mat sessions on Saturdays,” he explained. Since relocating from Sharjah to Dubai, all six sisters have been training at Shabab Al Ahli Club, and their coach is confident they will continue to bring home more medals for the UAE.