A black belt coach in Dubai shares his journey, the rise of UAE Jiu-Jitsu, and his vision for Falcons MMA as a home for champions and complete martial artists.
BJJ isn’t just about competition—it’s a tool for personal growth, confidence, and community.
Interview with Abdelrahman Aliess
1. Hi, can you please introduce yourself to the worldwide BJJ community?
Hello everyone, my name is Abdelrahman Aliess. I am a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, currently based in Dubai, where I train and coach at Falcons Mixed Martial Arts Academy. I’ve been on the mats for over a decade, and BJJ has completely shaped my life, both on and off the tatami. Competing and teaching are my passions, but above all, I’m committed to sharing Jiu-Jitsu as a tool for personal growth, confidence, and community.
2. Please tell us about your academy in Dubai.
Our academy, Falcons MMA Dubai, is more than just a place to train. We’ve built a family environment where kids, adults, beginners, and competitors all feel at home. What makes Falcons different is the balance we strike between high-level competitive training and a welcoming culture for newcomers. We run specialized programs for children, adults, kickboxing, MMA, and of course, Jiu-Jitsu. Many academies focus only on producing competitors, but we aim to build complete martial artists and strong individuals.
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3. How is the Dubai and UAE BJJ scene?
The UAE has become one of the strongest Jiu-Jitsu hubs in the world. Over the last 15 years, the government and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation have invested massively in the sport. Abu Dhabi now hosts the biggest BJJ events globally, like the Abu Dhabi World Pro and the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tour.
The sport is also deeply rooted in schools, which is unique — kids here are introduced to Jiu-Jitsu as part of their education. This makes the UAE one of the fastest-growing and most competitive BJJ environments worldwide. Being part of this scene, and contributing through Falcons MMA, is something I’m very proud of.
4. Tell us about your BJJ story. How did you start training?
I began training Jiu-Jitsu in Dubai, where opportunities were much more limited compared to today. From the first time I stepped on the mats, I was hooked. I earned my blue belt in 2015, and step by step worked my way through purple, brown, and ive earned my black belt in 2022.
For me, Jiu-Jitsu was not just a sport, but a way to challenge myself, travel, and build connections with people worldwide. Every belt came with lessons of discipline, humility, and resilience.
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5. You’ve travelled a lot training and competing in the past years. Where have you been? Tell us about your experience.
Yes, travel has been one of the best parts of my Jiu-Jitsu journey. I’ve competed across the UAE, london USA an japan, in tournaments under the AJP Tour and Grand Slam series &Ibjjf . Each place has given me new perspectives. Competing abroad showed me the global brotherhood of BJJ — how different cultures approach the art, and how, in the end, the mats connect us all. It’s taught me adaptability, perseverance, and respect for every competitor.
6. What is next for you in 2026?
2026 for me was focused on competing as a black belt in the AJP Masters division, while also growing Falcons MMA. I wanted to balance personal goals with the responsibility of building a strong academy. Competitively, I set my sights on the Abu Dhabi World Pro and other major events, while at the academy, I focused on developing the next generation of athletes.
7. Where do you see yourself and your academy in 5 years?
In five years, I see Falcons MMA as one of the top academies in the UAE, producing athletes who can compete at the highest levels internationally. On a personal level, I want to keep competing, but more importantly, to become a mentor and leader for the new generation. My vision is for Falcons to be known not just for medals, but for building character, discipline, and community through martial arts.
8. What has been the toughest challenge in your BJJ career?
The toughest challenge has been balancing life outside the mats with my passion for training and competing. Injuries, work, and responsibilities always test your consistency. But overcoming those obstacles made me appreciate the art even more — because BJJ is about persistence, no matter what life throws at you.
9. What advice would you give to newcomers in Jiu-Jitsu?
Don’t chase the belt color, chase the knowledge. Progress comes slowly, but if you stay consistent, the results will surprise you. Also, don’t compare yourself to others — BJJ is a personal journey, and the only competition that truly matters is with the version of yourself from yesterday.
Stay loyal and show gratitude.
10. Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, what do you enjoy?
Outside the mats, I enjoy spending time with family, wake surfng, traveling, and exploring different cultures. I believe living fully off the mats makes you a better martial artist on the mats.
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