At just eight years old, Reem Abu Bakr watched in awe as her sister, Nesreen Abu Bakr, represented Jordan in the World Taekwondo Championship. That moment wasn’t just inspiring—it was life-changing. What Reem saw wasn’t just a match; it was the birth of a dream. Encouraged by her parents and driven by admiration for her sister, Reem found her calling in the art of Taekwondo.
Today, she is not only a seasoned martial artist and coach but also a symbol of strength, resilience, and transformation in the Arab world. From a young enthusiast in Jordan to a pioneering leader in Saudi Arabia, Reem’s journey is one of grit, grace, and groundbreaking achievements.
From Passion to Power: Reem’s Rise in Taekwondo
What started as a childhood passion soon turned into a lifelong mission. Reem wasn’t just interested in the sport for its physical benefits—she was drawn to the deeper philosophy of Taekwondo. Discipline. Respect. Perseverance. These values became her compass as she progressed from student to sensei.
Her early days were far from easy. Entering a male-dominated field came with its fair share of resistance. Recognition didn’t come instantly, but Reem stayed true to her vision. Over time, her determination began to turn heads and win hearts.
A Woman of Firsts: Leading With Impact
One of Reem’s most remarkable milestones came when she became the head of the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation in Saudi Arabia—the first woman in the Middle East to hold this international position. In a region where women’s roles in sports were once limited, Reem shattered stereotypes and redefined what leadership looks like.
This historic achievement wasn’t just about the title. It was about creating space for other women to follow in her footsteps. By stepping into this prestigious role, Reem proved that women can lead on both national and global stages while staying rooted in culture and tradition.
Empowering Through Vision: Shaping the Next Generation
As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to uplift women and promote sports at all levels, Reem’s mission has grown beyond personal success. She is now fully focused on expanding traditional Taekwondo programs across the Kingdom—with a special emphasis on youth and women.
Reem believes in using martial arts as a tool not only to strengthen the body but to shape the mind and soul. Her approach is deeply human. She wants every student, whether a beginner or a black belt, to leave the mat stronger, more confident, and more grounded.
“I want to build a generation that carries discipline, courage, and respect into every part of their lives,” she says. “Taekwondo is not just a sport—it’s a lifestyle.”
A Journey of Struggles and Strength
Reem’s path wasn’t paved in gold. It came with challenges—many of which stemmed from societal expectations. As a woman in martial arts, she had to prove herself repeatedly. There were moments of doubt, rejection, and obstacles that tested her faith. But with each hurdle, she grew stronger.
One of the biggest lessons she learned along the way is that true leadership begins with service. For Reem, this means leading by example, showing up every day with humility, and always being ready to help others rise.
She credits her resilience to her family, especially her parents, who believed in her dreams when few others did. And of course, her sister Nesreen remains her lifelong inspiration—a reminder that trailblazing is a family tradition.
Turning Passion into Purpose
What makes Reem’s story truly powerful is how she turned her love for Taekwondo into a purpose-driven career. She didn’t just want to master the sport—she wanted to use it to transform lives. And she has.
Today, she coaches, mentors, and leads with purpose. She’s helped hundreds of young girls and boys discover their inner strength through Taekwondo. Many of them have gone on to win competitions and grow in confidence, both on and off the mat.
Her programs emphasize mental health, emotional intelligence, and character-building—making them unique in a world often focused only on physical achievements.
Current Projects: Expanding Her Influence
Reem is currently working on expanding her network of traditional Taekwondo centers across Saudi Arabia. These centers aim to become hubs of excellence where youth can grow, women can lead, and communities can connect through the values of martial arts.
She is also actively collaborating with schools and community centers to integrate Taekwondo into educational programs. Her goal is to make martial arts more accessible to everyone—regardless of gender, age, or background.
With the rapid growth of sports culture in the region, Reem believes this is the perfect time to create sustainable systems that foster long-term development in athletes.
Leaving a Legacy of Strength and Service
When asked how she wants to be remembered, Reem doesn’t hesitate. “I want to be known as a pioneer who led with vision, broke barriers for women in martial arts, and helped elevate traditional Taekwondo in the Arab world.”
She dreams of a future where young girls see no limits to their potential. Where sports and leadership are spaces for everyone. And where passion is always met with purpose.
Words of Wisdom to the Next Generation
To her younger self—and to the many young dreamers out there—Reem offers this advice:
“Trust your journey. Embrace every challenge. Never doubt the power of persistence. Every obstacle is a lesson, and with faith, discipline, and courage, you can turn your passion into a purpose-driven legacy.”
Her message is clear: greatness doesn’t come from avoiding struggle—it comes from rising through it.
Follow Reem’s Journey
To stay inspired and connected, you can follow Reem on Instagram: @master_taekwondo_jeddah or visit her LinkedIn profile.
Whether she’s coaching students, speaking at events, or building new programs, Reem Abu Bakr continues to write a powerful story—one kick, one class, and one champion at a time.
Also read: Protected: Young, Driven, and Winning: Meet AbdulIrfan Shaikh
