Ultimate MMA Academy/Team Mirza, in cooperation with Equal Opportunity Initiative, launched the first self-defense workshops for 18 girls between the ages of 8-11 years from the Dar Al Nahadah Il Binat Orphanage in Amman.
The girls attended intensive Jiu-Jitsu classes, which play an essential role in keeping them in shape, teaching them to defend themselves, while at the same time boosting their self-esteem and confidence.
As the ceremony came to a close each of the girls received a certificate of completion with the four highest achieving girls being awarded a full scholarship to Team Mirza to continue their training and further develop their skills.
The great success of this pilot program has led to plans for continued workshops for underprivileged children throughout the kingdom. The classes were taught by Brazilian black belt Francimar “Bodao” Barroso and Middle Eastern BJJ champions Gardena, Nabas and Jahed.
The project’s aim is to reach over 900 orphans in Jordan and the Middle East. This project has proven to work in major underprivileged areas in Brazil, where kids had a chance to excel in life through sports programs involving Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts.
“This project is the first of its kind in Jordan. We are really proud to have found such an opportunity for our kids”, says American activist Sean Kelly, who with the support of black belt and GMA member Zaid Mirza are turning things around in the Kingdom.
For further information, go to jordanjiujitsu.com
