In the Burj al-Barajneh refugee camp, young Palestinian girls participate in Brazilian jiu jitsu classes. This martial art is taught by Mirella Atallah, a Lebanese-Canadian coach and former world champion, who works to empower women and marginalized communities.
The gym echoes with yells and movement as Atallah teaches strategies for leveraging against stronger opponents. Her mission extends beyond self-defense. She emphasizes empowerment in public spaces.
Aisha Saqqa, an 18-year-old student, notes personal changes from the class, affecting her mental health and confidence. She has learned to observe her surroundings, maintain eye contact, and use her voice—skills crucial for countering societal norms.
Atallah shares stories of her students’ struggles and triumphs. One participant couldn’t scream for help, reflecting the challenges faced by girls who are conditioned to remain silent.
The participants hail from the Bourj el Barajneh refugee camp, representing families displaced since 1948. They persist against adversity, seeking improvement and self-betterment.
“Jiu jitsu gave me a voice,” Atallah states, recalling her journey from a shy girl to a confident athlete. Raised in a poor family, she worked multiple jobs to educate herself.
Atallah’s transition from Lebanon to Kuwait and then Canada was transformative, leading her to martial arts. Kickboxing and Brazilian jiu jitsu helped her regain health and confidence.
Her classes serve as community hubs. Women like Ola encourage their daughters to train, fostering strength and independence in a difficult environment.
Atallah creates communities within her programs, providing support networks for women. In Lebanon, societal challenges often confine women to homes, affecting mental health and well-being.
Students in the class, including Syrians Rim, Rama, and Chahed, learn to overcome self-doubt and embrace their strength. Atallah collaborates with NGOs to offer free classes for marginalized groups, such as migrant workers and LGBT communities.
Fatima Mohammad, a 21-year-old substitute teacher, shares her newfound confidence and ambition to pursue university education outside the camp.
Atallah encourages girls to envision positive changes for their environment, prompting them to make impactful actions, like ripples in water.
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