Hello Mohammed, can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Mohammed Foudah. I am a Jiu Jitsu brown belt, and I’m part of the Saudi Jiu Jitsu National Team.
Is it your first time participating in Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu Jitsu Championship?
No, it is not my first time. I’ve participated in ADWPJJC 2018 and the most memorable experience from my participation was my second match in 2018 where I judo threw my opponent. It was a massive throw and even FloGrappling posted the footage of it!
How is your training going leading up to the ADWPJJC?
It is going according to plan. We have a great management in the Jiu Jitsu Federation and great coaches, who together with the athlete made a plan and are making sure we are prepared to represent well.
How did the sport of Jiu Jitsu impact you on a personal level? Why do you recommend youth to practice the sport?
I know this is a common answer, but literally, Jiu Jitsu had a huge impact on my life. I can’t imagine how my life would be without the lessons learned from Jitu Jitsu. The struggle of training and competing helped me develop mentally, emotionally and physically.
I would say that the most valuable thing I learned from BJJ is how to deal with a hardship. You learn how to manage your energy in the midst of intense exhaustion, you learn how to deal with stress and take the right action while keeping a good mental perspective. You learn how to assess a tough situation and take the necessary action. Overall, Jiu Jitsu not only helps you develop as a martial artist and an athlete, but as a human being.
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 has become a hub for BJJ and martial arts and this has definitely impacted the sport in many positive ways. The effort by the organizers and UAR government is reflected on the level of competition in Tournaments hosted by UAEJJF.
Who influenced you the most in developing your BJJ game?
On an international level, I would say Roger Gracie.
On a personal level:
1. Professor Jose Joniour.
2. Professor Pedro Veras.
3. My dear friend Issa Chemesani.
4. Mr. Hani Ismail.
5. My father Muntasar Foudah.
Would you like to give any advice to our readers that would help them either on the mat or in their lives?
I strongly recommend the readers to give Jiu Jitsu a chance to change their lives.
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!