KUCHING: Studio 23 BJJ has marked a significant milestone by hosting the biggest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) seminar in Sarawak with 4th degree BJJ black belt Professor Adam Kayoom.
The two-day seminar on May 11 and 12 saw close to 40 attendees and six black belts from across Malaysia and Borneo on the mats—the first of its kind in Sarawak.
In a statement, Studio 23 Kuching said Adam is a 4th degree black belt under one of the most respected BJJ practitioners and educators in the world, coral belt Mestre Ricardo Liborio. He is also Malaysia’s first BJJ black belt.
The seminar was especially significant as Studio 23 BJJ founder Albert Lim—the first person to pioneer a dedicated BJJ gym in Sarawak at a time when the martial art was still finding its roots in Malaysia—received his black belt from Adam.
“We’re very honoured to be hosting such a high calibre teacher and instructor as Professor Adam.
“We are also happy to have black belts from Canada, Sabah and Brunei join us, as well as our studio friends and supporters who came from as far away as KL, Bintulu, Penang and Sabah to be a part of our official reopening.
“We would like to express our most sincere appreciation to all the black belts who flew in with their team—Prof Adam Kayoom, Prof Ivan Evetovics, Prof AJ Pyro, Prof Caly Furber, Prof Eazy Annuar and Prof Albert Lim— and KS representing the Malaysian Jiu Jitsu Federation,” said Norman Chai, one of the seminar’s organising committee members.
Chai said the Covid-19 pandemic dealt a tough blow to many martial arts schools and it has taken them a while to regain their momentum.
“So us moving to our new location is not just about a new beginning, but also symbolises us growing from strength to strength.
“We’re happy to be able to host seminars again, and we’re also looking forward to getting back into competition again as a way to test ourselves and share our love for BJJ,” said Chai.
Studio 23 BJJ which used to be located at Bormill Estate moved to its present location at Queen’s Court at the end of Nov 2023.
Currently, the studio has about 40 regular members ranging in age from 5 to 60-years-old attending regular, women’s only and children’s classes.
