12-Year-Old Muslim Girl Makes History in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Aaminah Abdrabboh, a 12-year-old Muslim girl, recently shattered barriers and made history in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world. At the PAN Kids tournament held in Kissimmee, Florida, Aaminah became the first girl to win a gold medal while wearing a hijab.
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) had previously banned women and girls wearing the hijab from competing until 2014. The reversal of this discriminatory policy opened doors for young athletes like Aaminah to showcase their skills and challenge stereotypes.
Aaminah’s journey to victory was not an easy one. She trained alongside her siblings at Metro Jiu-Jitsu in Southgate, which is owned by her parents, Nancy Marini and Professor Mohammad Abdrabboh. Her older sisters, Nuzmeya and Rayyan, also wear the hijab while competing, providing crucial guidance and support for Aaminah.
The decision to allow hijabs in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions was the result of a long-fought battle led by Caroline De Lazzer, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. De Lazzer’s advocacy work and a petition she started in 2011 eventually led to the ban’s removal in 2014. Her efforts have empowered countless Muslim women and girls to participate in the sport without compromising their faith.
Wearing a hijab during competitions presents unique challenges, often requiring athletes to adjust their scarves while fighting. This adjustment can leave them vulnerable and at a disadvantage. However, Aaminah’s determination and hard work allowed her to overcome these obstacles and emerge as a champion.
Her victory not only symbolizes her personal triumph but also serves as an inspiration to others. Aaminah hopes to continue her journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, striving to achieve a black belt like her father and elder siblings. As the youngest member of a family deeply passionate about the sport, Aaminah dreams of competing alongside her siblings in the adult division one day.
Despite the joyous celebration surrounding Aaminah’s historic win, it is important to recognize that the ban on hijabs and other religious attire in sports remains a puzzling decision. The justification given for such policies, often citing safety concerns, fails to hold up under scrutiny. These restrictions hindered the potential of countless athletes who could have excelled in their chosen sports.
Nancy Marini, Aaminah’s mother, expressed her gratitude to De Lazzer for her influential advocacy, emphasizing the significant impact it has had on her daughters’ lives. The ban deterred many Muslim women from participating in sports, causing them to miss out on opportunities to excel in their chosen fields.
Aaminah’s victory at the PAN Kids tournament is a proud moment for her family and the Muslim community. It serves as a reminder that resilience, hard work, and determination can overcome any obstacle. With her sights set on attaining a black belt in the future, Aaminah looks forward to inspiring others and breaking down barriers in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
As the world continues to embrace diversity and inclusivity, celebrating achievements like Aaminah’s becomes essential. It is through these triumphs that societies progress towards greater equality and understanding. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community is now richer for embracing diverse voices and enabling young talents like Aaminah to shine on the mat, proving that with a hijab, they can indeed do anything.
