Written by Christian Pierce
How important are the athletes and lessons of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? It is important enough that people at the United Nations want to hear about it.
The United Nations (UN)is seen as the organization regarding countries’ conduct and relationships. The UN holds different events yearly to bring people together to discuss global issues. This week is the UN’s Summit of the Future, which focuses on multilateral solutions for a better future. Before the Summit, there were a few key events. One was a Pre-Conference hosted by the Global Minority People’s Caucus (GMPC) to which ADCC Trials Winner Nia Blackman was invited to speak. Being the youngest woman to ever win the European, African, and Middle East trials at 19, Nia is a role model for many people worldwide.
At the UN’s Palais Wilson in Geneva, Nia spoke on how her pursuit of greatness has inspired others to get into BJJ. At the same time, she talked about the sustainable development needed so that BJJ athletes could be better supported to maximize their performance. Nia’s perspective resonated with an audience that included politicians, kings and queens. She received an astounding applause while demonstrating the same leadership displayed on the mats.
View this post on Instagram
The next day she was off to AJP Rome to compete. The balance between BJJ competitions and other engagements is one that few could juggle, but Nia does so with the same technical that allowed her to win the ADCC trials without having a point scored on her.
View this post on Instagram
The UN and those from the GMPC who attended the pre-conference are better people for having Nia’s presence and champion mindset. She is a trailblazer who has shown even more people how BJJ can help their lives.
