Powerful human beings are those that look in the face of the unknown and push through the barriers that are set out in front of them. Whether you know it or not, you are this type of human being if you are taking on some form of martial arts. Whether this is Muay Thai or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, your ability to completely reshape who you are is right at your fingertips! In this article, we discuss the power of pushing your limits and how martial arts helps us connect the dots! Martial arts are a transformative thing for people that embrace the way of living that is instilled into the art form. Whether you are training Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, or karate, you know how impactful … [Read more...]
Elite Sports Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi Review
This is my second Elite Sports Ultra Light Preshrunk White Gi and I love it because it is affordable, durable, and elegant. I’ve been rolling for two years at the best gym in the world, American Top Team headquarters in Coconut Creek Florida. Jiu Jitsu is the bread and butter of American Top Team so having the proper attire when stepping on the mats is paramount. Most people who had the privilege to train in Jiu Jitsu long enough know that white belts are the toughest players on the mats. White belts endure all types of abuse. They get smashed, submitted, and tested every day and yet, they still come back for more. As a white belt I am no exception. I get choked out, pinned, and … [Read more...]
The Challenges and Hope of Promoting BJJ in Bangladesh, Particularly to Women
The Key Players During his high school years in Bangladesh, Ali (not his real name) started training in Judo. Then he moved to Australia where he was schooled under Peter De Been in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and was granted a blue belt. A Mixed Martial Arts fan who loved the T.V. show ‘The Ultimate Fighter’, Ali missed the action of martial arts when he returned to Bangladesh. He couldn’t share his passion with his family or friends. Across the globe, Sawasdee Kamal Chowdhury (Dee) was introduced to BJJ while residing in the U.K. Instantly he became hooked and was later awarded his blue belt after putting in time on the mats under Roger Gracie. When … [Read more...]
Training Women BJJ – Overcoming Gender Issues in Bangladesh
One Thursday after leading a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) class, I was sitting in the office of the dojo (training hall/school) going through some administrative matters when a senior student, who also happens to be a friend of mine, dropped by. Him: “See you on Saturday Tanvir.’’ Me: “No buddy, I’ll be out of town.’’ Him: “So Simon will lead the class?’’ (Not his real name; the other BJJ instructor.) Me: “No, he will be out of town too.’’ Him: “So who will be teaching the BJJ part? No BJJ?’’ There are only two places in Bangladesh that teach BJJ. One is at the club where Simon and I are enrolled as students. There are no females in … [Read more...]
Women In BJJ – Changing The Face of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Bangladesh
My friend Sayem (not his real name) calls me up late in the evening. He is the administrator of the Facebook Page for the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) program where we train. Let’s call it Bangladesh BJJ (again, not a real name). Apparently, there is a girl visiting Bangladesh from Denmark who wants to train BJJ during her visit here! I ask him about her background in BJJ. He says he’s not sure, but from her Facebook Profile page, she looks like she means business. I sit back and reflect on this. For one, there are only three BJJ blue belts in Bangladesh. What if the girl is a purple, brown or even a black belt? Won’t that be great? We could learn a few … [Read more...]