Moroccan athlete Adelin uses sport to make a difference in children's Lives

For Moroccan jiu-jitsu athlete Nacim Adelin, who lives in France, the sport is about more than winning medals. The 22-year-old competed in the men’s amateur blue belt 85kg division on Monday, the opening day of the 18th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

Away from competition, he spends much of his time helping children facing difficult circumstances in France, using the lessons he has learned through jiu-jitsu to make a difference in their lives.

Adelin, who represents MKTEAM, works at a residential facility for children who cannot live at home or are facing difficult family situations. He helps them with their daily routines, including meals, homework and other activities, and makes sure they are ready for school.

“I work with some children. They have a complicated situation,” Adelin said. “I don’t want them to feel the difference. I want them to feel like this is your house here and I’m here for you.”

His days are busy. He trains in jiu-jitsu during the day, continues his studies and spends his evenings and nights looking after the children. He often stays at the facility overnight before returning to training the following morning.

“I really want to give all I can give,” he said, explaining his commitment to the children.

Adelin’s interest in jiu-jitsu began while he was studying at a sports school in France. During a judo class, he watched a fellow student with a blue belt in jiu-jitsu submit their instructor twice. Impressed by what he saw, Adelin decided to try the sport himself.

His friend invited him to train at a local academy, where he quickly developed an interest in the sport and the values it teaches.

“I really liked how the academy was. The energy was different,” he said.

Those values now play an important role in his work with children. Adelin said some of the children he looks after struggle with frustration and anger because of their personal circumstances. He uses jiu-jitsu to help them express their emotions through physical activity rather than fighting.

“I try to pass on the values of jiu-jitsu,” he said. “You are frustrated. Go do some sports.”

He sometimes practises basic jiu-jitsu movements with the children on a small mat at the facility, teaching them how to control their movements and emotions without hurting others.

“Sometimes they want to fight, they want to express their rage,” he said.

He also encourages those who show an interest in the sport to join local academies and tries to help them find opportunities to train.

“I will try to give all children a chance,” he said.

Competing in Abu Dhabi for the first time, Adelin hopes to continue developing as an athlete while making a positive difference in the lives of the children he supports.

For him, the discipline, respect and self-control learned through jiu-jitsu are lessons that can be carried far beyond the competition mats.