"Developing BJJ in Morocco & North Africa"
An in-depth interview with Hicham Hakam discussing the growth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Morocco and across North Africa, his training journey from the US to Casablanca, and the founding of his team.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport that revolutionized the fighting world. It all began when the Gracie family adapted traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Judo into a ground-fighting system that proved a smaller, weaker person could defend themselves against a larger opponent using leverage, technique, and submissions.
The art gained worldwide recognition in 1993 when Royce Gracie, a relatively small fighter, dominated the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) — defeating opponents twice his size using nothing but Jiu-Jitsu. That single event changed martial arts forever and proved that technique conquers brute strength.
Today, BJJ is one of the fastest-growing martial arts on the planet. It is the backbone of modern MMA, a thriving competitive sport with world championships, and a transformative discipline practiced by millions — from children building confidence to executives seeking mental clarity. Whether you train in the Gi or No-Gi, BJJ develops problem-solving, resilience, and an unshakable calm under pressure.
Warriors Fight Academy is Casablanca's premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy, founded by Rida ELmardi. Built on the principles of discipline, respect, and continuous growth, WFA provides world-class instruction for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned competitors.
Our programs span Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, Striking, MMA, and dedicated Kids classes. We believe that martial arts are more than combat — they're a way of life that builds confidence, resilience, and an unbreakable community.
Hicham Hakam is a pioneering figure in the North African martial arts scene, widely recognized as the first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt based in Morocco. A dedicated student of the gentle art, Hakam earned his black belt under the esteemed David Vieira da Silva, a world-class competitor and instructor.
By establishing deep roots for the sport in Casablanca and beyond, Hakam transitioned from a high-level competitor to a foundational mentor for the Moroccan BJJ community. His leadership helped bridge the gap between international standards and local talent, ultimately paving the way for Morocco to become a regional powerhouse in grappling and mixed martial arts.
Coach Hicham Hakam and Warriors Fight Academy have been featured in international martial arts publications, showcasing Morocco's growing presence in the global BJJ community.
An in-depth interview with Hicham Hakam discussing the growth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Morocco and across North Africa, his training journey from the US to Casablanca, and the founding of his team.
Exploring the journey of Morocco's first BJJ black belt, his mission to develop world-class fighters in the Arab world, and the rapid growth of the Warriors Fight Academy team.
Rida ELmardi is the visionary founder and president of Warriors Fight Academy. With over 14 years of dedicated training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the guidance of Coach Hicham Hakam, Rida has evolved from a passionate student into a seasoned competitor and leader in the Moroccan martial arts community.
A fierce competitor, Rida has represented Morocco on prestigious international stages, competing in events including the ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club), Submission Hunter, the National Championship, and numerous regional and international tournaments. His experience on the competition circuit has given him a deep understanding of what it takes to develop high-level athletes.
Driven by his belief that Morocco deserved a world-class grappling academy, Rida took the initiative alongside Hakam to build WFA from the ground up — creating the first gym in the country fully dedicated to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His vision and leadership continue to shape the academy and inspire a growing community of martial artists.
Join the Warriors Fight Academy family and discover what Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can do for you.