Yanal Shahzadeh is a Jordanian BJJ purple belt under Samy Al Jamal, a 4th degree black belt under Grand Master Fabricio Martins, a 7th degree Coral belt and Tarek Kalimat, a black belt in American Jiu Jitsu.
1.Yanal please tell our readers and the Jiu Jitsu world who you are.
My name is Yanal Shahzadeh, I’m a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach, and competitor. I’m a purple belt under Samy Al Jamal, a 4th degree black belt under Grand Master Fabricio Martins, a 7th degree Coral belt and Tarek Kalimat, a black belt in American Jiu Jitsu. I started training 2008. In the first 2 months I cracked my elbow and was told to stay off the mats for at least 4 months but couldn’t. I got back on the mats a month later and haven’t stopped since.
2.How many times a week do you train?
I train BJJ six times a week, both Gi and No Gi.
3. What is your greatest achievement this year?
My greatest achievement this year is probably winning gold in the purple belt open weight division at the Arabian Gulf Cup. My opponent in the final was Abdula Isaev, is a black belt in Sambo and a world champion in the +100 category. He’s a tough opponent but I managed to beat him by points.
4. How many medals do you have from competing this year?
I have 15 medals, 8 gold, 5 silver, and 2 bronze from this year alone.
5. What do you like most about BJJ?
I find it good for my physical and mental health Training allows me to stay in shape all year round. Jiu Jitsu sessions run anywhere between an hour and a half to two hours long. In training I wrestle, spar, and do circuits that will leave me gasping for air if am not conditioned. These workouts can strengthen my heart in the long run.
6. What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining your BJJ gym?
BJJ training is good for your body and mind. It is hugely beneficial in terms of keeping you in shape physically and is great for releasing stress so that your sanity remains intact. BJJ is also a fun way for people to lose weight.
7. Anyone you’d like to thank?
I would like to thank my sponsor Aramex, my coaches Samy Al Jamal and Tarek Kalimat, my family and training partners, especially Nasser Faouri for being there and training the competition class.
