Congrats @IBJJF on allowing the #Hijab

They say the Hijab is the identity of Muslim women, and until last week, the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation banned the Islamic headscarf from competitions.

I am glad to say that the IBJJF has finally lifted the ban on the Hijab, which will finally allow muslim the opportunity to compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments at the highest levels throughout the world. Earlier this year several female players from the UAE were not allowed to compete at the European Open in Portugal when they refused to participate without the Hijab.  With the support of the new IBJJF rules, Muslim women will be able to pursue their BJJ goals without compromising their religious traditions.

Ready Fight Gear sponsored athlete Caroline De Lazzer, the  UAE female Jiu Jitsu team head coach has been one of the most outspoken opponents of the Hijab ban, and has been lobbying since 2011 to get the rules changed and give her athletes an opportunity to compete under IBJJF competition.

BJJ really is for everyone, regardless of sex, age, race, or religion, and it is great to see the IBJJF support the sport.  It is amazing to see the amount of interest growing in the arab world for Combat Sports, not just amongst men, but female athletes as well.