Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: December 11, 2024: Lea Habbouche is on a mission to give women in Lebanon the confidence to be able to defend themselves if they are ever in a tricky situation by using jiu-jitsu.
“I’m fortunate that I was nominated by my National Olympic Committee to come here (Abu Dhabi) for this camp. I’m also extremely grateful to the Olympic Council of Asia for coming up with this idea,” says Lea, a participant at the inaugural OCA jiu-jitsu development programme for coaches and referees.
Lea, a coach, runs a women’s only jiu-jitsu club back home in Dbayeh, Lebanon. She says the next few days will be a huge learning curve for her as she soaks in techniques from an international band of instructors.
“I have been an athlete and represented Lebanon before in this sport, but now I want to help other girls in Lebanon learn this martial art so that they have an edge in a dangerous situation,” Lea explained.
“I’m new to coaching, just over a year, and I know this camp will help me hugely, especially when I go back home. My jiu-jitsu club for women is small. When I started it I only had one girl. Today there are 20 and I hope to grow these numbers. This experience will help me,” Lea added.
As a teenager, she took up jiu-jitsu so that she could learn self-defence. She was one of few practitioners. Today, Lea believes there is more interest in the sport.
“Jiu-jitsu has become more popular, and there is more awareness of the sport. Our country has been through tough times recently, but we are tough,” she added.
Jiu-jitsu helps.