Hello Yara, can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello my name is Yara Kakish and I’m a black belt under team Nogueira Dubai. I have been training Jiu Jitsu for 9 years now. I’m also a ladies BJJ coach and a competitor.
Is it your first time participating in Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu Jitsu Championship?
I have been competing at World Pro every year since white belt. My favorite one so far was in 2018 when I won gold at adult purple belt and got promoted to a brown belt on the podium.
How did the sport of Jiu Jitsu impact you on a personal level? Why do you recommend youth to practice the sport?
This sport is unlike any other I’ve ever done. It brings excitement, purpose, and structure to my life. It shaped who I am today with all the lessons it taught me about life along the way.
I would recommend it to all youths as it teaches them discipline, respect, and makes exercise a habit for when they get older. Most importantly it helps build confidence as we are noticing how harmful insecurities can be for youth and even adults.
How is your training going leading up to the ADWPJJC?
My training is going strong! I just had a baby 11 months ago so this training camp was all about getting ready again to compete at the highest level. Focusing on my BJJ and in addition to strength and conditioning sessions.
I would add that I focused on my mental preparation as well, as it can be super important for success.
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 been the wind beneath Jiu Jitsu’s wings. The ADWPJJC’s efforts to help the sport grow have pushed more and more athletes to learn the sport and provided them with opportunities to compete globally, which has helped to elevate the standard of the sport.
Who influenced you the most in developing your BJJ game?
My husband Basel Fanous who is also a top level black belt and Asian champion tremendously influenced my BJJ. He introduced me to to the sport and has continued to guide my journey until we both became black belts. And now we have a mini Jiujitero to inspire as well.
Would you like to give any advice to our readers that would help them either on the mat or in their lives?
Don’t let your bad days on the mat determine how good you think your BJJ is. The path to success is full of failure, but if you are consistent nothing can stop you from reaching your goals.
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!