A Shared Passion, A Lifelong Journey
Every great story has a beginning. For Abdelkarim Rasheed and his brothers, Abdullah and Hussein, that beginning was in 2001. It was the year that the Rasheed brothers stepped onto a jiu-jitsu mat for the first time, discovering a shared passion that would shape the rest of their lives. Jiu-jitsu quickly became much more than a sport to them; it was a complex language of strategy, commitment, and discipline that they learned and mastered together. Twenty years later, jiu-jitsu is not just their passion but their way of life.
From Champions to Mentors
As competitors in their youth and far into adulthood, the Rasheed brothers excelled in the sport, winning both local and regional tournaments as well as international competitions. They knew, however, that their calling in life was more than competing, but instead teaching and empowering others to become their best selves, on and off the mat.
This realization marked their transition from full-time competitors to full-time mentors. The Rasheed brothers ventured to build something bigger than themselves: a space where they could spread the art that had given them so much, build a community grounded in the values of discipline and commitment, and develop athletes who were champions both in jiu jitsu and in life.
The Dojo Academy is Born
The Dojo Academy was established from that vision in 2015. It has grown into more than a training center for jiu-jitsu, but a family of dedicated practitioners.
The Dojo Academy’s motto, “1% Every Day,” reflects the Rasheed brothers’ belief in steady progress, where every class and every technique builds upon the last.
Their model has helped young students grow from timid beginners into national champions. “Seeing a four-year-old who once struggled with confidence stand proudly on a podium as a national champion is a feeling like no other,” remarks Abdelkarim.
A Decade of Building Champions
Now, ten years in, the results of The Dojo Academy’s philosophy are clear: its students have grown from young beginners into elite athletes who wear the Dojo flag with pride on international stages. More importantly, the Rasheed brothers have watched their students grow into role models. They see the discipline learned on the mats translate into academic success and personal integrity.
Abdelkarim speaks with pride about what The Dojo Academy means to him. “Teaching top-notch martial arts is my greatest accomplishment. My brothers and I have dedicated more than a decade of our lives to building a team that continuously strives for improvement through learning, competing, and mastering techniques.”
What’s Next for The Dojo Academy?
The mission is far from over. The Dojo Academy’s influence continues to expand, with a significant number of its athletes representing Jordan on the national team. Abdelkarim now serves as the coach for Jordan’s youth men’s jiu-jitsu team, directly shaping the future of the sport, while Abdullah contributes as a member of the National Jiu-Jitsu Federation as an international referee .
Looking ahead, the academy is expanding its programs to offer extracurricular classes in schools across Amman as part of their mission to expand jiujitsu in Jordan bringing the benefits of jiu-jitsu to even more young athletes. The vision is clear: to continue growing, innovating, and elevating Jordanian athletes to the world stage.
The Rasheed Brothers’ Legacy
Abdelkarim’s answer to how he’d like to be remembered is inspiring! He references the renowned Mendes brothers, but it’s not about fame – it’s about leaving a lasting legacy through dedication, healthy community, and inspiring the next generation of champions at the Dojo Academy.
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Also read: Exploring Oman’s Modern Urban Centers: A Journey of Progress
