Carl Fisher: Firstly, let me say congratulations on your recent promotion to black belt. How did it come about? Did you have any idea about the award? Who gave you the award and how do you feel about the promotion?

Zaid Mirza: Thank you. To be perfectly honest I kind of knew already because I was supposed to have gotten the black belt last year from my instructor Cassio Werneck but he preferred to hold me because I was going to compete in the Europeans. I got a fever two days before the Europeans and couldn’t get out of bed. During my 4 years of teaching here in Jordan, I was offered the black belt from numerous renowned instructors and schools, however, I preferred to keep loyal to my life long instructor and wait until he thought it was the right time. As I said on the day of the promotion, it feels like I graduated from university with a PHD.


CF: You took a team out to the Mundials this year; I believe this was a first for Jordan?

ZM: Yes, actually it was the first organized Middle Eastern team to compete in the Mundials. I expect to take at least 20 athletes next time.


CF: How did your students do in the event? What levels did they fight at?

ZM: Our team did pretty good. We competed with 5 athletes and took home one bronze medal by Black Belt Jonatas Gurgel. The three other blue belts passed to the second stage and lost by advantages. It definitely was a great experience for everyone!


CF: Did you compete there? How did you do?

ZM: In my weight class I lost in the second round to paulista Champion Gustavo Junqueira by one point, and in the absolute I lost in the third round to Camerone Diffley (Las Vegas Combat Club) as I got caught with a clock choke as I was trying to escape a position outside the red line. I think it was the participation that counted, as I had arrived in LA less than 24 hours before my fight. All excuses aside, I felt that the level of athletes was very high and everyone did a great job.


CF: How long where you there for? What did you do after the competition? Did you get any training in whilst you were there?

ZM: I stayed an extra week where I trained in my instructors (Cassio Werneck) academy in Sacramento. I also went to Las Vegas where I was corner of my friend Rani Yahya title fight at WEC.


CF: Cassio Werneck gave you your black belt? How did you meet Cassio and where?

ZM: I met Cassio while I lived in Brazil in 1992. Cassio used to train with us at one of the best local Gyms in Brasilia (Classe A) under instructor Ricardo “Tanque” Reis. When Cassio was still a Blue Belt he got offered to teach at a new gym (Stadium 8) which was closer to my house and that was when I moved with him for good.


CF: Did Cassio give you all your belts?

ZM: Yes all my belts came from Cassio


CF: When did you start teaching in Jordan and what city?

ZM: I moved back to Amman in 2002 and I started one year after in 2003.


CF: How popular is BJJ in Jordan?

ZM: BJJ is becoming huge not only in Jordan but the whole Middle East and the region. My classes are full and people don’t stop coming in. Last year I passed the 1000 member mark.


CF: What competitions have you entered?

ZM: As I have been away from the Brazilian Competition arena, I have competed in Brazilian nationals about 14 years ago when I was still a Juvenile. Lately I competed in the Mundials 2007, Abu Dhabi Cup and Emirates Cup 2004-2006 where I also won two super fight titles.


CF: Did you compete in the Emirates Cup?

ZM: Yes for three years. Carlao Santos who is the organizer of this event is doing an amazing job as he is now doing the Super Asian Cup in December 2007. I encourage everyone to compete in this tournament as it pays very well and the organization is becoming great. This is the first time I won’t be competing there since there is no Black Belt division yet, but perhaps if we have more Black Belts interested we can have that chance.


CF: Have you been to the ADCC events?

ZM: No. Not yet. But I hope to fight their one time too.


CF: You are the Consultant to the Jordan Armed forces. What do you do in this job?

ZM: Mainly what I did is set up a system to introduce the art of BJJ and now I work for keeping it on track. I with the help of a competent team designed a training program that will be incorporated in the army for the next 7 years. The plan took over a year to be prepared and finally approved this year. I am also responsible for all trainers, training methods and all aspects of the army BJJ training.


CF: You also train the Royal Guards in BJJ. How did this come about?

ZM: I was initially asked by His Majesty King Abdullah to train the Royal Guards BJJ and they love it. The Royal Guards are getting really good as they train BJJ for 2 hours every day.


CF: You are having a new academy built. Where is it going to be and will you be teaching anything else apart from BJJ?

ZM: I am starting to build the first centre for martial arts in Amman. It will be located in a prime area and on a very busy street. It will be around 600sqm and will have BJJ, Boxing, Wrestling, Kickboxing, Judo, Yoga, Pilates and the exotic Capoeira for the first time in Jordan. I am also thinking of installing a Cage for MMA training. The academy will also have a small Fightwear shop as well as a cafeteria that will serve all types of healthy meals and Acai imported straight from the Amazon.


CF: You have a number of black belt instructors helping you out in Jordan? Who are they and how long are they there for?

ZM: