A jiu-jitsu coach in the UAE has trained around 80 athletes and achieved impressive success, helping them win a total of 35 medals during his first year of coaching program.
UAE jiu-jitsu coach guides 80 athletes, secures 35 medals in debut year.
Ahmed Omar’s journey in combat sports spans over a decade, during which he accumulated more than 12 years of experience as both a competitor and a coach. This long involvement in martial arts played a major role in shaping his understanding of how a modern, high-performing training environment should function. Instead of stepping away from the sport after concluding his competitive career, he chose to stay deeply involved and channel his knowledge into building a structured institution that reflects his philosophy of discipline, development, and excellence.
In 2025, the Emirati black-belt Jiu-Jitsu coach established the PTF Sports Academy in Abu Dhabi with the aim of nurturing talent across all age groups and skill levels. From the beginning, the academy focused on creating an inclusive training environment that welcomed both male and female athletes, ranging from young beginners to more advanced practitioners seeking competitive success. Within its very first year, the academy managed to train more than 80 athletes, demonstrating rapid growth and strong interest in its programs.
The results soon reflected the quality of coaching and training methods implemented at the academy. Athletes under its guidance went on to achieve notable success, collectively winning over 35 medals in various local and regional jiu-jitsu championships. This achievement highlighted not only the skill of the athletes but also the effectiveness of the training system designed by Omar.
In addition to competitive success, the academy also earned recognition through official accreditations from several well-known international sports federations. These approvals further strengthened its reputation as a credible and professionally managed institution. Through his efforts, Ahmed Omar has successfully transitioned from an accomplished athlete into a mentor and founder, contributing significantly to the development of jiu-jitsu in the region while building a lasting platform for future champions.
Ahmed Omar explained that the idea behind establishing the academy was never simply to open another standard training facility. Instead, the goal was to create a structured, professional system that develops complete athletes—individuals who can perform successfully inside the competitive arena while also carrying the same discipline, mindset, and values into their lives outside of sport. According to him, the focus has always been on long-term athlete development rather than short-term results or superficial growth.
With over 12 years of experience in both competing and coaching in combat sports, Omar’s approach to building the academy has been strongly influenced by everything he learned throughout his journey. He believes that years spent in real competition helped him understand what athletes truly need in order to succeed at a higher level. This includes not only physical preparation but also mental conditioning, structured planning, and consistent guidance from experienced mentors.
One of the key principles of the academy is its fully Emirati-led structure. From administrative roles to coaching positions and on-the-mat training operations, the entire system is managed by local professionals. Omar sees this as more than just an organizational choice; for him, it represents a deeper philosophy about investing in local talent and building sustainable sporting ecosystems. He has often emphasized that meaningful progress in sports does not come only from infrastructure or equipment, but from developing capable people who can carry the system forward.
He further explained that professionalism in sport begins long before an athlete steps into a competition area. In his view, the foundation is built within management systems, planning strategies, and consistent decision-making processes. The academy follows a carefully designed long-term approach that involves selecting appropriate tournaments for each athlete, tracking individual performance over time, analyzing both strengths and weaknesses, and continuously refining training programs based on real data and outcomes. This structured methodology is intended to ensure steady improvement rather than random or inconsistent progress.
Another important aspect of the academy is the composition of its coaching staff. Many of the trainers are former competitive athletes who have previously experienced high-level tournaments themselves. Because of this background, they are able to provide guidance that is rooted in real experience rather than theoretical knowledge alone. Their understanding of pressure situations, competition mindset, and tactical decision-making allows them to prepare athletes more effectively for real-world challenges inside the ring or on the mat.
Omar also highlighted that, at PTF, a coach is expected to fulfill a much broader role than simply teaching techniques or delivering training sessions. In his perspective, a true coach serves as a living example for athletes to follow. This includes demonstrating discipline in daily routines, maintaining strong sportsmanship, and showing composure during high-pressure situations. He believes that athletes learn as much from observing behavior and attitude as they do from formal instruction.
Ultimately, Omar’s vision for the academy is centered on creating a complete development environment where athletes grow not only as competitors but also as individuals. By combining structured management, experienced coaching, and a clear long-term strategy, he aims to build a system that consistently produces well-rounded fighters capable of achieving success at both national and international levels.
Results in the first year
Omar said the academy’s success in winning medals comes from a disciplined training system focused on evaluating each athlete individually, selecting competitions strategically, and continuously tracking progress. He added that achievements result from structured planning and analysis rather than mere participation. Official federation recognition further enhances credibility and competitive opportunities.
Impact on athletes
Omar structured the academy’s training system to focus on three key areas of athlete development: physical fitness, mental strength, and personal behaviour. In his view, winning medals is not the ultimate goal but rather a natural result of building strong character and discipline over time. He believes that real performance is reflected not only during competitions but also in everyday habits such as commitment, respect for oneself and others, and a sense of responsibility.
He explained that the academy’s philosophy is rooted in the idea that true success begins from within, long before an athlete steps onto the mat. Because of this approach, athletes who train at the academy do not just improve their sporting abilities; they also develop confidence, discipline, and resilience that help them manage challenges both in sport and in their personal lives.
Looking ahead
Omar explained that the academy is now preparing for its next stage of growth, which will focus on widening its pool of athletes by bringing in new participants from different age groups and experience levels. While expansion is a key priority, he emphasized that maintaining the same high standards of professionalism and structured training that produced strong results in the first full year will remain equally important.
He highlighted that the academy’s goal is not only to increase numbers but also to preserve the quality and discipline that define its system. According to him, every new intake will be guided under the same philosophy that has already proven successful—balancing technical development with character building and long-term performance planning.
Omar added that what truly sets PTF apart is its emphasis on shaping well-rounded individuals. He said the academy works to develop disciplined personalities who are capable of excelling not only in sport, but also in education, work, and everyday life situations.
