Embracing the Mat: Sa'idah Zeinab Durkee on the Transformative Power of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

What happens when a world-class athlete shares her journey into the intricate domain of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? We find out as we chat with the incredible Sa'idah Zeinab Durkee, also known as the Ginja Ninja. With a brown belt to her name, Sa'idah's deep dive into the sport is more than just about acquiring the belt or winning competitions. It's about the transformative effect Jiu-Jitsu had on her overall health, the resilience she built, and the community she found.  She reveals how training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can transform your mental and physical and shares her personal journey to the sport, how it helped manage her autoimmune disease, and the inclusive, tight-knit community it provides.<br/><br/>"Jiu-Jitsu saved my life. It really is like human chess - you're constantly trying to get to checkmate." - Sa'idah Zeinab Durkee <br/><br/>The beauty of Jiu-Jitsu lies not only in its potential as a self-defense technique for all sizes but also in its capacity to build mental stamina and foster a sense of belonging. It's about the power of repetition in habit formation, the nerve-wracking excitement of competition, and the invaluable lessons learned on the mat. As we navigate the world of this male-dominated sport, Sa'idah offers strategies for success, particularly for women, in carving their niche and rising up the ranks.<br/><br/>The conversation doesn't stop at the physical and mental benefits of Jiu-Jitsu. We delve into how it becomes a touchpoint for human connection and a platform for community building. We hear about Sa'idah's role as a mentor, helping students navigate through these challenging pandemic times with online classes. From fostering confidence to providing a sense of community and acting as a form of self-defense, Sa'idah illustrates how Jiu-Jitsu transcends conventions, welcoming everyone from all ages, races, and occupations. If you've ever wondered about finding a Jiu Jitsu Academy and getting started in the sport, this episode is an absolute must.<br/><br/>=-=<br/>Sa'idah Zeinab Durkee feels privileged to coach people of all ages and backgrounds in Jiu-Jitsu, bringing them together as a community focused on mutual growth, care, and empowerment - connect with her here:  <br/><br/>GinjaNinjaBJJ on Instagram:<br/>https://www.instagram.com/ginj....aninjabjj/?hl=enSupp the showContact Wellness Musketeers:<br/><br/>Email Dave at davidmliss@gmail.com with comments, questions, and suggestions for future guests.<br/><br/>Follow us on our social media: Instagram Facebook YouTube Music featured in this podcast is graciously provided by Corbin Dooley and Bikiniwax records. You can learn about and listen to Corbin and his music here: www.corbindooley.com and www.bikiniwax.com. Corbin Dooley - Choices Instrumental (© ℗ 2020 Bikiniwax Records) Subscribe to our newsletter: Contact our co-host "Aussie" Mike James and sign up for our newsletter: Wellness Musketeers Newsletter Every word ever spoken on Wellness Musketeers is now AI-searchable using Fathom.fm, a search engine for podcasts: https://fathom.fm <br/>