From October 9 to 15, 2026, the Sharjah Women’s Sports Olympic Centre hosted a specialized taekwondo training camp led by international coach Valera Bruns. The initiative, part of the Skill and Tactical Performance Development Initiative for Age-Group Athletes, aimed to bolster the technical abilities and competitive readiness of the club’s young participants as they progress toward higher levels of the sport.
Bruns brings over 30 years of Olympic taekwondo experience to the program. His extensive background includes coaching the Ukrainian national team, working with German national athletes, and participating in numerous global championships and seminars. Notably, his coaching career has also yielded World Championship medals at both the Cadet and Junior levels.
The intensive camp consisted of daily morning and evening sessions designed to refine technical execution and tactical awareness. The curriculum emphasized performance analysis, precise technical corrections, and the development of rapid decision-making skills. By simulating competitive conditions, the sessions aimed to improve the athletes’ effectiveness under pressure while allowing coaching staff to better assess the developmental needs of various age groups. Technical corrections, faster decision-making and the ability to adapt to different fighting styles, the programme places particular emphasis on performance analysis.
Reflecting on the athletes’ performance, Bruns praised their discipline and eagerness to absorb new information. He noted that despite the youth of many participants, they possess a solid foundation and significant potential. Bruns emphasized that reaching international and Olympic standards requires a consistent, long-term approach rather than isolated training bursts. He expressed confidence that the program’s current structured direction will help these promising athletes reach advanced competitive tiers. “What stood out to me from the first training sessions was the athletes’ discipline, their strong desire to learn, and how quickly they responded to technical guidance. But they have a good foundation and clear potential to build on, which is very important at this stage of an athlete’s development,” he said, several are still young. The opportunities for development become much greater,” he added, with this infrastructure and consistent technical work.
The coach also highlighted the role of the Sharjah Women’s Sports Olympic Centre, stating that the facility’s high-quality infrastructure is vital for delivering advanced training. According to Bruns, such facilities are essential for allowing both coaches and athletes to maximize the effectiveness of their practice programs.
Abdullah Hatem, the Taekwondo Technical Director at Sharjah Women’s Sports Clubs, described the visit as a crucial component of their broader athlete development strategy. Hatem explained that the camp provided an opportunity for the technical team to monitor athlete responses to specialized instruction and to exchange coaching methodologies. He noted that these experiences are intended to function alongside international competitions and overseas camps, creating an integrated pathway to prepare athletes for long-term success.
For the athletes, the experience offered a chance to refine subtle but critical elements of their craft.
Majda Rashid Al Ketbi, a participating athlete, stated that the camp provided a fresh perspective on her performance. According to majda Al Ketbi, Small details can make a big difference: Athlete Majda Rashid Al Ketbi said the camp had given the athletes a different training experience and an opportunity to focus on the finer details that can influence the outcome of a bout. “Training with a coach who has this level of experience gave us an opportunity to look at our performance differently.
She noted that they focused heavily on precise movements, timing, and reading opponents’ intentions. Al Ketbi remarked that the ability to apply feedback immediately during the intensive sessions was highly beneficial, adding that the camp has significantly motivated her to address her weaknesses ahead of upcoming competitions.
This initiative underscores the commitment of Sharjah Women’s Sports Clubs to integrating international expertise into the local training environment. By combining specialized, world-class coaching with a structured long-term development roadmap, the organization aims to elevate technical standards and prepare the next generation of taekwondo athletes for the rigors of international competition.
