Between October 9 and 15, 2026, the Sharjah Women’s Sports Olympic Centre hosted an intensive, specialised training camp for taekwondo athletes. The event was organised by Sharjah Women’s Sports Clubs as a strategic move to bolster the tactical and technical proficiency of young participants, preparing them for the demands of high-level competition.
Leading the programme was Valera Bruns, an international coach boasting over three decades of experience in Olympic-level taekwondo. Bruns, whose resume includes extensive work with both the Ukrainian and German national teams alongside coaching duties at major international championships, seminars, and training camps, brought a wealth of high-level expertise to the UAE athletes. His career also spans successful efforts at the Cadet and Junior levels, where his guidance led to World Championship podium finishes. With more than 30 years of experience in Olympic taekwondo, Bruns brings extensive international expertise to the programme. Bruns praises athletes’ potential and commitment: Reflecting on his experience with the athletes, Bruns praised their discipline, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
The training schedule was rigorous, consisting of daily morning and evening sessions designed to simulate competitive environments. These sessions prioritized technical correction, tactical awareness, and performance under pressure. By focusing on rapid decision-making, adaptive fighting styles, and composure, the curriculum aimed to provide the technical staff with a clearer understanding of each athlete’s progress and specific development needs.
This initiative is a core component of the Skill and Tactical Performance Development Initiative for Age-Group Athletes.
The programme is designed to bridge the gap between local training and international exposure, ensuring a steady progression for young talent. According to Bruns, the athletes demonstrated impressive discipline and a swift ability to incorporate feedback. He noted that while many are still in their developmental stages, the foundation they have established offers significant promise for future success if they maintain a consistent, long-term training path.
“Reaching international standards and ultimately pursuing Olympic ambitions requires more than just a single camp; it demands a structured, long-term approach to development,” Bruns explained. He emphasized that the combination of his coaching methods and the high-quality infrastructure provided by the Sharjah Women’s Sports Olympic Centre creates an ideal environment for athlete growth. The centre’s equipment and facilities, he noted, are essential for executing the high-intensity programmes required to elevate a competitor’s profile. What I have seen here gives me confidence that there are promising athletes who can reach advanced levels if this structured approach continues,” Bruns said.
Abdullah Hatem, the Taekwondo Technical Director at Sharjah Women’s Sports Clubs, stressed that the visit serves as a vital tool for both athletes and coaches. “Hosting someone with this depth of experience provides a unique opportunity to refine tactical nuances and evaluate our training methods from an international perspective,” Hatem stated.
He noted that the goal is to integrate such visits into a larger pathway that includes overseas camps and international tournaments, fostering an environment where training can be measured and adapted for long-term competitive excellence.
For the athletes, the experience offered a chance to drill down into the finer points of the sport. Majda Rashid Al Ketbi, one of the participating athletes, highlighted that the training forced her to reconsider her approach to timing, movement, and reading an opponent’s strategy. “Small details can make the difference in a match,” Al Ketbi said, adding that the ability to apply feedback immediately during the intensive sessions provided her with newfound motivation to address her weaknesses and sharpen her skills for upcoming events.
By blending specialised international instruction with consistent local development pathways, the Sharjah Women’s Sports Clubs aim to build a robust framework for its competitors. The centre’s strategy focuses on ensuring that every athlete receives exposure to elite-level coaching, helping them transition more effectively into higher-tier international competition.
