My team consists of 6 qualified instructors. My friends Pedro Galiza and Jonatas Gurgel have both been recruited and joined my team. Both of them are from Brasilia, my hometown in Brazil. They have just settled in Amman and have been making things so much easier on me. You can say that they practically execute everything in regards to teaching and maintaining all training sessions on track. In addition to them, I have 4 other Purple belts that teach along with the black belts (Mohammed Armouti, Zaid Abu Soud, Mohammed Mirza and Yazan Salhab). This team of trainers assures everything is on track when I’m busy planning the next stage at the army headquarters.


CF: What are your long term plans for your new academy?

ZM: My plan is to re-live the BJJ epidemic in Brazil in the early 90’s. I think this academy will attract a huge number of students as it will be giving them the chance to learn old school BJJ and find out more about the history of BJJ and Brazilian Culture in general. After growing up and living in Brazil for over 14 years, I believe Brazil has a lot of healthy manias to export to the world. For those that can’t take on the vigorous classes of BJJ, Capoeira will be a great alternative. I think Capoeira will be a great success in Jordan as well.


CF: Do you do any MMA training and competitions in Jordan?

ZM: I only teach MMA for students who have a purple belt and up. The reason is many people watch UFC and come to my academy asking to learn to fight in the cage when they don’t have any background in any martial art whatsoever. So far, we don’t have any MMA tournaments but expect one next year!! Perhaps we will have a “style vs. style” challenge event to show the people the effectiveness of our superior art.
The name “Desert Fight” is already there and we are already talking with some organizations and closing sponsorship deals.


CF: When did the Jordan BJJ Federation form and who are the main people behind the organisation?

ZM: After being an Association under the Judo Federation for 3 years, we were able to split and create our own BJJ federation this year. The BJJ federation today is under the umbrella of the Olympic Committee and is presided by His Highness Prince Hussein Mirza. His Highness Prince Hussein Mirza has been a great supporter for the establishment and stabilization of the “Gentle Art” in Jordan. The federation consists of seven members: HRH Prince Hussein Mirza, H.E. Alshareef Nasser Bin Jamil, Mr. Tarik Awad, Mrs. Noor Kabariti, Mrs. Noor Mawla, Mr. Sattam El Fayez and myself.


CF: What are the aims of the Federation?

ZM: To make sure all instructors are qualified and to maintain a good standard.


CF: Are there any BJJ events held in Jordan? Are foreigners welcome to attend the events?

ZM: We have had 2 international events in the past two years. Jordan cup was held in 2005 and King Abdullah Cup was held in 2006 with participation of 100 athletes from all over the world. This year we had the first Kids BJJ tournament in the Middle East which turned out to be a great success. I don’t believe we will have time to schedule an international event this year but in 2008 we are planning the 1st Dead Sea BJJ Circuit. It’s an idea I have always had to make a yearly international circuit in this magnificent part of the world. I definitely encourage everyone from all over the world to take part in our tournaments. We’ve been awarding winners with great money prizes in every competition. But besides that, coming to Jordan allows foreigners to experience all we have to offer, from Petra, now one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, to the Dead Sea, there’s quite a lot to witness.


CF: Is there anyone you would like to thank?

ZM: First of all I would like to thank His Majesty King Abdullah II for his continuous support and sponsorship. I would also like to express my gratitude for His Majesty’s complete trust in assigning me in charge of such a huge project which is to launch and train BJJ to the Jordanian Army. It’s a great honour for me to carry such a responsibility and the chance of building BJJ into one of the greatest sports in Jordan. I would also like to thank HRH Prince Hamzah Bin al Hussein, HRH Prince Hashem Bin al Hussein and HRH Prince Hussein Mirza for all the assistance and ongoing support. I owe a big part of all the success BJJ has experienced in the kingdom to our Royal Hashemite family. Many members have been great supporters by taking an active role in participating in the sport on the local, regional and international level.


CF: Any final words?

ZM: I would like to thank you Carl for this interview and for always following BJJ news around the globe. Finally I would like to thank our sponsors KAIF, KADDB and the Greater Amman Municipality for all their support and funding.