12-Year-Old Jiu-Jitsu Champion Shatters Boundaries While Wearing Hijab
He won the medal in the event which took place in Kissimmee, Florida, late last month.
Similar to numerous Muslim girls, Aaminah Abdrabboh's ability to participate while wearing a hijab in International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation competitions only became a reality after the lifting of the hijab ban in 2014.
“I was super happy because people weren’t allowed to do that, like people who wear a scarf, like a hijab, they weren’t allowed to do that 10 years ago,” Aaminah expressed to Detroit Free Press. According to her, she found satisfaction in the fact that she could serve as an example, demonstrating that the hijab does not impede one's potential.
Aaminah's triumph stands as a testament to her parents' unwavering dedication—Professor Mohammad Abdrabboh and his wife, Nancy Marini, who co-own Metro Jiu-Jitsu in Southgate. Within this family unit, Aaminah and three of her siblings engage in Brazilian jiu-jitsu training, with three of them proudly wearing hijabs during their participation.
Conquering hijab-related challenges in jiu-jitsu
Mohammad expounded that donning a hijab can potentially place an athlete at a disadvantage due to the nature of jiu-jitsu; however, his daughters have adeptly adapted to these challenges and thrived within the sport.
“For somebody wearing a scarf, it’s very common that they have to adjust it and have to take their hand away from being able to intelligently defend themselves to adjust the scarf and that puts you at a major disadvantage,” Mohammad said.
Nevertheless, through rigorous discipline and tireless dedication, Aaminah managed to prove her superiority, Mohammad said, adding that his daughter did not allow this obstacle to be used as an excuse, despite its legitimacy.
Hijab ban
Following Aaminah's remarkable achievement, her proud mother engaged in a correspondence on Instagram with Caroline De Lazzer, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who initiated a petition in 2011 to abolish the hijab ban, extending her gratitude for the progress achieved.
“Whenever there’s a ban in place, it’s not as simple as just turning out a competitor or even a winner, like it really takes sometimes an entire decade to get somebody on board because when people know a door is closed to them, they just don’t even join the sport,” Marini said.
Numerous individuals, who could have potentially been triumphant over the years, refrained from trying due to the inhibiting ban in place, she regretted.
In Islam, the hijab is perceived as a mandatory dress code, reflective of a commitment to modesty. The approach of Muslims to sports is influenced by a blend of religious, cultural, and ethnic factors. Generally, Islam places emphasis on promoting good health and physical fitness, encouraging both men and women to partake in physical activities as a means to foster healthy lifestyles.
Source: Agencies
