Iqra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) was inspired by members of Iqra Learning Centre, a voluntary community association that provides an opportunity for people to learn about the faith of Islam. Chief committee member, Tahir Attari, and Head of Education, Mufti Usman Qureshi, both had a vision to provide free-of-charge martial arts classes to children with the aim of teaching them discipline and respect for others – two tenants of all martial arts which are also important Islamic values. Expecting a turnout of no more than 8 children, the original plan was to teach the BJJ classes within the learning centre itself. However, 50 plus children turned up for the first class and it quickly became apparent the learning centre was too small. In February 2024, Iqra BJJ moved to a nearby Judo Centre, a few minutes’ walk from Iqra Learning Centre and has called it home ever since. In addition to needing a larger training space, additional coaches were also needed; fortunately, one of the children’s Quran teachers just so happened to be a BJJ blue belt. Also destined to join the fold was an experienced brown belt, with prior teaching experience, who was seemingly summoned through the power of prayer and gifted by divine decree – the story is worth a listen. The original coaching duo grew to a dedicated team of 6.

Although moving to larger and more specialist premises, as well as paying for the necessary insurances, meant incurring overheads, Iqra BJJ still operates as a non-profit organisation. This is made possible by the dedicated team of coaches, all of whom are volunteers donating their time.

The connection between Islam and BJJ/grappling may not appear an obvious one, but grappling was a prominent part of the early Islamic tradition. It was a playful activity that children would participate in but also practiced by adults as a martial art to use on the battlefield. The Prophet Muhammad himself, peace be upon him, possessed remarkable athletic prowess and was a master grappler, defeating the previously undefeated wrestling champion of the time - Rukana ibn Abi Yazid on multiple occasions. The Prophet, peace be upon him, emphasised wrestling as a practice to all and the grappling arts can therefore be considered a sunnah, that is, something which conforms to the way of the Prophet.

The word Iqra has very special significance for Muslims as it is the first word of the revelation (The Holy Quran) which was sent from God to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, via the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). The word means read or recite and it is also an invitation to learn and seek guidance from God. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the pursuit of truth and efficiency of human movement in combat. It can therefore be seen as a sub-set of the Truth, the same truth that was delivered to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, which began with the word Iqra.