Hello Abdelkarim, can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Abdelkarim Rasheed, one of the Alrashid brothers. We are one of the first generation that trained Jiu Jitsu in Jordan, and I am competing at Abu Dhabi World Pro 2021. I am the head instructor of The Dojo Academy, and we have 7 other competitors from the dojo competing.
Is it your first time participating in Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu Jitsu Championship?
Actually, it is not my first time competing at Abu Dhabi World Pro. Abu Dhabi is the capital of Jiu Jitsu. With instructions of Prince Hamed Bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi became not only the capital, but the center of Jiu Jitsu for the world.
My most memorable experience is when my brother Abdullah Rasheed got 3rd place at World Pro. And I also remember another time when my younger bother Hussein Rasheed got a gold medal at World Pro.
How is your training going leading up to the ADWPJJC?
My training is going well. With my teammates, we are preparing to compete at Abu Dhabi World Pro this year. We are 7 people, and we will try to challenge ourselves and to challenge the best in the world.
How did the sport of Jiu Jitsu impact you on a personal level? Why do you recommend youth to practice the sport?
As a Jiu Jitsu practitioner, competitor, and a Jiu Jitsu professor I am trying to set a good example for all people around me, because Jiu Jitsu is not only a martial art it is a lifestyle. It is a way of learning discipline, respect, following your goals and being relentless every day.
How do you see Abu Dhabi hosting global Jiu Jitsu championships and giving the chance for athletes to compete against the best in the world?
Abu Dhabi is the capital of Jiu Jitsu and I would like to thank the Federation for the effort they put to host all those top athletes of the world. It is like a festival of Jiu Jitsu that we wait every year.
Who influenced you the most in developing your BJJ game?
My biggest influence is my coach, Marcelo Mafra. He is always leading by example, being a good competitor, coach and a brother. And not only this, but developing the game of Jiu Jitsu and supporting our team.
Would you like to give any advice to our readers that would help them either on the mat or in their lives?
My advice for BJJ readers and BJJ athletes is to keep training, to keep putting an effort. Take Jiu Jitsu as a challenge between you and yourself. Get the best of training every day and be the best version of yourselves. Always put an effort, because there are no results with no effort.
We care about Jiu Jitsu so much that we decided to create this page for all the people like us – that eat, breath and live the Jiu Jitsu Lifestyle! We truly hope our content will make every one of your days better, on the mat and off the mat!