We had the chance to interview one of Elite Sports‘ team members, BJJ fighter Sa’idah Zeinab Durkee.
Sa’idah grew up and was the only American, along with her sister, in the area. She speaks English, Arabic and some French. She had been active in sports since she was young and did gymnastics, horseback riding, taekwondo, swimming, snowboarding and soccer.
She started BJJ training in March 2015 and got her blue belt in August 2016, training under Abmar Barbosa and Isaac July Jr. in Washington, DC. A month and a half after claiming her belt, she competed and won gold in her division at the IBJJF No-Gi Pan Ams. She continues training 6 to 7 days a week to reach her ultimate goal of becoming a World Champion.