As we all know, sports in their most basic form help to create a bond between people, inspire us to solve problems in ways different to what we’re used to and help to build our self confidence. As a coach I use Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a base to provide the youth of first and second generation “new Dutch” support on their way to becoming successful. Learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not the only goal, but I see it as a means to an end to be succesful.

Aside from a great passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I share two others traits I hold in high regard, namely my intellectual capabilities and ethnic background. Apart from my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu activities, I also work as a management advisor and coach. A job where my daily responsibilities include dealing with complex management problems, which range from coaching highly educated professionals to guiding and supporting change within organizations. Anyhow, the commonality herein is the focus on people and how they experience personal success.

I belong to the group of first generation “new Dutch” that migrated in the 70’s as guest worker from Morocco to The Netherlands. Actively integrating into the society was difficult for most. What’s more, the government was actively stimulating the continued use of the native language and customs of the country of origin, because the stay was expected to only be temporary. In reality things went differently! This led to confusion and incomprehension of their living environment within this group, especially for the youths. Growing up in two different cultures where the norms and values often conflicted made it difficult for them to create their own identity. Those that did succeed had in most cases embraced a single culture, which also carried its consequences. Choosing other people/institutes over your kin is, in collective cultures – as are those of most immigrants in the ‘70’s – certainly ‘not done’! Alternatively choosing to adhere only to your own background/culture would lead to resentment by the Dutch community, which in turn lead to its own share of problems. Ultimately, only a small group seemed to have been able to maximize the benefits stemming from their various cultures, dodging the cultural differences and difficulties, and thus closing the generational gap between the guest workers and the higher educated society.

In my case, after experiencing a difficult youth, I was still able to enjoy my share of success. Things have gone very well for me in the 13 years following my studies, where without having to hand in a single letter of application I was able to profit from many job opportunities. Triggered by the emergent polarization, which has been mainly caused by politicians and the media in the last couple of years, I decided to no longer look on passively how some groups of people – that had already been facing lesser times – get left behind.

I passionately believe that everyone, even in the worse cases, is born with at least one natural talent, namely the ability to overcome setbacks! Receiving a helping hand from time to time can do no harm. That’s why, by using my talents and experience, I strive to help give the less fortunate youth a chance at success.

Besides my qualities on the business side, I have also been extremely passionate about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for some years now … as both student and teacher. This sport has not only helped me to stay positive during more difficult times, but also given me more insight into my authenticity. Due to the complexity of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which does not allow itself to be dominated by frustration, this sport has become a mirror through which I live my life outside the four walls of the dojo. I would love to use these insights in combination with my skills in inspiring and coaching people, to help the youth reach their potentials.

This idea consists of clearly defined steps, which start by structurally identifying the current situation a person is in (this is done by conducting one-on-one conversations and practical assignments which could also include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) and ends with an individually custom fitted guide for the individual.

Does this story appeal to you? Then feel free to contact me so that we may discuss whether I can provide you with some support on your way to success in business or life in general!

Best regards,

Zohair Abouchoaib
Headinstructor Brasa Team Holland