Alaa Salah’s Unstoppable Rise
Alaa Salah might only be 25 years old, but she’s already proving that age is no limit when it comes to making a difference. A professional Jiu-Jitsu athlete with over 20 medals under her belt and a proud member of the Bahrain National Team, Alaa’s journey is about much more than personal victories. It’s about empowering a generation of women to stand tall, feel safe, and chase after their biggest dreams.
From Humble Beginnings To The National Stage
Born and raised in Bahrain, Alaa’s path to martial arts wasn’t a conventional one. Like many young women in the region, her early years revolved around school and family life. After completing 12 years of schooling, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Yet, deep down, she always knew the office life wasn’t for her.
“I never saw myself working in an office job,” Alaa shares. “I always knew my purpose was bigger than that. It was to inspire as many women as possible to do whatever they put their mind to, through Jiu-Jitsu.”
Her love affair with martial arts began more than seven years ago, a decision that would shape not just her career but her entire outlook on life. What started as a way to stay active quickly turned into a passion, then a profession, and eventually a calling.
A Journey Of Self-Discovery And Confidence
Alaa’s story resonates with so many young women because it wasn’t always one of confidence and courage. In fact, she openly admits she was once shy and struggled with self-esteem.
“I wasn’t confident at all. I was shy, and I never really believed in myself,” she recalls.
It was through consistent training, competing, and teaching that she discovered her inner strength. The discipline, resilience, and mental focus that Jiu-Jitsu demands started to reshape her perspective—not just about herself, but about what women are capable of.
Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art known for its focus on technique, leverage, and strategy rather than brute strength, turned out to be the perfect tool. It gave Alaa the confidence she never thought possible and a platform to share that confidence with others.
Why Jiu-Jitsu Matters For Women
Around the world, martial arts have long been male-dominated spaces. But in recent years, more and more women have stepped onto the mats, eager to challenge stereotypes and claim their space in combat sports. In Bahrain and the broader Middle East, that cultural shift is slowly but steadily gaining momentum, thanks to pioneers like Alaa Salah.
“Jiu-Jitsu teaches practical self-defense skills, but it also builds mental toughness, discipline, and self-awareness,” Alaa explains. “It’s about much more than fighting—it’s about empowering women to feel safe and strong in any situation.”
What makes Jiu-Jitsu particularly effective for women is its reliance on leverage and technique over sheer strength. It gives women the ability to control, neutralize, and even subdue opponents much larger than themselves. Beyond the physical benefits, the psychological empowerment is life-changing.
Creating A Safe And Supportive Community
For Alaa, one of the most important aspects of her work is creating a community where women feel safe, respected, and supported. This vision recently took form when she launched her own women-only Jiu-Jitsu classes.
“I wanted to create a space where women could thrive, free from judgment or intimidation,” she says.
These classes are designed for all skill levels, from complete beginners to aspiring competitors. Alaa’s dream is to build a strong, independent team of women who can not only defend themselves in real-life situations but also compete on a national and international level, should they choose to.
“It’s not just about medals. It’s about building confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging,” Alaa adds.
From Competitor To Coach
While Alaa continues to compete and represent Bahrain on the international stage, coaching has become one of the most rewarding parts of her career.
“There’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing a shy girl walk into my class, unsure of herself, and then watch her grow into a confident, strong, empowered woman,” she says.
Many of her students have shared similar journeys to Alaa’s, battling insecurity and societal expectations before finding their footing on the mats. Through her coaching, Alaa offers them more than just techniques—she offers mentorship, encouragement, and a reminder that strength comes in many forms.
Achievements That Speak Volumes
Alaa’s competitive record is nothing short of impressive. With over 20 medals from various regional and international tournaments, she has cemented her place as one of Bahrain’s most decorated female Jiu-Jitsu athletes.
Among her notable achievements:
- Multiple podium finishes in regional Gulf Championships
- Represented Bahrain at prestigious international Jiu-Jitsu events
- Consistent top-ranked athlete in national competitions
- Recognized for her contribution to women’s martial arts in Bahrain
Yet, when asked about her proudest moments, Alaa doesn’t immediately mention medals. Instead, she speaks about the girls and women she’s helped along the way.
“Every time one of my students wins her first match, or even just conquers a fear she’s been carrying, that’s a win for me,” she says.
A Purpose-Driven Life
In a world where many people chase status and material success, Alaa stands out as someone chasing purpose. Her mission is clear: to inspire as many women as possible to believe in themselves, find their inner strength, and realize they can achieve anything they put their mind to.
“I believe every woman deserves to feel strong, safe, and confident in her own body,” Alaa affirms. “If I can be even a small part of helping them get there, then I’m doing what I was meant to do.”
Looking Ahead: The Future Of Women’s Jiu-Jitsu In Bahrain
With her women-only classes gaining momentum and a growing community rallying around her, the future looks bright for Alaa Salah. She hopes to see more female athletes entering the sport and eventually representing Bahrain on the world stage.
“My goal is to build a national women’s team that can travel, compete, and bring home medals. But more importantly, I want to create leaders, women who will go out into the world and inspire others in turn,” she says.
In addition to expanding her training programs, Alaa is also passionate about raising awareness about self-defense for women, offering workshops, and collaborating with local schools and community centers.
Follow Alaa’s Journey
For those interested in following Alaa’s journey or joining her classes, she regularly shares updates, training tips, and motivational content on her Instagram page: @alaasalahhx
Her online presence serves not only as a glimpse into the life of a professional athlete but also as a platform to uplift and encourage other women to step out of their comfort zones.
Final Thoughts
Alaa Salah’s story is a powerful reminder that strength isn’t just measured in physical ability, but in the courage to challenge norms, overcome personal battles, and uplift others along the way. She embodies what it means to be a role model—not by chasing the spotlight, but by consistently choosing purpose over popularity.
Through Jiu-Jitsu, Alaa has found her voice, her confidence, and her mission. And in doing so, she’s helping countless other women do the same.
If you’ve ever doubted your potential or felt held back by fear or societal expectations, take a page out of Alaa’s book: Find your mat, show up, and fight for your future.
