Case Study: Alaa Salahh – Rising Star in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Poseidon Performance

Client Overview

Alaa Salahh is a dynamic young athlete from Bahrain in her early 20s, who has rapidly made a name for herself on the international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) scene. In 2023, Alaa demonstrated exceptional talent and hard work, securing an impressive tally of 7 gold medals and 2 silvers across prestigious international competitions. In addition to her achievements on the mats, Alaa also serves as a dedicated kids' coach at Element BJJ Academy, passing on her knowledge and passion for the sport to the next generation.

Despite her early success, Alaa recognised the need to improve her overall physical conditioning, particularly her strength and resilience, to continue competing at the highest level and maintain her edge in a physically demanding sport like BJJ.

The Challenge

Although Alaa had already built a solid foundation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, she was looking to enhance her performance by incorporating a strength and conditioning program tailored specifically for BJJ. She was experiencing challenges common to BJJ athletes, such as muscle fatigue, grip strength issues, and endurance plateaus during long matches. Additionally, as a coach to young children, she needed to ensure she could maintain her energy levels and reduce the risk of injury.

How Poseidon Performance Helped

Alaa sought the guidance of Nicholas Martin-Jones, founder of Poseidon Performance and a former Royal Marines Commando Physical Training Instructor, who has extensive experience in performance coaching for high-level athletes, particularly in combat sports. Nicholas designed a strength training program customized to Alaa’s unique needs, addressing key areas for a BJJ athlete: grip strength, core stability, and functional power.

The program focused on:

- Strength Training for Grappling: To enhance Alaa’s ability to maintain control in grappling exchanges, Nicholas introduced weight training exercises targeting her upper body, including deadlifts, rows, and specific grip-strength drills to fortify her hand and forearm endurance.

- Explosive Power Development: Explosiveness is critical in BJJ for transitions, escapes, and takedowns. Nicholas integrated plyometric exercises and Olympic lifts into Alaa’s routine, improving her power output, particularly when initiating scrambles or defending attacks.

- Core and Stability Training: Recognising that BJJ demands exceptional core strength for balance and leverage, Nicholas implemented a variety of functional core exercises, such as kettlebell swings, planks, and rotational movements, to enhance her ability to control her body during complex manoeuvres.

- Mobility and Injury Prevention: As part of the holistic approach, Nicholas ensured that Alaa’s training included regular mobility work and injury-prevention techniques. Flexibility and joint health are vital for BJJ athletes, and by focusing on mobility drills, Alaa improved her overall movement efficiency while minimising her risk of injury.

The Results

Through Poseidon Performance’s targeted approach, Alaa quickly noticed improvements in her overall performance. She became physically stronger, her stamina improved, and she could now handle longer and more grueling training sessions. Most importantly, she experienced fewer injuries and felt more confident in her abilities on the international stage. The strength she developed also enhanced her ability to maintain control over her opponents and improved her performance in both offensive and defensive positions during matches.

By the end of 2023, Alaa had not only achieved her outstanding competition results but had also set the foundation for continued success as she looks forward to future international competitions. With Poseidon Performance’s training program, Alaa is not only excelling as an athlete but also as a coach at Element BJJ Academy, where she continues to inspire and shape the next generation of BJJ athletes.

Conclusion

Alaa Salahh’s journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a testament to the power of combining skill-specific training with a tailored strength and conditioning program. With the guidance of Nicholas at Poseidon Performance, Alaa has fortified her physical and mental resilience, positioning herself as one of Bahrain’s brightest young talents on the global BJJ scene.