London Bangla A Force for the community…
Muhammad Rahman
THE GRAPPLE HUB, based at Team MC headquarters in Whitechapel, has opened its doors to the public. The Hub’s facilities will offer space to both new and experienced enthusiasts of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu martial arts.
The word “jiu jitsu” derives from the Japanese “Jū” meaning “gentle” and “Jutsu” meaning “art”. Essentially, jiu jitsu is the “gentle art.” Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a predominantly ground-based martial art, using the principals of leverage, angles, pressure and timing, as well as knowledge of the human anatomy, in order to achieve a non-violent submission of one’s opponent. According to Essential Jiu Jitsu, unlike other martial arts that focus on strikes and/or kicks, jiu jitsu focuses on close-contact “grappling” holds and techniques, and the application of chokes and joint-manipulations.
The launch of the Hub included an intense exhibition of grappling – overseen by the co-founder of Royal Jiu Jitsu, three times IBJJF World Medallist Bradley Hill, one of the UK’s best black belt competitors.
The community event also included an awards ceremony to recognise progress and achievement of members. A special platinum award was presented to community sports coach Emdad Rahman by coaches Hill and Hannan.
Run in partnership with Team Magistrates’ Court, the Hub is the brainchild of sports coach Abdul Hannan of Shadwell. Inspired by the 2012 Olympics, the 22 year old dreamt of improving the world he knew. With support from family and friends he launched Brawlers Boxing in 2013 – a social movement dedicated to improving the lives of young people and adults through boxing.
His efforts paved the way for many children to engage positively with the wider community. Along the way Brawlers Boxing won the Tower Hamlets Community Safety Awards organised by the Metropolitan Police and was a finalist at the English Asian Business Awards.
Speaking after the launch, Hannan said, “I always wanted to have a facility I could call home, with all the equipment and apparatus I needed to deliver for my community. Ten years on and with the people’s faith I am pleased to launch The Grapple Hub. Thank you to family and friends for believing in me. I am eager to serve the BJJ/MMA community.”
Coach Bradley Hill added, “This is all very motivational and things have come along nicely since it all began in the basement. This is a Hub for all and a space for inspiration. Well done Hannan on all your hard work!”
●For more information about The Grapple Hub, go to:
Instagram @thegrapplehub
●Sports coach Abdul Hannan of The Grapple Hub and Emdad Rahman talk Brazilian Jiu Jitsu:
The Sports Show on VodTalk
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